FiNiFuchs asks questions
In conversation with Sarah Ausfelder-Neubauer from Handi-Move about personal paths into the world of children's aids, living responsibility and the aspiration to create solutions that really take the strain out of everyday life.
"Every child and every family has their own story, and I want to meet them as equals - with an understanding of their challenges and the aim of offering genuine support."
1. who are you?
Please introduce yourself briefly: Who are you - beyond your title and function?
My name is Sarah Ausfelder-Neubauer, I am 40 years old, married, mother of one son and "dog mom". I've been running the Handi-Move branch in Bavaria together with my husband since 2018.
How did you get into the world of children's aids?
My father took over the Bavarian branch of Handi-Move in 2006. That's how I first came into contact with (children's) aids. I had actually chosen a different path for my studies, namely humanities. However, finding a job afterwards wasn't easy, so I ended up in the pharmaceutical industry by chance and came into contact with assistive products again, and in the end I took over the Handi-Move branch from my father together with my husband. Today I am glad that my path has led me in this way.
Was there a moment or a person who had a particular influence on you?
Definitely my father, how he started all over again at the age of 50 and set up his own Bavarian branch for Handi-Move. But I was also influenced by the experience I gained in the pharmaceutical industry - I still benefit a lot from this today, especially in the area of quality assurance.
2. your path & your motivation
Why do you do what you do?
I get to know parents and children who are dependent on "accessibility" in their everyday lives at home, but also at school, on the road or when traveling and experience serious obstacles. Without the appropriate aids, often nothing works. My aim is to make their lives at least a little easier with our lifts. In the end, there is a clear result: making everyday life easier for the children and their parents and carers.
What values guide you in your work?
Empathy, respect and reliability are particularly important to me. Every child and every family has their own story, and I want to treat them as equals - with understanding for their challenges and the aim of offering genuine support.
Were there also moments when you doubted - and why did you stay?
Of course, there are always difficult situations where you doubt the big challenges. But it is precisely these moments that remind me how important our work is. When I see how a person, especially a child, gains more independence or comfort thanks to our lift systems, I know it's worth it. That keeps me motivated and keeps me going.
3. behind the scenes of development
How do you develop a new aid - from the initial idea to the finished product?
A new aid is actually always the result of a specific need that we discover on site with our customers. This is followed by a phase of intensive exchange and brainstorming at our company headquarters in Belgium, always in close coordination with quality assurance. Prototypes are built and tested, often directly with users, to ensure that the product is really practical and safe. If everything fits and a clear added value of the product in the assistive technology landscape is recognizable, it goes into production.
Who is involved in this process?
Our team of sales representatives, technicians, developers and sales experts work closely together at our Belgian headquarters.
What do you attach particular importance to in development and production?
Safety and user-friendliness are our top priorities. Our products must be innovative, robust, easy to use and as comfortable as possible. We also pay attention to the highest quality materials and as little material waste as possible.
What is particularly sensitive or challenging about aids for children?
Children are not small adults. They often don't understand why they can no longer be lifted by mom or dad, but that a "device" such as a hoist should now take over. So we must always bear this mental component in mind.
Briefly asked:
Perfection or humanity?
Humanity!
Technology or suitability for everyday use?
Suitability for everyday use!
Calm or speed?
Speed
4. your team & your philosophy
What makes your team special?
Our German branches each work in small teams that get on almost like a family. Without passion for our work, we wouldn't get very far. Our common goal is to make life easier for people with disabilities.
How do you work together - are you more creative and chaotic or structured and technical?
We are a mixture of both. Creative ideas are important, but we work in a very structured way to ensure the highest quality and customer satisfaction.
What is particularly important to you when dealing with your colleagues?
Respect and openness. Everyone should be able to contribute their opinion and we really listen. That's the only way to come up with good solutions. I am particularly proud that we have so many long-serving employees who remain loyal to Handi-Move until they retire.
5. personal view
Do you have a favorite aid from your product world? Why this one in particular?
I particularly like our ceiling hoist because it offers so much flexibility and freedom. It can easily be used in several rooms and you only have one device to worry about (charging, etc.). The carer or parent can always be physically close to the small or large patient in the lift, making transfers as comfortable as possible.
Do you remember a family or child for whom this aid has made a difference?
Yes, one of our little customers, who is blind and deaf, was finally no longer afraid of being lifted thanks to our ceiling hoist. His mother, who is his main carer, always has a hand on the child when he is being lifted, giving our little customer a feeling of security.
When you think about the families who use your products: What do you wish them?
I wish them lots of strength, patience and moments full of joy. And that they always have people around them who support and understand them.
6. looking ahead & conclusion
How do you see the future of assistive technology for children?
I see a future in which assistive technology becomes smarter and more sustainable.
What urgently needs to change in the provision of assistive technology?
Provision must become faster, less complicated and more family-oriented. Bureaucratic hurdles must not be allowed to make access to important aids more difficult.
If you could give parents something: What is your personal wish or advice?
Trust your intuition and seek support when you need it. You are the best experts for your children.
Thank you very much, dear Sarah,
for your honest insights,
your openness and your
personal story -
and for your clear view of what
what families really need
and how much attitude is behind
behind good provision of aids.
🧡