Inaccessible websites have recently been in the headlines. There are laws in place that require US federal agencies’ websites must comply with Section 508 Guidelines. However, the law has not clearly stated whether retail websites must be accessible. On June 12th, a Florida judge ruled that Winn-Dixie, a grocery chain, must update their website to meet the WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility standards. This is the first trial regarding a website’s accessibility under the American Disability Act.
Winn-Dixie had argued that it has, “no obligation under the ADA to ensure that Mr. Gil and other blind patrons can access these and other services and advantages offere through its website” because under the Eleventh Circuit law, only physical locations are subject to Title II of the ADA.
The plantiff, Juan Carlos Gil is not entitled to damages; however, his lawyers will be submitting a request for fees.
For full details about this verdict, see the ADA Title III article, First Federal Court Rules That Having an Inaccessible Website Violates title III of the ADA.
By Diane Brauner
