ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: an online home goods retailer
Plaintiff's Firm: ACACIA BARROS, P.A.
Case Summary
Plaintiff Aishia Petersen, represented by Acacia Barros, P.A., filed this complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on December 17, 2020, alleging violations of ADA Title III against a prominent online home goods retailer.
The complaint asserts that the defendant's mobile application is not fully accessible to visually impaired consumers using screen-readers. Specific violations alleged include: incorrect screen reader announcements for form fields (e.g., "text field" instead of "email"); generic descriptions for navigation elements like "Shop" and back buttons; lack of audio feedback for interactive elements such as quantity adjustment buttons and add-to-bag confirmations; focus issues where multiple clickable items share the same on-screen location; uncheckable purchase options; and missing labels for screen readers on various items. Additionally, the mobile application is alleged to lack keyboard-only accessibility, accessible video controls, and proper audio notifications for text-based error suggestions, preventing users from effectively identifying and correcting form errors, thus failing to meet WCAG 2.1 A level accessibility.
This litigation highlights significant legal risks for similar businesses that operate e-commerce mobile applications. Companies offering digital platforms must ensure their applications are fully compliant with ADA Title III and WCAG guidelines to avoid discrimination claims from disabled users, particularly those who rely on assistive technologies like screen-readers for independent access to goods and services. Failure to provide effective communication and equal access can result in costly injunctive relief and attorney's fees.
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Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this online home goods retailer accused of?
The mobile application is accused of having issues such as: incorrect screen reader announcements for form fields (e.g., "text field" instead of "email" or "password"); generic announcements for navigation elements; lack of audio for quantity adjustment buttons and add-to-bag confirmations; focus issues where multiple clickable items share the same on-screen location; uncheckable "ship to home" or "free in store" options; missing labels for screen readers; and failure to provide audio notifications for text-based error suggestions, leading to forms being submitted with errors unknowingly. It also lacks keyboard-only accessibility and accessible video controls, failing to meet WCAG 2.1
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm?
Aishia Petersen, a legally blind individual, filed this lawsuit, represented by Acacia Barros, P.
What legal risk does this create?
This case underscores the legal risk for businesses operating e-commerce mobile applications that fail to comply with ADA Title III and WCAG standards. Non-compliance can lead to allegations of discrimination, denial of equal access, and lawsuits seeking permanent injunctive relief, as well as demands for attorneys' fees and costs, for failing to provide accessible digital services to individuals with disabilities.