A visually-impaired woman is taking legal action against a major online marketplace for luxury spirits and wines, alleging that the company’s website is not accessible to blind users. Caitlin Walsh filed a class-action complaint on January 5, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against ReserveBar Holdings Corp. The lawsuit claims that ReserveBar’s website violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to accommodate visually impaired users.
Caitlin Walsh, who resides in Winnebago County, Illinois, and represents others similarly affected, argues that ReserveBar’s website does not support screen-reading software, which is essential for blind individuals to navigate digital content. According to Walsh, she attempted multiple times to use the site to purchase wine but was met with barriers such as missing alt-text and broken links. These obstacles prevented her from completing transactions independently. The ADA mandates that public accommodations be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Walsh asserts that ReserveBar’s failure to provide an accessible website constitutes discrimination under this law.
The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction requiring ReserveBar to modify its website according to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards. These guidelines are widely recognized as best practices for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, Walsh requests that ReserveBar hire a consultant to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards and train employees on maintaining an inclusive digital environment.
Walsh’s lawsuit also aims to certify a nationwide class of legally blind individuals who have been denied equal access to ReserveBar’s services due to these accessibility issues. The complaint highlights the importance of web accessibility in today’s digital age and calls for systemic changes in corporate policies regarding web-based technologies. It emphasizes that making websites accessible benefits not only those with visual impairments but also enhances usability for all consumers.
Representing Caitlin Walsh is attorney Yaakov Saks from Stein Saks PLLC, based in Hackensack, New Jersey. The case has been filed under Case No.: 3:26-cv-50004 in front of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Source: 326cv50004_Caitlin_Walsh_v_Reservebar_Holdings_Complaint_Northerb_District_of_Illinois.pdf