A Government campaign launched this week aims to help businesses in Bradford better understand their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Adjusting for Better Business wants more disabled people to access high street services and employment opportunities of their choice.

Anne McGuire MP, minister for disabled people, highlighted the work done by the city's Dubrovnik Hotel which had made changes which have boosted business.

She said: "Many businesses in Bradford have already woken up to the economic and ethical arguments in making themselves accessible to disabled staff, customers, their families and friends. More businesses need to wise up to this.

"We want to ensure that businesses in Bradford take 'reasonable steps' to ensure disabled people can access their goods and services." In October 2004, the DDA 1995 was extended to small employers and occupations including police officers, firefighters and prison officers, bringing in an additional one million employers and 600,000 disabled people. Revisions made to the act in December last year now also give legal protection to people with Multiple Sclerosis, HIV Aids and cancer.

Previously people with these conditions had no legal recourse against any discrimination they may face. Mrs McGuire said it was not always necessary for businesses to make wholesale renovations to cater to disabled people.

"With some buildings you cannot make physical alterations, but the campaign is not just about that," she added.

"If you are deaf, you do not have problems with physical access, but want to be able to understand people when you use a service."

Mrs McGuire, MP for Stirling, singled-out Bradford's Dubrovnik Hotel for special praise.

"The Dubrovnik has made some really good adjustments which benefit disabled guests, visitors and employees, but also the business itself."

Ned Basic, proprietor of the Dubrovnik, said the hotel regularly attracted disabled groups keen to use facilities including specially-adapted bedrooms, toilets and conference facilities.

Visit: www.dwp.gov.uk/dda for more details on the DDA.