A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a prominent online retailer, accusing the company of violating federal accessibility laws. On November 5, 2025, James Evans filed a class-action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Fishpond, Inc., alleging that the company’s website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired individuals, thereby violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
James Evans, who represents himself and others similarly affected, claims that Fishpond’s website, fishpondusa.com, is not designed to be compatible with screen-reading software used by blind individuals. This software is essential for translating visual content into audible information for users who cannot see. The complaint highlights that despite existing technology and guidelines to make websites accessible—such as alternative text for images and keyboard navigability—Fishpond has failed to implement these measures. As a result, Evans argues that he and other visually-impaired individuals are denied equal access to Fishpond’s products and services.
The lawsuit outlines specific barriers encountered on Fishpond’s website that hinder accessibility. These include missing or inadequate alternative text for images, interactive elements requiring mouse use instead of keyboard navigation, and links without descriptive text. Such barriers prevent blind users from completing transactions independently on the site. Evans attempted to purchase a backpack from Fishpondusa.com but was unable due to these accessibility issues.
Evans seeks a permanent injunction requiring Fishpond to modify its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Additionally, he requests compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination experienced by him and other class members. The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of web accessibility as an integral part of modern commerce and daily life for visually-impaired individuals.
Representing Evans in this case is Alison Chan from Equal Access Law Group, PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-13576 in front of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Source: 125cv13576_James_Evans_v_Fishpond_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
