Haron Cole, a visually-impaired individual, has filed a class action lawsuit against E-distributors Inc., alleging that the company’s website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was filed on January 9, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Cole claims that E-distributors Inc.’s website fails to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), denying equal access to its goods and services.
According to the complaint, Haron Cole requires screen-reading software to navigate websites due to his visual impairment. He alleges that E-distributors Inc.’s website contains significant barriers that prevent him and others like him from accessing the site independently. These barriers include inaccurate alt-text on images, inaccessible drop-down menus, and reliance on mouse navigation, which are not compatible with screen readers used by visually impaired individuals. As a result, Cole argues that he cannot complete transactions or fully participate in the online marketplace offered by E-distributors Inc.
The lawsuit highlights that approximately 8.1 million people in the United States are visually impaired, including around 260,000 in Illinois alone. Despite readily available technology to make websites accessible, such as alternative text and resizable text options, E-distributors Inc. allegedly failed to implement these features on its site. This oversight not only violates federal law but also denies visually impaired individuals full participation in digital commerce.
Cole seeks a permanent injunction requiring E-distributors Inc. to modify its website policies and practices to ensure accessibility for blind and visually-impaired consumers. Additionally, he seeks compensatory damages for himself and other class members who have experienced discrimination due to these accessibility barriers.
The case is being handled by Michael Ohrenberger of Equal Access Law Group PLLC. The presiding judge has yet to be named for Case No.: 1:26-cv-00235.
Source: 126cv00235_Haron_Cole_v_E_Distributors_Complaint_Northerb_District_of_Illinoi.pdf