Research Institute for Disabled Consumers

Research Institute for Disabled Consumers RiDC is a research charity working with businesses and organisations to make products and services inclusive.

We are a user-led organisation run by – and for – people with a personal experience of disability. We believe that products and services should be inclusive and accessible for all, from the word go, not as an afterthought. We want a society that works for everyone, regardless of their abilities or age.

15/05/2026

Interested in learning more about barriers and solutions to accessing sustainable transport for disabled people? Click the link in our bio to read our eco-ableism in transport project.

If you’d like to take part in future research you can sign up to the RiDC panel by clicking the link in our bio.

Video description: Katie standing outside of a train station speaking to the camera and sits down on some steps. She then presses a button to open the automatic door and walks into the station. Katie walks through the station in front of a closed assistance and information booth. Katie then walks outside under a bridge in front of a step free access sign. Next Katie stands outside the step free entrance of the station next to an e-scooter. The video finishes with Katie speaking to the camera while walking.

(Hashtags)

10/04/2026

In 2025, we carried out research on how eco-ableism emerges in the U.K. and potential solutions across five modes of transport. Here are some of the key findings about rail.

To read more about our eco-ableism in transport project, click the link in our bio.

And if you are interested in taking part in further research, click the link in our bio to sign up to the RiDC panel.

Video description: the video begins with Katie standing outside of a train station with ticket barriers inside. There is also a reflection of a bus station. Next Katie is standing next to a sign with an arrow and wheelchair symbol that reads ‘accessible route via the main entrance’. Katie then walks down some steps passed a sign with an arrow and wheelchair symbol that reads ‘step free access’. Katie then stands in the train station next to a ticket machine and the camera pans to the screen of the machine. Next Katie is walking speaking to the camera. The video ends with Katie standing outside a train station next to an e-scooter. The on screen text reads ‘station sign’. Katie is wearing brown trousers, a white top with green writing and a button up shirt with leaves on. She also has a black bag across her body and is carrying a beige tote bag with fruit on.

(Hashtags)

31/03/2026

Who are we and what is the RiDC panel?

Video description:
The video begins with a picture of a wheelchair user removing their wheels to load into a vehicle. The text ‘who are RiDC’ slides onto the video. The video cuts to Katie speaking to the camera. Then an image of two people sitting in chairs side by side. The man on the left has a tablet on his lap and is signing to a woman on his right. The on screen text reads ‘what is the RiDC panel’. Katie continues to speak to the camera. Then the video goes to a picture of a man crossing the street with his guide dog along with the on screen text ‘who can join the RiDC panel?’. Katie continues to explain to the camera until the video cuts to an image of a woman on a pavement using a wheelchair. The text reads ‘will you be rewarded for your time?’. The video ends with Katie speaking to the camera, wearing a beige jumper and brown glasses with a white background with brown shelves.

(Hashtags)

26/02/2026

To read more about our ‘eco-ableism in transport’ project click the link in our bio.

You can also find a link to sign up to our panel if you are interested in getting involved in future research to improve accessibility and inclusion.

Video description: Katie sitting on a bench in a bus stop. The bus shelter is a black metal frame with glass windows and has a paper timetable on the back panel. Later in the video Katie is standing on a woodland footpath.

(Hashtags)

18/02/2026

Our new Eco-ableism in Transport research has been published and we to share our findings and resources with you.

If you want to learn more about eco-ableism in sustainable transport click the link in our bio to read our research.

And watch our for our new slideshow series that will explain the results in bite size pieces, starting later this week.

Video description: Bex talking into camera.

(Hashtags)

15/12/2025

For some disabled shoppers, improving the accessibility of stores could be the difference between them finishing their shop or abandoning it, or even deciding whether they can go in the first place. To find out more about how shopping could be more inclusive, click the link in our bio to read our accessibility guidelines. You can also find a link to sign up to our panel of disabled consumers if you want opportunities to take part in future research projects.

Video description: At the top of the screen, it reads 'The impact of accessible shopping'. There is stock footage of someone shopping in a supermarket holding a red basket with celery in. They put more produce in the basket. Then it cuts to someone going through a clothes rack of jumpers. There are some navy jumpers with white poka dots, a brown knitted jumper and an orange knitted jumper.

(hashtags)

10/11/2025

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

03/11/2025

Want to find out how shops could be more accessible for disabled people? We partnered with disabled shoppers and retailers to make accessibility guidelines. Click the link in our bio to read them!

Video description: Maleeka walks into a supermarket using a red and white cane. Maleeka videos her point of view as she walks through the store, whilst narrating her experience. Maleeka leaves the supermarket and shows another retail store, a big glass building opposite the car park. The video ends with Maleeka’s point of view from the passenger seat as the car drives off.

(hashtags)

20/10/2025

Unlocking Retail for Everyone? New research reveals what needs to change

Retail is a necessary part of life but for millions of disabled people in the UK, it’s still out of reach.

The Re-Imagining Retail report from the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) reveals that 64% of disabled people need someone else to shop for them, and 54% regularly abandon shops, online and in-store, due to inaccessibility.
From narrow aisles and poor signage to inaccessible websites and overwhelming sensory environments, the barriers are everywhere. And they’re not just frustrating — they’re harmful. The report shows how inaccessible retail affects mental health, independence, and social inclusion.

UK businesses are losing £2 billion every month by failing to meet disabled consumers’ needs.

But there’s hope. The report includes co-designed solutions and Retail Accessibility Guidelines to help retailers create inclusive experiences — and unlock loyalty from a customer base eager to return.

“Accessible shopping would make a huge difference to how disabled people feel about their place in society.” — RiDC panel member

📢 Retailers, policymakers, designers — this is your call to action.

To read our reports, click the link in our bio titled 'Re-Imagining Retail Reports'

Video description: Katie holding a mini microphone. The video cuts to clips of Carol, who is trying to use a wheelchair trolley that is too close to her chest and another that is broken and won't clip onto her wheelchair. Carol is narrating whilst sitting in a chair in her lounge.

(hashtags)

15/10/2025

Barriers to accessing retail for disabled people begin before leaving the house. 58% of disabled people said that inaccessible transport options are a barrier to shopping in stores. All of these barriers add up for disabled people, making shopping a draining experience.

If you are a disabled person who wants the opportunity to be part of research to improve accessibility and inclusivity, then click the link in our bio to sign up for our panel.

Interested in learning more about our findings from our 'Re-imagining Retail' project? Then click the link in our bio to read our reports and accessibility guidelines.

Video description: Katie speaking into a mini microphone wearing a pink jumper and glasses with a chain. The video cuts to Matthew's point of view of the road on the second floor of a double-decker bus.

(hashtags)

Address

Impact Hub Euston, 1 Triton Square
London
NW13DX

Telephone

+442074272460

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Research Institute for Disabled Consumers posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Research Institute for Disabled Consumers:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category