A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a prominent skincare company, alleging its website is inaccessible to those with visual disabilities. Erika Randolph filed a class-action complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 17, 2026, accusing Kate Mcleod, Inc. of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to ensure its website is usable by blind and visually-impaired individuals.
The lawsuit claims that Kate Mcleod’s website, Katemcleod.com, presents significant barriers for users who rely on screen-reading software. These barriers allegedly prevent visually-impaired customers from accessing the same goods and services available to sighted users. Randolph argues that this exclusion denies her and others like her full participation in the digital marketplace. “The lack of an accessible website means that blind people are excluded from experiencing transacting with Defendant’s website,” the complaint states.
Randolph’s case highlights specific accessibility issues she encountered while attempting to purchase a moisturizer from Katemcleod.com. She describes problems such as inadequate alternative text for images, inaccessible navigation menus, and elements requiring mouse interaction—features that render the site unusable for those relying solely on keyboards and screen readers. The complaint underscores that these barriers are not only inconvenient but also discriminatory under both state and federal law.
In seeking relief, Randolph requests a permanent injunction mandating changes to Kate Mcleod’s website policies and practices to make it accessible to blind consumers. Additionally, she seeks compensatory damages for herself and other class members who have faced similar discrimination due to the site’s inaccessibility. The lawsuit emphasizes that making websites accessible is feasible with existing technology and standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Representing Randolph is attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, New York. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:26-cv-561 in front of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Source: 126cv00561_Erika_Randolph_v_Kate_Mcleod_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
