Haron Cole, a visually-impaired individual, has filed a class action lawsuit against High Speed Productions, Inc., accusing the company of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was filed on February 6, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiff alleges that High Speed Productions' website, Thrashermagazine.com, is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), thus denying equal access to its products and services.
According to the complaint, Haron Cole requires screen-reading software to navigate websites due to his visual impairment. He claims that Thrashermagazine.com contains significant accessibility barriers that prevent him and others from completing transactions independently. The barriers include lack of alternative text for images, inaccessible drop-down menus, and reliance on mouse navigation instead of keyboard-friendly options. These issues allegedly violate both federal and state laws by denying visually-impaired individuals full participation in online commerce.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of web accessibility for blind individuals who rely heavily on online shopping due to mobility challenges. Despite available technology that can make websites accessible—such as screen-reader compatible designs—High Speed Productions has not implemented these solutions. As a result, Cole argues that he and other visually-impaired users are excluded from accessing Thrashermagazine.com's offerings.
Cole seeks a permanent injunction requiring High Speed Productions to modify its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Additionally, he demands compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination faced by himself and similarly situated individuals. The complaint emphasizes the need for businesses to adhere to established web accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.2 to provide equal opportunities for all users.
Representing Haron Cole is attorney David Reyes from Asher Cohen Law PLLC. The case is presided over by judges in the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-1286.