The RNID is offering small businesses free training to help them meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

The charity for deaf and hard of hearing people said the move comes in response to recent research revealing that over three quarters of small to medium sized businesses are risking court action under the DDA.

Irini Korompilia, Projects Manager at RNID, said: "Making an organisation accessible is not just about installing costly equipment and making physical changes. Lack of awareness is at the root of what makes an organisation inaccessible and there are very easy and simple solutions organisations can implement.

"This could be cost saving if it prevents litigation and it could also be revenue generating as it opens the business to a broader base of customers. The spending power of disabled people in the UK estimated at £50 billion."

Thanks to a grant received from the Big Lottery Fund, RNID is offering the training for free to SMEs and not-for-profit organisations with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than £11.2 million. The deadline for applications is November.

For further information, please contact training services on 0207 296 8060 or [email protected], Textphone: 0207 296 8050.