FiNiFuchs asks
In conversation with Andrea Staus from RehaNorm about responsibility, attitude and the future of assistive technology for children.
"I never had any doubts.
The RehaNorm and
my team is and
remains my greatest pleasure."
1. who are you?
Please introduce yourself briefly: Who are you - beyond your title and function?
My name is Andrea Staus. I have a grown-up daughter, unfortunately no grandchildren yet 😊, and will soon be 57 years old.
How did you get into the world of children's aids?
I got into the world of children's aids because I had the great chance, pleasure and opportunity to buy RehaNorm GmbH & Co KG, based in Bingen, in 2019.
Was there a moment or a person that had a particular impact on you?
I used to work as a business management consultant, and many people and moments shaped me in this job. Above all, I learned what I wouldn't do in my own company - from personnel management to dealing with our customers.
What often surprises people when they get to know you better?
Most people underestimate me 😊 because I first look at things and situations calmly and only then make a judgment or take action.
2. your path & your motivation
Why do you do what you do?
I love my company and my team. I can contribute my business knowledge, my ideas and visions and have a super creative team that implements these (sometimes crazy ideas 😊).
What specifically motivates you to develop products for children with disabilities on a day-to-day basis?
My motivation lies in seeing how we can help children with our aids at every trade fair and every customer contact. To see how parents often stand there with tears in their eyes and are happy that their child can finally rest in the Gravity Chair after a painful night plagued by cramps. These moments make me happy!
What values guide you in your work?
Clarity, respect and trust guide me in my work. That's how I started with my team in 2019 - and we all live by these values now.
Were there also moments when you doubted - and why did you stay?
I never doubted. RehaNorm and my team are and remain my greatest joy.
3. behind the scenes of development
How do you develop a new aid - from the initial idea to the finished product?
As we do a lot of custom construction, the steps are relatively clearly defined. After my sales representative has taken the medical history together with the colleague from the medical supply store, we get started: an impression is taken, scanned, milled, tried on, modified if necessary and then finished. We try to implement all steps as quickly as possible so that the sitting or reclining shell - or whatever aid - reaches the customer as quickly as possible. We are aware of the dependency on our products.
Who is involved in this process?
Essentially our sales force, but of course also the workshop, because that's where production takes place.
What do you attach particular importance to in development and production?
We attach great importance to the safety and ease of use of our products. However, you have to know that a seat shell in particular can only ever be the best possible compromise.
What materials or technologies do you use - and why these in particular?
We use different types of foam and work with scanning technology. This makes the fit of a shell even more precise and comfortable.
Is there anything that would surprise parents if they could see how your products are made?
I think parents would be surprised to see how much attention to detail my colleagues in the workshop pay. Each bowl is treated like its own little "baby".
What is particularly sensitive or challenging about aids for children?
We like to make colorful aids because we believe that aids don't just have to be functional and suitable. They should also be beautiful and not immediately recognizable as an aid at first glance.
Briefly asked:
Perfection or humanity?
Humanity!
Technology or suitability for everyday use?
Suitability for everyday use!
Safety or courage?
Courage!
Gut feeling or plan?
Gut feeling!
Calm or speed?
Silence!
Tinkering or listening?
Listen!
What is important to know about your profession?
Every job should be fun and fulfilling. In our industry, empathy and creativity are required.
4. your team & your philosophy
What makes your team special?
My team is characterized by its creativity and the many years of passionate work in our company. Many of them have been with us for over 20, in some cases even over 40 years. They now have more of an inventory number than a personnel number.
How do you work together - is it more creative and chaotic or structured and technical?
We definitely work together creatively and chaotically 😊. Only our QM officer does everything she can to bring structure to the company - and luckily she succeeds!
What is particularly important to you when dealing with your colleagues?
Respectful interaction is very important to me. We don't tolerate lies or excuses at all. It's better to tell the truth and accept a thunderstorm than to try to talk your way out of it. We also cultivate this attitude when dealing with our customers.
What do you sometimes laugh about in everyday life?
We laugh all the time! Around 70% of our employees did not grow up speaking German. So you can imagine how terms are sometimes "paraphrased" and what comes out of it 😊😊😊😊. One of our colleagues has nothing but nonsense in his head. When we were renovating our toilet, he put a hat on a broom, cut a head out of foam, painted it and placed it in the entrance to the toilet. Every person who went in almost had a heart attack 😊😊😊😊. I myself was terrified every day - even after a week!
5. personal view
Do you have a favorite tool from your product world? Why this one in particular?
Oh yes - my favorite tool is the Gravity Chair. Our sewing department can really let off steam with the Gravity Chair. Sometimes a Gravity is "dressed up" as a cow, princess or frog. The Gravity Chair is also an aid that really helps children to relax and sit somewhere other than in a wheelchair or therapy chair. The Gravity Chair is simply great!
Do you remember a family or a child for whom this aid has made a difference?
I remember little Luki, for example, who won a Gravity Chair in your Christmas competition. His parents visited us in Bingen shortly before Christmas and picked him up. Luki was beaming as soon as he sat in the Gravity and was incredibly happy.
Is there an aid that you would like to develop because it is missing or could be even better?
I think there is already a great deal on the market for aids. I see this again and again - I'm totally impressed - at Rehacare in Düsseldorf. In fact, I can't think of anything that needs to be added. Instead, I think that we can make our existing aids even better and more attractive. But it's not all that easy 😊.
When you think about the families who use your products: What do you wish them?
Of course, I wish the families who use our aids lots of fun and real support in their everyday lives. I am always happy to receive suggestions for improvement and ideas.
6. looking ahead & conclusion
How do you see the future of children's aids?
Aids will always be needed - I am convinced of that. Many things will certainly be supported by AI in the future, but assistive devices will not be created digitally alone. People will still be needed to develop and build them and adapt them individually to the respective clinical picture.
Which developments or trends do you think are useful - and which are more critical?
I am critical of relying too heavily on AI. Aids need human knowledge, experience and empathy. Technology can provide support, but it cannot replace people.
What urgently needs to change in the provision of assistive technology?
Parents should not have to wait six months or longer for their health insurance to cover the costs. Access to necessary aids should be much easier and quicker.
If you could give parents something: What is your personal wish or advice?
I am lucky enough to have a healthy child myself and feel it is presumptuous to give advice to parents of children with disabilities.
Thank you, dear Andrea,
for your openness and
the honest insights into your work
and the values
that RehaNorm stands for.
🧡