A CHARITY facing a funding crisis is to press ahead with an open day to help small businesses cope with changes they face when the Disability Discrimination Act becomes law.

The event is being organised by the Wear Valley Disability Access Forum, on April 15, at Bishop Auckland College, from 10am to 3pm.

Anne Cowie, from the forum, said: "From October 2004 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.

"Ignorance of the law is no excuse. There are possible fines of up to £50,000 for those who do not comply.''

A wide range of equipment providers will attend the open day to display ways of making premises more accessible. Forum staff will also offer advice on the Act.

Mrs Cowie said: "Access does not only involve wheelchair-users but those with hearing or sight impairments or hidden disabilities and difficulties."

The moment the forum is offering an assessment service to small businesses on a non-profit-making basis to show people what is needed.

Mrs Cowie said last week that the service may be subjected to cuts as the forum faces a shortfall in income.

Funding for the forum, which is based in Crook, runs out in March.

So far it has only managed to obtain grants to cover half of its work for the next three years.

Mrs Cowie said she was making applications for funding from other sources, and was hoping someone might be able to come forward with support to allow the group to get through the next year.

She said: "All we could need to get us through this next year would be £14,000."

Anyone who would like to help can contact the forum on (01388) 763994.