South Somerset Disability Forum is inviting the local business community to a breakfast meeting.

In conjunction with Yeovil College, the district council and Yeovil Town Centre Partnership, SSDF intends to explain and discuss the implications of changes to the Disability Discrimination Act.

The act is changing in 2004, and it is felt that the sooner everyone knows about it, the better. It is also felt that an informal meeting would help local retailers and other service providers to understand the implications.

One such implication is the fact that local retailers and businesses must provide "reasonable access" to its premises, and SSDF is eager to assist in helping them to comply with the new requirements.

A spokesperson said: "Improvements in access will not only benefit disabled potential customers, but many others such as parents with buggies - and the elderly who have difficulty in negotiating steps.

"SSDF can offer the opportunity to discover exactly what the act means and how it will affect businesses, and what sort of assistance will be available."

The breakfast meeting takes place at Chicago Rock, Yeovil, on Wednesday, April 17th at 7.30am. A full English breakfast will be served before speakers, including Laura Jerram from the Disability Rights Commission, address the crowd.

Those wishing to book a place should call SSDF on 01935 433055 or town centre manager Nina Higgins on 01935 412232.