Web accessibility service provider AbilityNet and web content management vendor Jadu have partnered to improve the accessibility of public sector web sites.

The tie-up between the two firms will enable web site owners in local government to benefit from accessibility and usability testing early on in the development of a web project, according to AbilityNet.

The firm's accessibility audit employs technology tools and disabled users to test sites against a range of disabilities including vision impairment and learning difficulties.

Sites which meet web accessibility standards are more effective and can save organisations money by replacing face-to-face, letter and telephone channels, according to AbilityNet's head of accessibility services, Robin Christopherson.

"As sites are increasingly using Web 2.0 technologies such as mashups and AJAX, accessibility needs to be considered at every stage of development," he said. "An accessible site is easier to use for every visitor and cheaper to maintain and update."