A visually-impaired individual has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging that the company's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users, thereby violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Erika Randolph filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on October 14, 2024, against Dillard's, Inc.
The lawsuit claims that Dillard's website, Dillards.com, is not designed to be fully accessible to individuals who rely on screen-reading software. Randolph, who is legally blind and represents a class of similarly affected individuals, asserts that the website contains numerous access barriers. These barriers include issues such as inaccurate heading hierarchy, inadequate focus order, ambiguous link texts, and reliance on mouse navigation—all of which make it difficult or impossible for blind users to navigate and complete transactions independently. According to Randolph's complaint, these barriers deny visually-impaired customers equal access to goods and services available to sighted customers through Dillard's online platform.
Randolph attempted to purchase sandals from Dillards.com but was unable due to these accessibility issues. The complaint emphasizes that despite readily available technology that could make websites accessible—such as alternative text for images and keyboard-navigable interfaces—Dillard's has failed to implement these solutions. This failure allegedly violates both federal and state laws aimed at eliminating discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction requiring Dillard's to modify its website policies and practices so that it becomes accessible to blind consumers. Additionally, Randolph seeks compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination experienced by herself and other class members. The case highlights broader concerns about digital accessibility in an increasingly internet-dependent world where equal access is essential for independent living.
Representing Randolph in this legal battle is attorney Paul Camarena from Chicago. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-10084 in front of judges from the Northern District of Illinois.