A new lawsuit claims that a major online retailer’s website prevents blind and visually impaired individuals from accessing goods and services, raising questions about digital accessibility for people with disabilities. The complaint was filed by Jose Nonato on March 23, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Rustic & Main LLC.
According to the filing, Nonato brings this action on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, alleging that Rustic & Main LLC has failed to design, construct, maintain, and operate its website (https://rusticandmain.com/) so that it is fully accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals. The complaint states that this failure denies equal access to goods and services provided through the website compared to non-disabled customers. Nonato argues that this constitutes a violation of his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The document outlines how visually impaired individuals rely on screen-reading software to navigate websites. Nonato alleges that despite technological advances and widely available solutions for web accessibility—such as alternative text for images, accessible forms, descriptive links, resizable text, and keyboard navigation—the defendant’s website relies on an exclusively visual interface without meaningful accommodations for screen-reader users. As a result, Nonato asserts that he was unable to independently browse or complete purchases on the site.
Nonato describes several specific barriers encountered while attempting to shop for handcrafted rings on January 12, 2026. These include missing “Skip to Content” links (which would allow bypassing repetitive navigation), sub-menus inaccessible via keyboard controls, dialog boxes where focus order did not move as expected for screen-reader users, non-interactive contact information such as phone numbers presented only in plain text, unexpected pop-up windows without prior warning or notification to assistive technology users, unclear form field requirements when entering personal information during checkout, and inadequate feedback after adding items to the shopping cart.
The complaint further details how these barriers prevent blind or visually impaired customers from making purchases independently. It alleges that because many features require mouse interaction—a visual activity—screen-reader users are effectively excluded from using the site like sighted customers. As a result of these obstacles, Nonato claims he must spend additional time or resources visiting physical stores or relying on assistance from others.
Nonato contends that Rustic & Main LLC’s website is considered a place of public accommodation under Title III of the ADA (42 U.S.C. § 12181(7)), which requires businesses open to the public—including those operating online—to provide equal access for individuals with disabilities. He cites recent guidance from the United States Department of Justice stating that ADA requirements apply to goods and services offered via websites.
The lawsuit seeks both individual and class-wide relief. Nonato requests certification of a nationwide class consisting of all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Rustic & Main’s website but were denied full enjoyment of its goods or services due to accessibility barriers during the relevant statutory period. He asks for a preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Rustic & Main LLC to bring its website into compliance with ADA standards—including adopting recognized guidelines such as those set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (WCAG 2.2)—and declaratory relief affirming that current practices violate federal law.
Additionally, Nonato seeks compensatory damages for himself and other class members who have allegedly suffered discrimination; pre- and post-judgment interest; costs; attorneys’ fees; expert fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is being handled by attorney Michael Ohrenberger of Equal Access Law Group PLLC. The case number is 1:26-cv-03221.
Source: 126cv03221_Jose_Nonato_v_Rustic_&_Main_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf