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Supreme Court allows blind people to sue retailers if websites aren't accessible (latimes.com)

743 points by justadudeama · 2566 days ago · 591 comments on HN

Article summary

The US Supreme Court has allowed a lawsuit to proceed against Domino's Pizza, which claims that the company's website is not accessible to blind people, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court's decision not to hear the case means that a lower court ruling in favor of the plaintiff, Guillermo Robles, stands. Robles had argued that Domino's website lacked the necessary software to allow him to order a pizza online. The decision may have implications for other retailers with websites that are not accessible to people with disabilities.

Main themes

  • ADA compliance
  • website accessibility
  • disability rights
  • retail industry
  • legal precedent

What commenters say

  • The ADA should apply to websites as a means of accessing goods and services, not just physical locations.
  • Having a phone ordering system is a sufficient alternative to an accessible website.
  • The lack of clear regulations and standards for website accessibility is a major issue for businesses.
  • The Supreme Court's decision may lead to a surge in lawsuits against companies with inaccessible websites.
  • Websites are a public accommodation and should be subject to the same accessibility standards as physical locations.
  • The cost and complexity of implementing accessibility features may be a burden for small businesses.
  • The focus on website accessibility is a positive step towards greater inclusivity for people with disabilities.
  • The threat of lawsuits may be the most effective way to encourage companies to prioritize website accessibility.