Tentya Booker, a legally blind resident of Chicago, has filed a lawsuit against The Old Mill, LLC, accusing the company of failing to make its digital properties accessible to individuals with visual disabilities. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 30, 2025. Booker claims that The Old Mill's online platforms violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates effective communication and equal access for people with disabilities.
The lawsuit highlights the growing importance of digital accessibility in an era where e-commerce has surged post-pandemic. According to statistics cited in the complaint, 2.3% of Americans live with visual disabilities, making access to digital platforms crucial for them. Booker relies on screen reader technology to navigate websites but alleges that The Old Mill's website is not compatible with such technology, thus denying her full access to their products and services. For instance, she encountered barriers when attempting to purchase a gift set from their website due to inaccessible dropdown menus and improperly labeled buttons.
Booker seeks a permanent injunction requiring The Old Mill to overhaul its digital policies and practices. She demands that the company retain a web accessibility consultant to ensure compliance with ADA standards and provide training for employees involved in digital content development. Additionally, she requests regular audits and user testing by visually impaired individuals to maintain ongoing accessibility.
The plaintiff also calls for declaratory judgment affirming that The Old Mill's current practices violate ADA requirements. Furthermore, she seeks coverage of legal costs and monitoring fees associated with ensuring future compliance by the defendant. Represented by attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet and Jonathan D. Miller from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP, Booker aims for systemic changes within The Old Mill’s digital framework to prevent further discrimination against visually impaired users.