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.

[...] 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.

Small businesses only have until November 2005 to apply for free training. See the full RNID press release.

As an interesting side note, I contacted the RNID to check if this training would also be free for interested individuals (not necessarily working for an SME, or officially attending on behalf of their organisation). Here's the reply I received:

Yes the training would be open to you as an individual. The RNID has set up what we call Training Access Points in London, Manchester and Mold. This is where we have our Deaf and Disability Awareness Training delivered to up to 16 people from all different organisations.