SMALL businesses only have until November to apply for free training from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf to help them meet obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

The RNID is offering free awareness training to smaller organisations in response to recent research revealing that over three quarters of small to medium sized businesses are risking court action under the DDA.

Projects manager Irini Korompilia said: "It is not just about installing costly equipment and making physical changes.

"Lack of awareness is at the root of what makes an organisation inaccessible."

The spending power of disabled people in the UK is estimated at £50 billion.

Thanks to a Lottery grant, 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. Otherwise it starts from £400 (half day) or £550 (one-day) although discounts may apply for bulk booking.

For further information contact training services on 0207 296 8060 or training.services@rnid.org.uk.