A visually-impaired woman has taken legal action against a prominent running center, alleging its website is inaccessible to those with disabilities. Phyllis Hampton filed the complaint on November 5, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Steele-Weddle Running Centre Inc.
The lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by Hampton and others like her who rely on screen-reading software to navigate websites. According to the complaint, Steele-Weddle Running Centre’s website, Athleticannex.com, contains significant access barriers that prevent blind and visually-impaired users from fully utilizing its services. These barriers include inadequate focus order, ambiguous link texts, and a lack of alternative text for images. As a result, Hampton claims she was unable to complete a purchase of athletic shoes online due to these accessibility issues.
Hampton argues that the website’s inaccessibility violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to public accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The plaintiff contends that despite readily available technology and guidelines for web accessibility, Steele-Weddle Running Centre has failed to implement necessary modifications to ensure its website is accessible to all users.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction requiring Steele-Weddle Running Centre to make its website compliant with ADA standards. Additionally, Hampton is pursuing compensatory damages for herself and other class members who have been subjected to what she describes as unlawful discrimination. The complaint also requests nominal damages, punitive damages, and an award of costs and attorney fees.
Representing Hampton in this case is Alison Chan from Equal Access Law Group PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-13580 in front of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Source: 125cv13580_Phyllis_Hampton_v_Steele_Weddle_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
