Deadline for free training

Small businesses only have until November 2005 to apply for free training, which could help them meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).



RNID, the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, is offering free deaf and disability 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*.

Deaf and disability awareness training gives businesses an understanding of disability issues to ensure they do not inadvertently prejudice customers or disadvantage employees, potentially putting employers at risk of litigation.

Irini Korompilia, Projects Manager at RNID, says: ìMaking 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 billion1. ì

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. Otherwise it starts from 400 (half day) or 550 (one-day) although discounts may apply for bulk booking.

For further information, please contact training services on 0207 296 8060 or training.services@rnid.org.uk, Textphone: 0207 296 8050