A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a pet product company, claiming its website is inaccessible to blind users. Richard Schultz filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 22, 2024, targeting Boss Pet Products, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that the company's website, Petedge.com, fails to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), thereby denying equal access to visually impaired individuals.
Richard Schultz, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate online content, argues that Boss Pet Products' website presents significant barriers that prevent him and others from independently accessing its services. According to Schultz's complaint, Petedge.com lacks essential features such as alternative text for images and accessible forms necessary for screen readers. This failure forces blind users to depend on sighted assistance for online shopping, effectively excluding them from participating in the digital marketplace.
The complaint highlights several specific issues encountered by Schultz while attempting to purchase a pet conditioner from Petedge.com. These include automatic pop-ups without warning, improperly defined heading hierarchies, and interactive elements that cannot be accessed via keyboard navigation—essential for those unable to use a mouse. Such barriers not only hinder transactions but also violate ADA requirements for public accommodations.
Schultz seeks a permanent injunction mandating changes in Boss Pet Products' web policies and practices to ensure accessibility for blind consumers. Additionally, he requests compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination experienced by himself and other class members. The lawsuit underscores the need for businesses to adhere to established web accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Representing Schultz is attorney Paul Camarena of Chicago-based North & Sedgwick Law Firm. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-12049.