A visually-impaired woman has filed a class-action lawsuit against a prominent online retailer, alleging that the company's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. Leah Walker initiated the complaint on January 24, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Food52, Inc., which operates under the name Schoolhouse.
Leah Walker, who requires screen-reading software to access digital content, claims that Food52's website, Schoolhouse.com, is riddled with accessibility barriers that prevent her and others like her from fully engaging with its services. According to Walker's complaint, these barriers include missing alternative text for images, improper heading structures, and navigation issues that render the site unusable without sighted assistance. The plaintiff argues that such barriers violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to public accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Walker’s experience highlights significant issues faced by blind users when attempting to shop online. She attempted to purchase a wool rug from Schoolhouse.com but was thwarted by automatic pop-up windows and poorly labeled interactive elements. "The lack of an accessible website means that blind people are excluded from experiencing transacting with Defendant’s website," states the complaint. Walker contends that despite available technology and established guidelines for web accessibility, Food52 has failed to implement necessary changes to make their site usable for all customers.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction requiring Food52 to update its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Additionally, Walker is pursuing compensatory damages for herself and other class members who have experienced similar discrimination due to these accessibility issues. The case emphasizes not only the need for accessible design but also raises awareness about how digital exclusion can impact daily life for those with disabilities.
Representing Leah Walker in this legal battle is attorney David Reyes of Asher Cohen Law PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-829 in front of the Northern District of Illinois court.