Ricability (Research Institute for Consumer Affairs) is an independent research charity that carries out research to provide consumer information for disabled and older people. It has over 30 years consumer research experience and extensive specialist in-house skills which cover a wide range of research methods.
Most of our projects are carried out and published by Ricability itself, with funding from other organisations. However we also accept commissions for research from other organisations as long as the research aims to be of ultimate benefit to disabled and older people. Privately commissioned research can be confidential rather than being intended for publication. However we only accept commissions which
- do not compromise our independence
- use appropriate techniques, devised by us in consultation.
Current research programme
Product evaluation / user test projects
Ricability regularly carries out a range of technical product evaluation and information projects involving laboratory work, desk research and consultation with relevant disabled users and organisations. Current research includes
Digital Radios - product evaluation and consumer information
Evaluation of the ease of use of digital radios for visually impaired and older users. The assessment will draw on on user survey research carried out by i2Media. To be published Autumn 2008. Funded by Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB).
Digital TV – product evaluation and consumer information
Evaluation of the ease of use of digital TV equipment to support digital switchover. Uses an inclusive design approach. Published at www.ricability-digitalTV.org.uk. 2005-2009. Project partner is Intertek Product Testing and Certification Ltd. Funded by Department for Business, Enterprise and Regualtory Reform.
Mobility information - for older and disabled motorists and passengers
Ricability's twelve consumer guides on motoring and using public transport are all being updated with new research for publication in early Summer 2008. Funded by the Department for Transport.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles
Collection of measurement and feature data to provide comparative consumer
guidance. Due to complete Summer 2008. Funded by Motability
Operations.
Car measurement information project
Collection of car measurement data on an ongoing basis to provide comparative consumer information on different car models for older and disabled people. The data focuses on ease of getting in and out of the cars and storing equipment in the boot. See Car Measurement Guide for published findings to date. Funded by Motability Operations.
Portable bath lifts
Expert evaluation of products, to be published as consumer guide Summer 2008. Funded by RICA.
Shopping Trolleys
Expert evaluation of products, to be published as consumer guide Summer
2008. Funded by RICA.
Which? powered wheelchair
Interactive web-based consumer guide to help consumers choose a product. Funded by Department of Health.
Survey research / DESK RESEARCH projects
Mystery shopping - assistive products
Research to monitor the implementation of their new Code of Practice by members. Ongoing. Commissioned by British Healthcare Trades Association
Using Direct Payments to purchase independent living equipment
Project to provide consumer guidance and good practice guidance on the use of Direct Payments to fund independent living equipment, based on survey consultation with users and local authorities. Due to complete Summer 2008. Funded by the Department of Health.
Survey research projects carried out over the last 3 years
DRC helpline service evaluation
c50 in-depth telephone interviews per quarter with disabled to help evaluate
and develop the way in which disabled people are involved in organisations,
2007
Client: Disability Rights Commission.
Disability Rights Commission Equalities Duty project
50 in-depth telephone interviews with disabled to help evaluate and develop
the way in which disabled people are involved in organisations, 2007
Client: Disability Rights Commission.
Evaluation of the RAC breakdown service for Motability customers
200 in-depth telephone interviews with Motability assist customers, 2006.
Client: RAC
Evaluation of the DRC Conciliation Service
100 paired in-depth telephone interviews and 50 paired follow up interviews
2003-7.
Client: Disability Rights Commission.
Evaluation of the DRC Caseworker Service
200 in-depth telephone interviews2003.
Client: Disability Rights Commission.
Development of recommendations for the specification of the DDA compliant taxi
20 face to face interviews during taxi journeys with disabled taxi users;
128 face to face interviews with taxi users at Mobility Roadshow; 60 telephone
interviews with disability agencies/organisations; 103 postal survey of
taxi users, 2003.
Client: Department for Transport.
Consultancy project to evaluate and improve the accessibility of information in L.B. Islington
c.100 face to face interviews with local disability agencies, black and
minority ethnic groups, health and local authority staff at all levels.)
2003-4.
Client: London Borough of Islington and Islington Primary
Care Trust.
Project management for European survey of parents regarding children’s use of domestic appliances
887 telephone & face to face interviews), 2004.
Client: ANEC (European association for the co-ordination of
consumer representation in standardisation).
Project management for European survey of older people’s use of domestic appliances
800 telephone & face to face interviews, 2004.
Client: British Standards Institute (BSI).
Last updated Apr 2008
