A visually impaired individual has filed a class action lawsuit against a major beverage company, alleging that its website is inaccessible to blind and visually impaired users. The complaint was filed by Haron Cole in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 6, 2026, targeting Hint, Inc.
Haron Cole, who is legally blind and requires screen-reading software to access digital content, claims that Hint, Inc.’s website, drinkhint.com, fails to accommodate individuals with visual impairments. This lack of accessibility allegedly violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access to public accommodations. According to Cole’s complaint, the website’s design relies heavily on visual elements without providing necessary alternatives for screen-reader users. As a result, visually impaired customers are unable to independently navigate or complete transactions on the site.
The lawsuit highlights several specific barriers encountered by Cole while attempting to use the website. These include an improperly defined heading hierarchy, inaccessible drop-down menus requiring mouse navigation (which is not feasible for screen-reader users), and inadequate alternative text for images. Furthermore, essential interactive elements lacked descriptive names or feedback mechanisms necessary for visually impaired users to confirm actions like adding items to a shopping cart.
Cole argues that these barriers prevent him and others from fully participating in the growing internet economy and accessing goods and services offered online. Despite technological advances that enable digital accessibility through assistive technologies like JAWS screen-reading software, Hint’s website remains challenging for those with visual impairments.
In his legal filing, Cole seeks a permanent injunction compelling Hint to modify its website policies and practices so that it becomes accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers. Additionally, he requests compensatory damages for himself and other class members who have faced discrimination due to these accessibility issues.
Represented by Alison Chan of Equal Access Law Group PLLC., Cole brings this case forward as part of a broader effort towards ensuring digital inclusivity across all platforms—especially those offering essential consumer products such as beverages from companies like Hint Inc., headquartered in San Francisco but conducting business nationwide including within Illinois where this suit was filed under Case No.: 1:26-cv-1391 before Judge yet unnamed at this stage.
Source: 126cv01391_Haron_Cole_v_Hint_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
