Morgan Cole, a visually-impaired individual, has filed a class action lawsuit against Sapphire USA PTY, Ltd., alleging that the company's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was filed on March 25, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Cole claims that Sapphire USA PTY's failure to make its website accessible violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), denying equal access to goods and services provided through their online platform.
According to the complaint, Morgan Cole relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites but found significant barriers when attempting to use Sapphire USA PTY's site, Us.glasshousefragrances.com. These barriers include inaccurate heading hierarchies, ambiguous link texts, and a reliance on mouse navigation rather than keyboard accessibility. The lack of alt-text for images further impedes screen-reader functionality, making it impossible for Cole and others like him to independently browse or complete transactions on the site. "Plaintiff was denied a shopping experience like that of a sighted individual due to the Website’s lack of features and accommodations," states the complaint.
The lawsuit highlights that despite available technology that could make websites accessible—such as alternative text for images and keyboard navigability—Sapphire USA PTY has not implemented these measures. This omission allegedly excludes blind individuals from participating in online commerce as fully as sighted users can. The plaintiff argues that this exclusion is particularly harmful given the growing importance of online shopping in daily life.
Cole seeks a permanent injunction requiring Sapphire USA PTY to modify its website policies and practices to ensure accessibility for blind consumers. Additionally, he requests compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination experienced by himself and other class members. The complaint also calls for punitive damages and legal fees.
Representing Morgan Cole is attorney David B. Reyes from Equal Access Law Group, PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-3154 in front of an unspecified judge at this time.