A new lawsuit claims that a jewelry retailer’s website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired customers, preventing them from making purchases or accessing information independently. The complaint was filed by Martrell Desamonta Booker on March 27, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Alexis Russell Jewelry LLC.
According to the filing, Booker brings this action on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated. He alleges that Alexis Russell Jewelry LLC failed to design, construct, maintain, and operate its website (https://www.alexisrussell.com/) so that it is fully accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The complaint states that this failure denies equal access to goods and services provided through the website and constitutes a violation of rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Booker describes himself as a legally blind person who requires screen-reading software to read website content. He asserts that he attempted to make an online purchase of a necklace but was unable to complete the transaction due to multiple accessibility barriers on the site. These barriers allegedly include inaccurate landmark structure, inadequate focus order, lack of alternative text on graphics, inaccessible drop-down menus, redundant links leading to the same destination, device-specific functionality requiring mouse use instead of keyboard navigation, pop-up windows without proper notification or focus control, and forms lacking adequate labeling.
The complaint outlines how these issues prevent visually impaired users from navigating the site or making purchases independently. For example, Booker reports encountering problems such as sub-menus that could not be accessed using keyboard commands and product images with poorly descriptive alternative text. After adding an item to his cart during his attempted purchase on January 22, 2026, he found that keyboard focus did not move as expected and he could not review his cart contents or proceed to checkout.
Booker argues that these obstacles force visually impaired customers either to rely on sighted companions or spend additional time and resources shopping at physical stores instead of being able to shop online like sighted individuals. The complaint references established guidelines for web accessibility—including those published by the World Wide Web Consortium (WCAG 2.2) and standards under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act—that are widely followed by large businesses and government agencies but which Booker alleges have not been implemented by Alexis Russell Jewelry LLC.
The lawsuit also points out recent guidance from the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division stating that ADA requirements apply to goods and services offered by public accommodations online as well as in physical locations.
Booker seeks several forms of relief from the court: a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting further ADA violations; an order requiring Alexis Russell Jewelry LLC to bring its website into full compliance with ADA requirements; a declaration recognizing that current practices discriminate against visually impaired individuals; certification of a nationwide class consisting of all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted but been denied access; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees; costs; expert fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case asserts two causes of action: violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.) for denying full enjoyment of goods and services via its website based on disability status; and declaratory relief regarding whether current practices comply with applicable law.
Booker is represented by David B. Reyes of Equal Access Law Group PLLC. The case number is 1:26-cv-3403.
Source: 126cv03403_Martrell_Desamonta_v_Alexis_RussellComplaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
