Tentya Booker has filed a lawsuit against Eric Javits, Inc., alleging that the company's digital properties are inaccessible 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, who is legally blind, claims that Eric Javits, Inc.'s failure to make its online platforms accessible violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The crux of Booker's case is that Eric Javits, Inc., a prominent New York-based designer and manufacturer of fashion accessories such as hats and bags, has not ensured its website is usable by visually impaired customers. Booker uses screen reading software to navigate digital content but encountered significant barriers when attempting to purchase products from the company's website. She describes issues such as inaccessible size charts and non-functional notification pop-ups that prevent her from fully utilizing the site.
Booker emphasizes the growing importance of digital accessibility in an era where e-commerce is rapidly expanding. She points out that millions of Americans rely on online shopping, especially post-pandemic, making it crucial for websites to be inclusive. Despite available technology that can make websites accessible at minimal cost, many businesses neglect this aspect, leaving disabled users at a disadvantage.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction mandating Eric Javits, Inc. to overhaul its digital policies and practices. This includes hiring a web accessibility consultant to audit and improve their website's accessibility features continuously. Booker also requests training for employees involved in digital content creation and regular testing by visually impaired users to ensure ongoing compliance.
Booker’s legal team argues that these changes are not only necessary but feasible without causing undue hardship for the company. They seek declaratory judgment affirming ADA violations by Eric Javits, Inc., along with attorneys' fees and costs associated with monitoring compliance.
Representing Tentya Booker are attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet and Jonathan D. Miller from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP. The case is presided over in the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID 1:25-cv-01032.