Andre Battle, a visually-impaired individual, has filed a class action lawsuit against Ohio Power Tool, Inc., alleging that the company's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was filed on January 27, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Battle claims that Ohio Power Tool's failure to make its website accessible violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The lawsuit centers around Ohio Power Tool's website, Ohiopowertool.com, which Andre Battle argues is not designed to accommodate screen-reading software used by blind individuals. According to the complaint, this oversight prevents visually-impaired users from accessing goods and services available on the site. "Defendant’s denial of full and equal access to its website...is a violation of Plaintiff's rights under the ADA," states the filing. Battle emphasizes that despite readily available technology that could make websites accessible—such as alternative text for images and keyboard-navigable interfaces—Ohio Power Tool has chosen an exclusively visual interface.
Battle recounts his personal experience attempting to purchase a wrench set from Ohiopowertool.com on January 8, 2025. He encountered numerous barriers such as ambiguous link texts and inaccessible drop-down menus, which ultimately prevented him from completing his purchase independently. These issues are indicative of broader accessibility problems on the site that exclude blind users from participating in online commerce.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court: a permanent injunction requiring Ohio Power Tool to modify its website to comply with ADA standards; compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination; and class certification for all similarly affected individuals across the United States. The complaint underscores that these modifications would not fundamentally alter Ohio Power Tool's business nor impose an undue burden.
Representing Andre Battle is attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, NY. The case has been assigned Case No. 1:25-cv-901 in front of judges at the Northern District of Illinois court.