A new federal lawsuit claims that a major online retailer’s website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals, preventing them from independently purchasing products and accessing services available to other customers. The complaint was filed by Martrell Desamonta Booker on March 17, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Pattern Brands, LLC.
According to the filing, Booker is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to access web content. He alleges that Pattern Brands’ website, https://onsentowel.com/, contains significant barriers that make it impossible for him and others with similar disabilities to navigate or complete transactions without assistance. The lawsuit is brought as a class action on behalf of all similarly situated individuals in the United States who have attempted to use the site but were denied equal access.
The complaint outlines that Booker attempted to purchase a bath robe from the defendant’s website but was unable to do so due to multiple accessibility issues. These included missing alternative text for images, improper heading structures, interactive elements that could not be accessed via keyboard navigation, unclear labels for buttons and forms, redundant links leading to confusion, and pop-up windows that disoriented screen-reader users. “Despite his efforts,” the document states, “Booker was denied a shopping experience like that of a sighted individual due to the Website’s lack of a variety of features and accommodations.” Booker asserts that these barriers violate both state and federal law, specifically Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The filing emphasizes that accessible technology exists and is widely used by other retailers. It cites guidelines such as those published by the World Wide Web Consortium (WCAG 2.2) as well-established standards for making websites usable by people with visual impairments. The complaint alleges that Pattern Brands has chosen not to implement these measures on its site despite their availability.
Booker details his experience attempting to buy an “Antimicrobial Gauze Robe” on January 22, 2026. He reports being unable to evaluate product images or select size options using his screen reader because of missing alt-text and inaccessible interactive elements. The navigation menu also posed problems by automatically expanding sub-menus when receiving keyboard focus, forcing repeated encounters with unnecessary content.
The suit further argues that because visually impaired customers cannot use the site independently, they are forced instead to shop at physical stores—often requiring additional time or assistance—or rely on others for help online. This exclusion from digital commerce is described as discriminatory under federal law: “Defendant denies blind and visually impaired individuals throughout the United States equal access to the goods and services Defendant provides… through the Website.”
Booker seeks several remedies from the court: a preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Pattern Brands to bring its website into compliance with ADA standards; declaratory relief affirming that current practices are discriminatory; certification of a nationwide class of affected individuals; compensatory damages; interest; costs; attorneys’ fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The legal arguments rest heavily on provisions within Title III of the ADA prohibiting discrimination in places of public accommodation—including websites—by denying full enjoyment or failing to provide reasonable modifications or auxiliary aids necessary for equal access. The complaint references recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice confirming these requirements apply online.
Booker is represented by Alison Chan of Equal Access Law Group PLLC in Flushing, New York. The case number is 1:26-cv-3000.
Source: 126cv03000_Martrell_Desamonta_v_Pattern_Brands_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
