A visually-impaired woman has taken legal action against a beauty company, alleging that its website is inaccessible to those with visual disabilities. Kalari Jackson Girtley filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on December 2, 2024, targeting Caleel + Hayden, LLC, doing business as Glo Skin Beauty.
The lawsuit contends that Glo Skin Beauty's website fails to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates accessible public accommodations for individuals with disabilities. According to the complaint, Girtley attempted multiple times to use screen-reading software to access and purchase products from the website but was met with numerous barriers that prevented her from doing so. These barriers included missing alt-text for images, improperly formatted lists, and broken links that hindered navigation. "Plaintiff was denied a shopping experience similar to that of a sighted individual," the complaint states.
Girtley argues that these issues are not only frustrating but also discriminatory under the ADA. The ADA requires businesses to provide equal access to their goods and services for people with disabilities. As part of her legal action, Girtley seeks a permanent injunction compelling Glo Skin Beauty to make its website fully accessible by adhering to established web accessibility guidelines known as WCAG 2.1. She also requests nominal damages and attorney fees.
The plaintiff's legal team emphasizes that web accessibility is crucial in today's digital age where online platforms serve as significant portals for information and commerce. They argue that by failing to ensure its website is compatible with screen-reading technology, Glo Skin Beauty effectively excludes blind and visually-impaired consumers from accessing its products and services.
The case underscores ongoing challenges faced by visually-impaired individuals in accessing digital content and highlights broader implications for businesses operating online. As technology evolves, ensuring digital inclusivity remains a critical issue under federal law.
Representing Kalari Jackson Girtley is attorney Yaakov Saks from Stein Saks PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:24-cv-12396 in front of judges at the Northern District of Illinois court.