Rica releases Powered Wheelchair User Survey report 2014
Rica, the national consumer research organisation focusing on the needs of disabled consumers, has released the Powered wheelchair user survey report 2014. Nearly 400 disabled people gave their views on getting information and assessments, finding funding and supply and repair services. Results include where assessors have given consideration to wheelchair users' active lifestyles.
Between April and July 2014 Rica (Research Institute for Consumer Affairs) carried out a survey of 341 powered wheelchair users to identify views and experiences of choosing, funding and maintaining a powered wheelchair. Additionally, 23 people who had been unable to secure funding for a powered wheelchair completed part of the survey.
The survey was funded by Motability, The Clothworkers’ Foundation and Scope and is part of a wider research and information project to provide the information that powered wheelchair users need to make informed decisions.
The project is being led by Rica with the support of Scope, Spinal Injuries Association, Disability Rights UK, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and Whizz-Kidz. The survey was made available to respondents online and in paper format. It was extensively promoted by Rica and their partner charities online, through social media and published print and online newsletters.
Findings show that wheelchair users experience considerable difficulty at all stages of acquiring a powered wheelchair from getting information about available and suitable equipment to funding, supply and maintenance.
From the results, Rica identify the shortcomings of current provision of powered wheelchairs and make the following recommendations for improvements in the models of provision:
- Putting the wheelchair user at the heart of the wheelchair service and providing a transparent national standard service specification, which gives clear responsibilities and powers to funding bodies.
- Removing barriers between public budgets and ensuring that different funders' work together to meet users’ needs.
- Providing clear information about funding sources.
- A common standard for assessments covering users’ capabilities, environments and lifestyles and a commitment to provide these speedily on referral.
- Devolving purchasing power to wheelchair users, allowing them to make supported buying decisions for themselves.
- Community enterprises supported by national information and procurement networks to provide mobility services to a common specification in a way appropriate to local and community needs.
Rica is a national consumer research organisation focusing on the needs of disabled consumers. With grant funding they research and publish free consumer reports. They are all based on rigorous research and provide practical information needed by disabled and older consumers. Rica also carry out commissioned research work with manufacturers, service providers, regulators and policy makers to improve products and services.
