In a landmark case highlighting the digital divide for individuals with disabilities, a visually-impaired plaintiff has taken legal action against a prominent jewelry retailer. On February 13, 2025, Andre Battle filed a class-action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Nickel & Suede, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired users, thus violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Andre Battle, who relies on screen-reading software to navigate online content, alleges that Nickel & Suede's website is riddled with barriers that prevent him and others from accessing its goods and services independently. According to the complaint, these barriers include missing alternative text for images, improperly labeled forms, and navigation issues that make it impossible for visually-impaired users to complete transactions without assistance. "The lack of an accessible website means that blind people are excluded from experiencing transacting with Defendant’s website," Battle asserts in his filing.
The plaintiff argues that despite the availability of accessible technology used by other retailers, Nickel & Suede has opted for an exclusively visual interface. This decision forces blind customers to rely on sighted companions to assist them in making purchases online—a clear violation of equal access requirements under both state and federal law. Battle's attempts to purchase earrings from Nickelandsuede.com were thwarted by these accessibility issues, prompting him to seek legal recourse.
Battle is seeking a permanent injunction requiring Nickel & Suede to modify its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards. He also seeks compensatory damages for himself and other class members who have faced similar discrimination. The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of web accessibility as a fundamental part of modern commerce and daily living.
Representing Battle is attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, NY. The case is being overseen by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-1530.