A legally blind individual has filed a lawsuit against a prominent corporation, alleging that its digital platforms are inaccessible to those with visual disabilities. On January 6, 2025, Teniya Booker lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against American Sales Corporation. The lawsuit claims that the company's failure to ensure accessibility on its website violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Teniya Booker, who lost her vision at age three due to a gunshot wound, is an active resident of Chicago, Illinois. She relies on screen-reading software and VoiceOver technology on her iPhone to navigate digital content. Booker's lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in accessing online services and products, particularly during the post-pandemic era when e-commerce has become essential. The complaint cites statistics indicating that 2.3% of Americans live with visual disabilities and emphasizes the importance of accessible digital platforms for this demographic.
Booker attempted to purchase an 'Orangutan Fort Swing Set' from American Sales Corporation's website but was unable to complete her transaction due to accessibility barriers. These barriers included issues with navigating menus and understanding pricing information using screen-reader technology. The complaint argues that these obstacles prevent legally blind customers from accessing information about the company's products and services, which are readily available to sighted users.
The plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the court, requesting that American Sales Corporation make significant changes to its digital properties. This includes hiring a web accessibility consultant, conducting regular audits and user testing by individuals with visual impairments, providing web accessibility training for employees involved in digital content development, and implementing a comprehensive web accessibility policy. Additionally, Booker asks for reasonable attorney fees and costs associated with monitoring compliance.
Representing Teniya Booker are attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet and Jonathan D. Miller from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP. The case is presided over by judges in the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID 1:25-cv-00107.