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Luca Veda – That’s how he rolls

With beats and perseverance – how DJ Luca Veda overcomes barriers

Music is more than just a passion for Luca Veda. It is his path to self-fulfillment. The 24-year-old lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA type 2) and does not let barriers slow him down. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in everyday life, he stands for perseverance, inclusion, and the power to consistently live out his dreams. In the REHACARE eMag, he talks about motivation, music, and his goal of one day performing on the Tomorrowland main stage.
Luca Veda playing his music live on stage
Name: Luca Veda
Age: 24
City: Cologne, Germany
Occupation: DJ
Disability: I live with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) type 2.
It all started for me at BonnFest 2023! That's where I realized that music is my passion and something worth fighting for.
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Luca Veda

What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far and how did you overcome it?

Luca Veda: I can't pinpoint the biggest challenge. But I believe that every day brings small and large challenges that you have to handle flexibly. There have also been a few hurdles in the entertainment industry, but it's important to always try to see the positive and engage in dialogue. Especially as a person with a disability, you unfortunately have to go the extra mile now and then. And even there, I’ve learned one thing: Never give up!

Which assistive devices are essential in your everyday life, and why?

Luca Veda: Definitely my transfer aid, so that I can be moved safely. But also the people around me who support me are indispensable to me.

Luca Veda smiling at the camera on stage with the crowd in the backround

"Music makes every day special for me – because it allows me to express myself." © Stefan Steinmetz

What do you wish for from society and those around you in how they interact with people with disabilities?

Luca Veda: Normality! I believe it is essential that it becomes normal to recognize that there are people with disabilities – and accordingly, everything should be accessible, from buildings to public transportation. The list is very long, and compared to the past, things have improved a little. Nevertheless, it is a battle that must be fought every day in order to eventually achieve success. But it will be worth it!

My dream is to play on the Tomorrowland main stage one day – and to be able to make a living from my music.
hopes
Luca Veda
Luca Veda gazes dreamily into the air

Music inspires Luca Veda every day – and this line by Avicii has been with him for a long time: "I can’t tell where the journey will end, but I know where to start." © Lily Dolfen

Are there any particular issues relating to people with disabilities that are especially close to your heart?

Luca Veda: I would like to inspire other people to get into music too. I also want to promote inclusion and diversity, as these issues are still largely underrepresented in the festival scene and the music industry.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Luca Veda: I don't have a manager yet, so I do everything myself – from social media to communication and music production. And I love it! In general, I just love investing time and effort in things I love.

What does REHACARE mean to you?

Luca Veda: For me, REHACARE is a great place to learn about new assistive devices and to network and exchange ideas with people in similar situations.

Believe in yourselves and your dreams. Please fight for them and never give up! Life has so many beautiful facets, even if it is difficult at times.
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Luca Veda
Luca Veda smiling while performing on stage
His passion for music also took Luca to the REHACARE stage: During the Community Day, he gave a personal talk about his journey as a DJ, the barriers he faces, and why music is his greatest source of strength.
Click here to read the article about Luca’s talk at Community Day
Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Editor: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Published on: December 10, 2025
Gif animation: REHACARE 2026 from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "More information about the Trade Fair"

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