TWO IT specialists have joined forces to help entrepreneurs with disabilities launch their own websites.

According to Stoke-on-Trent-based firms Internet Business Solutions and T&T Consultancy, web pages adapted for blind and partially-sighted people are usually unattractive and inconvenient for fully-sighted visitors.

Trentham firm T&T already develops and sells software packages which reproduce on-screen information as Braille and speech, making it easier for blind and partially-sighted people to manage e-commerce sites.

Now it has formed a partnership with Internet Business Solutions – also from Trentham – to offer a consultancy service to companies which want a site that is completely accessible to people with disabilities, as well as being attractive and easy to use.

Internet Business Solutions managing director Neil Erlam said: "To comply with disability discrimination legislation, websites have to be written in such a way that screen reading software can understand them.

"This often makes sites look unattractive and difficult to navigate.

"By working with Terry Clasper at T&T we have created something which is visually appealing and fully accessible to the end user, regardless of whether they are disabled or not."

The alliance comes after Internet Business Solutions was asked to develop a totally accessible e-commerce site for T&T.

Now the directors want to market their newly-developed skills to firms unwilling to sacrifice design for accessibility, and to disabled entrepreneurs who want to run their own sites.

Susan Fingleton, business development manager at Internet Business Solutions, said: "The previous website was accessible, but there was no design – that's what makes this one so different.

"The feedback Terry's been getting has been brilliant, even from his competitors.

"Our skills in developing such accessible websites could be marketed to other visually-impaired entrepreneurs, allowing them to run their own online businesses. It's definitely something that we're looking to promote."

Mr Clasper set up T&T Consultancy from his home in Fenton in 1999.

It now employs 13 people, and last year it moved into purpose-built premises at Trentham Business Quarter and opened an office in Australia.

It offers training, technical support, consultancy services and specialist software.

Mr Clasper, who is blind, said: "What we have done with the new website is what everyone should be doing legally, but no-one ever bothers.

"The most challenging part of the new site was the e-commerce side of it, but now anyone, irrespective of their disability, can buy from it and have a simple, enjoyable experience."

Internet Business Solutions also employs 13 people. It moved to new premises at Trentham Business Quarter last year, but has already had to move to a bigger unit.

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