Ricability is a national independent consumer research charity. It publishes free, practical unbiased reports for older/disabled consumers based on thorough professional research. Ricability carries out a range of research: mystery shopping, user assessments/tests (eg packaging, mobile phones), laboratory tests, survey research and service evaluations by older and disabled people.
Product assessments
Ricability has carried out independent assessments with Occupational Therapists and experts to provide product reports on: Wheeled walking frames, riser recliner chairs, medicine boxes & dispensers.
Driving and car adaptations
There are free driving reports available in print and online: Choosing a car, Car Controls, Getting a wheelchair into a car, Getting in and out of a car, There are specific guides: Motoring after amputation, Motoring after brain injury, Motoring after a stroke, Motoring with arthritis, Motoring with cerebral palsy, Motoring with multiple sclerosis , Motoring with restricted growth.
Car measurement database
The Ricability online ‘Find a Car’ database has key measurements on car models. Search to obtain a short list of 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 650 cars (March 2011) featured and new models are added all the time. There is a detailed factsheet of each car model with the measurements and this can be downloaded or printed.
Digital TV products
Ricability is carrying out an ongoing programme of independent testing of digital TV products: indoor aerials, set-top boxes, digital TVs and digital TV recorders. The results are available free online at www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk or on audio-cassette/cd but are not available in print.
Powered wheelchairs & scooters
Ricability has an online database of over 100 powered wheelchairs and scooters. Search on key features – measurements, accessories and the persons needs. It has price information and gives advice on insurance, maintenance and where to go for independent advice.
Product reviews
Ricability has a web site people can write reviews and read reviews about products and services www.product-reviews.org.uk
Contact details
Ricability, Unit G03, The Wenlock Business Centre, 50-52 Wharf Road, London, N1 7EU
Tel: 020 7427 2460 Textphone: 020 7427 2468
Email: mail@ricability.org.uk www.ricability.org.uk
