A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a company for failing to make its website accessible to blind users, raising important questions about digital accessibility and equal rights. On February 5, 2025, Andre Battle filed a class-action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Vinglace, LLC. The lawsuit alleges that Vinglace's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired individuals, thus violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Andre Battle, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate online content, represents himself and others similarly affected in this case. He claims that Vinglace's website contains significant access barriers that prevent him from independently browsing or making purchases. According to the complaint, these barriers include a lack of alternative text for images, inaccessible forms, and navigation elements that require a mouse rather than keyboard commands—issues that render the site unusable for those relying on assistive technologies like screen readers.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of web accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are widely recognized as best practices for ensuring websites are usable by people with disabilities. Despite these established guidelines and readily available technology solutions, Battle asserts that Vinglace has failed to implement necessary changes to make its site accessible. This failure allegedly excludes blind individuals from participating fully in the online marketplace—a critical aspect of modern life.
Battle seeks a permanent injunction requiring Vinglace to modify its website policies and practices so it becomes accessible to visually-impaired consumers. Additionally, he requests compensatory damages for what he describes as unlawful discrimination under federal law. The case also calls for declaratory relief and an order certifying it as a class action to address the broader impact on all affected individuals.
Represented by attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, NY, Andre Battle brings this case before Judge [Name] under Case No.: 1:25-cv-1221. The outcome could set an important precedent regarding digital accessibility obligations under the ADA.