A visually-impaired individual has filed a class action lawsuit against a prominent online retailer, alleging that the company’s website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was lodged by Dustin Youngren in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 11, 2025, targeting Blue Crane Studio, LLC.
The plaintiff, Dustin Youngren, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate digital content, claims that Blue Crane Studio’s website, Brooklyncandlestudio.com, fails to accommodate users with visual impairments. According to Youngren, the site lacks essential accessibility features such as alternative text for images and proper navigation aids that would allow blind users to browse and make purchases independently. “The access barriers make it impossible for blind and visually-impaired users to even complete a transaction on the website,” states the complaint. This alleged oversight not only prevents equal access but also violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates non-discriminatory access to public accommodations.
Youngren recounts his personal experience attempting to purchase candles from Brooklyncandlestudio.com but being thwarted by various accessibility issues like misimplemented navigation links and unannounced pop-up windows. He argues that these barriers deny him and others like him full participation in the online marketplace—a necessity given the mobility challenges faced by many visually impaired individuals. The lawsuit highlights how other major retailers have successfully implemented accessible technology on their websites, suggesting that Blue Crane Studio’s failure is both avoidable and discriminatory.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court: a permanent injunction requiring Blue Crane Studio to modify its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards; compensatory damages for those affected by this alleged discrimination; and punitive damages aimed at preventing future violations. Additionally, Youngren requests class certification for all similarly situated individuals across the United States who have been denied access due to these accessibility barriers.
Representing Youngren is attorney David B. Reyes of Equal Access Law Group, PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-13814 in front of an unspecified judge at this time.
Source: 125cv13814_Dustin_Youngren_v_Blue_Crane_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
