In a groundbreaking legal battle highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in accessing digital content, a lawsuit has been filed against a well-known company for failing to make its website accessible. The complaint was lodged by Constance Henry on February 19, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Tea & Bee Company, LLC. This case underscores the importance of digital accessibility and adherence to federal laws protecting disabled individuals.
Constance Henry, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites, has accused Tea & Bee Company of violating her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the complaint, Tea & Bee Company's website, saratogateaandhoney.com, contains significant access barriers that prevent blind and visually impaired customers from independently using it. "The lack of an accessible website means that blind people are excluded from experiencing transacting with Defendant’s website," states the complaint. Despite readily available technology that could make their site accessible—such as alternative text for images and keyboard-navigable interfaces—the company allegedly continues to rely on an exclusively visual interface.
Henry's legal action seeks not only compensatory damages but also a permanent injunction requiring Tea & Bee Company to overhaul its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards. The lawsuit argues that these changes are essential for allowing blind consumers equal access to online shopping experiences akin to those enjoyed by sighted individuals. The complaint highlights how such accessibility issues force visually impaired customers into brick-and-mortar stores, creating unnecessary burdens compared to their sighted counterparts who can shop online freely.
The case is being represented by attorney David Reyes from Equal Access Law Group PLLC. The presiding judge over this matter will determine whether Tea & Bee Company's alleged negligence constitutes a breach of ADA requirements and if they must implement corrective measures immediately. As this class-action suit unfolds under Case No.: 1:25-cv-1691, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for businesses operating online platforms to prioritize inclusivity and adhere strictly to established web accessibility guidelines.