ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: an online Japanese noodle restaurant

Plaintiff Crystal Redick has filed an ADA Title III website accessibility lawsuit against an online Japanese noodle restaurant in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on February 4, 2022. The plaintiff, represented by WILSHIRE LAW FIRM, is visually impaired and alleges that the defendant's website is not fully accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers using screen-reading software.

The complaint details numerous WCAG violations, including a pervasive lack of alternative text for non-text elements and images, causing screen-readers to be unable to vocalize descriptions. Other issues highlighted are empty and redundant links, which introduce confusion for keyboard and screen-reader users, and a user interface that lacks a discernible keyboard focus indicator. The website also allegedly fails to programmatically determine the purpose of links and the default human language of web pages, along with having inaccessible forms, content conveyed solely visually, and various markup language errors. These barriers deny equal access to the defendant's products, services, and physical restaurant information.

This lawsuit underscores the significant legal risk for any online food service provider or e-commerce website that does not adhere to established web content accessibility guidelines. Businesses offering goods and services online, especially those integrated with physical locations, must ensure their digital platforms are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, or face potential litigation under the ADA and state civil rights acts.