Expert highlights business case for website accessibility

A representative from internet-orientated company Fortune Cookie has highlighted the importance of designing business websites that can be used by disabled individuals.

According to Julie Howell, the director of accessibility at Fortune Cookie, creating a website that is accessible to those with disabilities can lead to a business enjoying a number of benefits.

"There is a strong business case for designing websites that disabled people can use," said Ms Howell.

"Legal and General made their website more accessible according to all these guidelines and achieved a 300 per cent uplift in the take-up of one of their financial products on their site."

Moreover, according to Ms Howell, ensuring that a website is usable for those with disabilities will ensure that those without disabilities also enjoy an enhanced user experience.

Fortune Cookie's base of clients includes Amnesty International, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and FT Business.