A visually-impaired individual has filed a class action lawsuit against a watch company, alleging its website is inaccessible to blind users. Andre Battle lodged the complaint on November 27, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Viva Time Corp., accusing them of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to make their website accessible to those who are visually impaired.
Andre Battle, who requires screen-reading software to access online content, claims that Viva Time Corp.'s website, Peugeotwatches.com, contains numerous accessibility barriers. These barriers include missing alternative text for images, improperly labeled form fields, and navigation issues that prevent blind users from completing transactions independently. Battle attempted to purchase a watch from the site but was unable due to these obstacles. The complaint highlights that such inaccessibility not only denies equal access but also discriminates against individuals with disabilities under federal law.
The lawsuit argues that despite existing technology and guidelines for web accessibility—such as those provided by the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—Viva Time Corp. has chosen not to implement necessary changes. This decision allegedly excludes blind and visually-impaired consumers from participating fully in online commerce. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction requiring Viva Time Corp. to modify its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards and make it accessible for all users.
Battle's legal team demands that Viva Time Corp. take immediate steps to rectify these issues and provide compensation for damages incurred due to this alleged discrimination. They also request certification of the case as a class action, representing all similarly affected individuals across the United States.
Representing Andre Battle is attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, NY. The case is presided over by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID 1:24-cv-12262.