A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a prominent home decor company, alleging that its website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired users. Haron Cole filed a class-action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on November 10, 2025, against Black Forest Decor, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to make its website accessible to individuals who rely on screen-reading software, thereby violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Haron Cole, a resident of Lake County, Illinois, claims that Black Forest Decor’s website contains significant access barriers that prevent blind and visually-impaired customers from fully utilizing its services. According to the complaint, these barriers include inaccurate landmark structures, lack of alternative text for images, and reliance on mouse navigation rather than keyboard accessibility. Cole attempted to purchase a bedding set from Blackforestdecor.com but was unable to complete the transaction due to these obstacles. The plaintiff argues that this exclusion from online shopping constitutes discrimination under both state and federal law.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of web accessibility in today’s digital age, where online transactions are increasingly vital for daily living. Cole emphasizes that assistive technology allows blind individuals to independently access services if websites are designed inclusively. Despite available technologies and established guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Black Forest Decor allegedly failed to implement necessary modifications. The complaint seeks a permanent injunction requiring the company to update its website policies and practices to ensure accessibility for all users.
Cole is seeking various forms of relief from the court, including compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination and punitive damages for emotional distress caused by the website’s inaccessibility. Additionally, he requests an order certifying this case as a class action on behalf of all legally blind individuals who have been denied access to Blackforestdecor.com. Represented by David B. Reyes of Equal Access Law Group, PLLC, Cole aims to secure not only personal justice but also broader changes benefiting others facing similar challenges.
Judge presiding over this case is yet unnamed under Case No.: 1:25-cv-13770.
Source: 125cv13770_Haron_Cole_v_Black_Forest_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
