In a significant legal move aimed at promoting digital accessibility, a visually impaired individual has filed a lawsuit against a prominent manufacturing company for failing to make its online platform accessible to blind users. Tentya Booker, the plaintiff, lodged the complaint on February 14, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Creative Manufacturing, LLC, doing business as Lap Desk.
The case revolves around allegations that Lap Desk's digital properties are not compliant with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates effective communication and equal access for individuals with disabilities. Booker claims that despite using screen reader technology to navigate websites, she was unable to access or purchase products from Lap Desk's website due to various accessibility barriers. The lawsuit highlights how such barriers prevent legally blind customers from accessing information about products and services readily available to sighted customers. The complaint underscores the growing importance of web accessibility in an era where e-commerce is booming and many consumers rely on online platforms for shopping and other services.
Booker’s lawsuit aims to secure a permanent injunction requiring Lap Desk to implement comprehensive changes to its corporate policies regarding digital accessibility. The proposed changes include hiring a qualified web accessibility consultant, conducting regular audits and user testing by individuals with visual impairments, and ensuring all employees involved in digital content development receive appropriate training. Furthermore, Booker seeks declaratory judgment confirming that Lap Desk's current practices violate ADA requirements and requests prospective injunctive relief to ensure ongoing compliance.
The complaint details several specific instances where Booker's attempts to use Lap Desk's website were thwarted by inaccessible features. For example, she encountered difficulties navigating image carousels without auditory cues indicating clickable links or price differences between original and discounted prices. These obstacles effectively barred her from completing transactions independently. By bringing this lawsuit forward, Booker hopes not only to gain access herself but also pave the way for broader changes benefiting all visually impaired users seeking equitable online experiences.
Representing Booker are attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP based in Pittsburgh and Jonathan D. Miller from Santa Barbara. The case is identified under Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-01591 before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.