RiDC has been working with the panel on our ‘Re-imagining Retail’ project, which explores the barriers and solutions to accessing online and physical shops for disabled consumers.
As part of the project, RiDC formed a ‘steering group’ of five panel members with different disabilities to give feedback throughout the project. This ensures that the project reflects a range of disabled consumers' experiences. Here is a blog from one of the steering group members about his experience so far.
Tom’s blog: Being part of the ‘Re-imagining retail’ steering group
My name is Tom and I am 73 years old. I first came into contact with RiDC several years ago during a Design degree course while I was researching a disability-themed new product project.
I suffer from a hearing disability and wear two hearing aids, so I feel qualified to participate meaningfully and usefully as a member of the ‘Re-imagining Retail’ Steering Group. I view it as an opportunity to help influence the development of the shopping experience, and help to improve the experiences of the process for the benefit of disabled individuals.
This is a result of my own personal experience over many years. For a long time, I have had very little help, assistance, and advice during my retail involvements, with nothing to facilitate my experience. This is why I feel that I ought to try and do my bit to help RiDC with their work for the benefit of others like me.
As a Steering Group member, I see this as an opportunity where I can offer an insight into things as a disabled consumer, generally, as well as specifically to my own disability. I view that as my role within the group.
I found participation informative, e.g., hearing other disability viewpoints. Discussions are interesting and often thought-provoking. Prior to the steering group, I had never used Zoom communication, and I was a bit concerned about using it, but I found it quite straightforward and simple. RIDC staff were helpful with this.
The project is important to me because I have found, over many years of personal experience, that the majority of establishments do very little, e.g., mostly only having non-functioning hearing loop systems. I have found staff to be uninterested, at worst, or lacking in the knowledge or training to help me, when they want to help me overcome problems. Because of this background experience, I assume this is the norm, rather than the exception, for other disabled consumers, certainly where hearing is a consideration. So, if there is anything I can do to help address these situations, I am always happy to offer my experiences, opinions, and suggestions to make life easier for other individuals.
I would encourage all who read this to consider playing an active part, in partnership with RiDC, to do what you can to help. No qualifications are needed. You just need to be prepared to share your experiences and opinions. I have had much contact with many RiDC staff and researchers and always found them to be thoughtful, considerate, and more than willing, and able, to help me put my views on record.
