Sandra Ford v. Bella Professionals, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Sandra Ford, a visually impaired individual, is suing Bella Professionals, Inc. for failing to make their website, Sleekshop.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired users. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent her from completing transactions independently, violating her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint details various accessibility issues, including lack of alt-text for images and reliance on mouse navigation, which hinder visually impaired users from accessing the site. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced.

Causes of Action

• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff was denied the ability to complete a purchase on the website due to accessibility barriers.
• Defendant failed to implement necessary modifications to make the website accessible.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
• An order requiring Defendant to make the website fully compliant with the ADA.
• A declaration that the website discriminates against visually impaired individuals.

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Sleekshop.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Sleekshop.com, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).