Is Your Local Walmart or Target Breaking the Law for Blind Customers?
Have you tried to shop inside your local Walmart or Target or another nearby big box store, or tried to place an order online, only to struggle to do so because of accessibility issues? It is more common than you might think for retail stores to break the law for blind customers and for other customers with disabilities. Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is a federal law, any place that is considered a “public accommodation” must ensure that it is accessible for blind customers and customers with other disabilities. The term “public accommodation” essentially applies to all types of businesses in South Florida; it means any place that serves the public in nearly any capacity.
What are some common ways that Target, Walmart, and other big box stores break the law for blind customers? And what can you do about it? Our Palm Beach Gardens ADA violation lawyers can say more.
Common Accessibility Issues for Blind Customers Inside Physical Stores
Inside a physical Target, Walmart, or other big box store in South Florida, there are various accessibility issues that blind customers can have and that may violate the ADA, such as:
- Maintenance issues on walkways into the building, or within the store, which could lead to trips and falls among blind customers;
- Objects in walkways that can present obstacles to blind customers;
- Only providing important signage in written text, without Braille or communication methods for blind customers; and
- Having a “no pets” policy that also applies to service animals.
The above are just some examples of potential ADA violations. Anything that makes it more difficult for a blind customer to use the space in a way that is equal to how a person without a disability can use the space may constitute an ADA violation.
Website Accessibility Issues for Big Box Store Customers Who Are Blind
Not only does the ADA require that physical, in-person stores be accessible to blind customers, but it also requires that websites are accessible. Some of the common ways that websites violate the ADA and do not properly serve blind customers include but are not limited to the following:
- Failing to be compatible with screen readers;
- Requiring user to fill in boxes or blank fields with no alternative option;
- Lack of alt text for images used on the website;
- Headings labeled incorrectly; and
- Forms that cannot be filled out with assistance from a screen reader.
What Can I Do If My Target or Walmart Store is Breaking the Law?
If you have tried to shop at a Walmart, Target, or another big box store in your area, whether in-person or online, and have difficulty because of accessibility issues, you may be able to file an ADA claim. While this can sound daunting, it is an extremely important step in holding a Walmart or Target store accountable and making sure that stores like these are not discriminating against blind customers.
Contact Our Palm Beach Gardens ADA Violation Attorneys Today
Many big box store owners of retail stores like Walmart and Target routinely violate Title III of the ADA by failing to make their business accessible to blind customers or other customers with disabilities. Any business that serves the public, regardless of its size as we discussed above, is required to have a physical business that is accessible, as well as an accessible website. If there are issues of accessibility, a specific Walmart or Target store, or another big box store near you, may be in violation of the ADA. One of the experienced Palm Beach Gardens ADA violation lawyers at Sconzo Law Office can discuss any accessibility issues with you today and can tell you more about filing an ADA claim in South Florida.
Source:
ada.gov/
