Target settles class-action ADA lawsuit: Is your site compliant?

The retail giant Target will pay $6 million after recently settling in a class-action lawsuit filed by customers claiming their website did not accommodate blind people.

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and others accused Target that their website was unaccessible to the blind. Referencing the “public accommodation” provisions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the group filed a lawsuit.

The court found that Target.com was subject to ADA requirements because it is so “heavily integrated” with their physical brick-and-mortar stores.

“Experts have said that this case may serve to expand the scope of how disability laws affect Web sites.” ComputerWorld.

In addition to paying the $6 million, Target will update their website to enable customers using screen-reading software to use the website the same way all other users find information and shop.

Proper labeling, like providing alternative text for images and image maps, will enable blind individuals to “read” web pages with screen-reader software.

“Companies with websites that are “heavily integrated” with goods or services available in their physical locations should consider whether their websites need to be upgraded to permit better accessibility.” according to legal experts.

For more information on how to improve the accessibility of your website visit:

American Foundation for the Blind: Web Accessibility and Improving Your Web Site

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI): Strategies, guidelines and resources to make the Web accessible to people with disablities