ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: Restaurant Mobile Website
Plaintiff's Firm: J. Courtney Cunningham, PLLC
Case Summary
James Watson, a visually impaired plaintiff, has filed an ADA Title III lawsuit in the United States District Court Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, on May 15, 2023, against a restaurant operator regarding the accessibility of its mobile website.
The complaint alleges multiple WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA violations impacting screen reader users. These include a violation of Guideline 1.3.2 (Meaningful Sequence) where a 'Book a Table' form's date picker is inaccessible, and Guideline 2.4.3 (Focus Order) which prevents users from selecting future delivery dates for gift cards due to skipped focus elements. Further, Guideline 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value) is violated on a third-party booking site where a date picker popup is not announced, and Guideline 1.4.5 (Images of Text) is violated as a CAPTCHA code for the 'Contact Us' form is presented as an inaccessible image.
This lawsuit highlights significant legal risks for restaurant businesses that offer mobile websites or online services. It underscores the necessity for all digital platforms, including those operated by third-party vendors, to comply with ADA Title III and WCAG standards to ensure full accessibility for visually impaired individuals, or face potential litigation, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees.
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Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this restaurant mobile website accused of?
The restaurant's mobile website is accused of violating WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA Guidelines, specifically 1.3.2 (Meaningful Sequence) for an inaccessible date picker in a 'Book a Table' form, 2.4.3 (Focus Order) for skipped focus on gift card delivery date selections, 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value) for an unannounced date picker popup on a third-party booking site, and 1.4.5 (Images of Text) for an inaccessible CAPTCHA code.
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm?
The lawsuit was filed by James Watson, represented by J. Courtney Cunningham, PLLC.
What legal risk does this create?
This creates legal risk for restaurant businesses and similar digital platforms that do not ensure their websites and online services, including those from third-party vendors, are fully accessible to disabled users under ADA Title III and WCAG standards.