Michael Wood, a visually-impaired individual, has taken legal action against Knotty Tie Co., alleging that the company’s website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was filed on November 12, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Wood claims that Knotty Tie Co.’s website violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide equal access to its online services for individuals with visual impairments.
The lawsuit outlines how Michael Wood, who relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites, encountered significant barriers when attempting to use Knotty Tie Co.’s site. According to the complaint, these barriers include a lack of alternative text for images, improper use of interactive elements that require a mouse instead of keyboard navigation, and insufficient prompts for filling out forms. These issues effectively prevent blind users from independently accessing the site’s features or completing transactions.
Wood’s complaint highlights the broader implications of web accessibility for visually impaired individuals. He notes that approximately 8.1 million people in the U.S. are visually impaired, including around 260,000 in Illinois alone. The plaintiff argues that by not adhering to established web accessibility guidelines such as WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Knotty Tie Co. discriminates against blind consumers by denying them equal participation in digital commerce.
In his legal filing, Wood seeks several remedies from the court: a permanent injunction requiring Knotty Tie Co. to make its website fully accessible; compensatory damages for discrimination experienced by him and other class members; punitive damages; and coverage of legal costs and attorney fees. The lawsuit also calls for declaratory relief affirming that Knotty Tie Co.’s current website practices violate ADA standards.
Represented by Michael Ohrenberger from Equal Access Law Group PLLC, Wood aims to secure changes not only for himself but also on behalf of all similarly affected individuals across the nation. The case is being overseen by judges in the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-13865.
Source: 125cv13865_Michael_Wood_v_Knotty_Tie_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
