The survey showed 86% of the 56 businesses questioned in September had not made changes to allow deaf people access to their services or products.

New laws introduced in October mean businesses that do not cater for disabled people face being fined.

The poll was for the Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID).

The research also found 63% of businesses were aware of the implications of the act, yet few had taken out practical steps to help deaf and hard of hearing customers use their services.

'Lack of action'

RNID chief executive Dr John Low said: "This research shows there is much that remains to be done to encourage small businesses to make the simple, cost-effective changes necessary to embrace the needs of disabled customers."

"This lack of action is unacceptable," he said.

Stephen Alambritis, from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "Whilst there is high awareness amongst FSB membership, many more small businesses need to come up to speed on how to comply with the DDA."

RNID said it provides free training on deaf and disability awareness and has free fact sheets available for businesses.

The charity, which represents nine million deaf and hard of hearing people, will also give out business cards to members to hand out to any businesses which need some help.