In a landmark legal filing, a visually-impaired individual has taken a stand against a major corporation for allegedly violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Haron Cole filed a class action complaint on April 1, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against 361 USA, Inc., claiming that the company's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired users.
The lawsuit highlights significant accessibility barriers on 361 USA's website, which Cole argues prevent him and others from independently navigating and purchasing products online. According to the complaint, Cole attempted to buy shoes from 361usa.com but was unable to complete his purchase due to various obstacles such as missing alternative text for images, improper heading structures, and interactive elements that lacked descriptive labels. "Blind customers are essentially prevented from purchasing any items on 36lusa.com," the complaint states. The plaintiff accuses 361 USA of failing to comply with established web accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 and argues that these barriers constitute discrimination under Title III of the ADA.
Cole seeks both injunctive relief and compensatory damages. He requests that the court order 361 USA to modify its website to be fully accessible to blind users, ensuring compliance with ADA requirements. Additionally, he demands compensatory damages for himself and other class members who have faced similar discrimination. The lawsuit also calls for punitive damages and reimbursement of legal fees.
Represented by attorney David B. Reyes from Equal Access Law Group, PLLC, Cole emphasizes the broader implications of this case: "This lawsuit is aimed at providing legally blind users like the Plaintiff a full and equal experience." The case underscores ongoing challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing digital services and seeks to hold companies accountable for inclusive practices.
Attorneys involved in this case include David B. Reyes representing Haron Cole. The case is presided over by judges in the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-3463.