A DISABLED rights campaigner has welcomed changes to the disability discrimination act which will give disabled people more rights from October.

Companies which employ fewer than 15 staff have been excused from the act but, from October, small employers will need to make sure they don't discriminate against disabled employees or job applicants on the grounds of disability and must make reasonable adjustments to the workplace.

And businesses which offer services to the public will have to make reasonable changes to physical barriers that prevent disabled people accessing their services.

Vicky Chittenden, chairperson of the Maidstone Disabled People's Liaison Committee, said she was pleased with the changes which will give the disabled greater protection.

She said: "Disabled people have been treated like second class citizens - this is all about inclusion.

"There are over 20,000 disabled people in Maidstone so they account for a lot of business. If I do not get good service, I am not going to recommend a company to my friends and family and the same if a place is inaccessible to a disabled person. It's about time the law was changed."

Companies are being offered free help on getting up to speed with the new laws.

The Adult and Community Learning service are providing the courses in association with learn direct.

Curricullum leader Julie Fullman told KM-fm's James Phillis there is no reason for people to not sign up...