Chiara Schlatter unterwegs im SPZ
Chiara Schlatter unterwegs im SPZ

Day by day – Chiara

Chiara Schlatter from Thun (Canton of Bern) tells her moving story in the new “Day by day” film. In 2016, the 27-year-old fell onto some stone steps. She has been paraplegic ever since.

What you don’t know about me yet…

In the short interview, you will gain insights into Chiara’s greatest challenge after the accident and find out her hopes for the future, among other things.

  • Paralysis level: T10
  • Wheelchair user since: April 2016
  • Occupation: teacher
  • What was the biggest limitation or challenge shortly after the accident?
    Managing the catheterisation, but also the new physical awareness (e.g. balance).
  • What is the biggest limitation or challenge today? 
    Time management. Everything takes longer. For example, getting in and out of the car. Or researching whether a restaurant or bar is wheelchair-accessible and has an accessible toilet.
  • What advice would you give to your younger self?
    Be patient with yourself.
  • What has the wheelchair given you?
    The ability to take part in special projects (e.g. Mode Suisse). And also to act as an ambassador. I realised that you are much stronger than you think. The wheelchair gave me the opportunity to test my limits and see what I am capable of.
  • What are your hopes for the future?
    To continue to enjoy stability and freedom. However, this also includes being mobile and healthy. I would also like to have my own family.
  • What do able-bodied people completely underestimate about your everyday life?
    Time management in general. I can no longer do anything “quick, quick”. But also the fact that we have to use catheters and you get a lot of infections if accessible toilets are not clean.
  • What assumption about wheelchair users is completely wrong?
    That we’re sick.
  • What is the funniest situation you’ve experienced since being in a wheelchair?
    When I drive into a disabled parking space and people don’t expect me to belong in that parking space. They then watch me very closely.
  • Have there been any situations in which you have shamelessly taken advantage of your wheelchair?
    At concerts, when I fight to get right to the front so that I am actually able to see something.
  • If your wheelchair could talk, what would it say about you?
    Pump up my tyres.
  • When do you feel most free?
    In the car.
  • What three things would you take to a desert island (except for your wheelchair)?
    As long as there’s food and water, my painting studio, laptop with internet and a bottle of wine.

“Day by day” film

The “Day by day” film shows the audience three impressive life stories from people with a spinal cord injury. It highlights how varied and unique the Swiss Paraplegic Group’s network of services is. In addition to Chiara Schlatter, Dominique Hirschi and Peter Hofstetter also provide personal insights into their day-to-day lives.

Thanks to its modular structure, the film can be used flexibly: in addition to a longer version featuring all the protagonists, there are three shorter portraits available, each focusing on one person.

Click here for the long film

Look behind the scenes

  • Chiara Schlatter mit ihren Geschwistern in Thun
  • Physiotherapie im SPZ
  • Aufnahmen in der Urologie
  • Aufnahmen mit Chiara Schlatter im SPZ
  • Aufnahmen in der ParaWork

Filming with Chiara and her siblings in Thun

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250 000 Swiss francs in case of emergency

Your 6 advantages

  • You receive 250 000 Swiss francs if you sustain a spinal cord injury in an accident and end up in a wheelchair permanently.
  • The payment process is quick and without red tape.
  • The payment is granted independently of insurance benefits and the place of the accident or treatment.
  • Benefactors' Association membership is possible both for people who reside in Switzerland and those who live abroad.
  • 2 million members have already put their trust in the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation.
  • You show your solidarity towards people with a spinal cord injury – given that it can happen to anybody.

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