TRADERS who are facing changes to their businesses when the Disability Discrimination Act becomes law are invited to an exhibition.

The Wear Valley Disability Access Forum, based in Crook, County Durham, is holding the event at Bishop Auckland College on Thursday, from 10am to 3pm.

Businesses throughout the region are encouraged to attend to find out what is expected from them to make their services accessible to disabled people.

Anne Cowie, a member of the forum, said she had been contacted by a number of businesses that were worried about the new law and felt the exhibition would reassure them.

She said: "People are starting to panic about how much money these changes are going to cost, and we are here to advise them that reasonable changes can make a big difference without costing a fortune."

The exhibition will feature companies who can provide equipment or advice on how to make businesses more accessible.

Mrs Cowie said: "From October this year, anyone who provides a service will have to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises or to the way they provide their services to ensure they are not unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use.

"Access does not only involve wheelchair users, but those with hearing or sight impairments or hidden disabilities and difficulties.''