Research Institute for Disabled Consumers - Consumer research with disabled and older people

The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) is a UK charity providing independent research and unbiased information on products and services to enable disabled and older and people to stay independent. The research is person-centred, involving direct input from people and includes: product testing (including packaging tests), focus groups, usability testing of products, service evaluation, mystery shopping and surveys, interviews and technical tests. The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers has a unique UK-wide consumer research panel with over 900 disabled and older people. More people are very welcome to join our consumer research panel: http://bit.ly/RiDCforumjoinhere

RiDC used to produce print guides available free of charge. Now all RiDC information is only available online. RiDC provides information that is high quality and practical and based on independent research. There is useful information on: bathing, central heating controls, cookers for blind and partially sighted people, driving/car adaptations, advice for older drivers and advice for disabled drivers and passengers: choosing a car, car controls, getting a wheelchair into a car, getting in and out of a car, wheelchair accessible vehicles, family cars for disabled children, motoring after amputation, after brain injury or after a stroke plus motoring with arthritis, cerebral palsy, MS or if you have restricted growth. RiDC also has information about inclusive design, motoring technology, home appliances, powered wheelchairs, choosing and using a wheelchair or mobility scooter and public transport.

RiDC has a unique online car search which includes measurements for access, helpful to anyone who is looking for a car to meet particular needs. In the online car search, you can use key measurements to shortlist cars that have, for example, the right height car seat, door opening to get in or out and/or a large boot. There are over 1000 detailed factsheets of car models available on the RiDC car search.

RiDC works with manufacturers, service providers, regulators and policy makers to improve products and services with the aim is to increase their awareness of the needs of disabled and older consumers.