ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: Hotel Chain Mobile App
Plaintiff's Firm: ACACIA BARROS, P.A.
Case Summary
Aishia Petersen, a visually impaired individual represented by Acacia Barros, P.A., has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, on March 4, 2021. The complaint targets a global hospitality provider's mobile application, alleging it is inaccessible to blind users, thereby denying equal access to services.
The lawsuit details several specific accessibility barriers on the mobile app, including screen-reader users being unable to adjust price filters, the Rewards category selection dropdown failing to work with Voiceover, and inaccessible date format changes in the reservation section. Additionally, "Search Options" reportedly lack individual focus for elements, making it impossible to add rooms, and horizontal carousel banners and images have incorrect labels and do not scroll horizontally. Pop-up error messages are also not automatically announced by screen-readers, requiring manual discovery. The complaint states the app does not meet WCAG 2.1 A accessibility standards.
This case highlights the significant legal risks faced by businesses operating digital platforms, such as mobile applications, that are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Under ADA Title III and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, places of public accommodation, including their digital extensions, must provide effective communication and equal access. Non-compliance can lead to permanent injunctions, attorneys' fees, and compensatory damages, underscoring the necessity for all digital platforms to adhere to established accessibility guidelines.
Unlock Full Intelligence Report
Obtain the technical WCAG violation analysis, target metadata, and legal stakes for Case #.
Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this hospitality mobile application accused of?
The mobile application is accused of several WCAG violations, including screen-reader users being unable to adjust price filters, the Rewards category selection dropdown not working with Voiceover, and inaccessible date format changes. Other issues include elements in "Search Options" lacking individual focus, horizontal carousel images having incorrect labels and not scrolling, and pop-up error messages not being automatically announced by screen-readers.
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm is representing the plaintiff?
Aishia Petersen filed this lawsuit, and she is represented by Acacia Barros, P.
What legal risk does this lawsuit create for similar businesses offering mobile applications?
This lawsuit demonstrates that businesses providing mobile applications as extensions of their services risk legal action under ADA Title III if their apps are not fully accessible to disabled users. Non-compliance can result in permanent injunctions and financial liabilities, emphasizing the critical need for digital platforms to integrate comprehensive accessibility features.