A lawsuit has been filed claiming that a major online greeting card retailer’s website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals, allegedly denying them equal access to goods and services in violation of federal law. The complaint was submitted by Phyllis Hampton on March 10, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against The Occasions Group, Inc.
According to the court filing, Hampton is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites. She alleges that The Occasions Group’s website, https://brookhollowcards.com, contains significant barriers that prevent her and others with similar disabilities from independently browsing or making purchases. “Defendant is denying blind and visually impaired individuals throughout the United States equal access to the goods and services Defendant provides to their non-disabled customers through the Website,” the complaint states.
The document outlines that Hampton attempted to purchase Christmas cards from the site but was unable to complete her transaction due to various accessibility issues. These included missing alternative text on images, inaccessible drop-down menus, poorly labeled forms, and interactive elements that could not be accessed using only a keyboard. Specific examples cited include: “Different images of the same product had similar and poorly descriptive alternative text,” “Interactive elements from the website could not be focused with the Tab key,” and “Sub-menu elements with drop-down menus were inaccessible via keyboard.”
Hampton argues that these design choices force visually impaired customers to rely on sighted assistance or visit physical stores instead of shopping independently online. The complaint notes that accessible technology—such as proper use of alternative text, accessible forms, descriptive links, resizable text, and keyboard navigation—is readily available and used by other retail websites but has not been implemented by The Occasions Group.
The lawsuit claims this failure violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation. It cites guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice stating that ADA requirements apply to all goods and services offered by public accommodations—including those provided online.
Hampton seeks certification for a nationwide class action representing all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access brookhollowcards.com but were denied full enjoyment of its goods or services due to these barriers. She requests both preliminary and permanent injunctions requiring The Occasions Group to bring its website into compliance with ADA standards so it becomes fully accessible for visually impaired users.
In addition to injunctive relief, Hampton asks for compensatory damages for herself and other class members who have allegedly suffered discrimination as a result of these practices. Other requested remedies include declaratory judgment affirming that The Occasions Group’s current website operations are discriminatory under federal law; an order certifying this case as a class action; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees; expert costs; and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The complaint details how existing web accessibility guidelines—such as those published by the World Wide Web Consortium (WCAG 2.2)—are widely recognized as industry standards for making digital content usable by people with disabilities. It asserts that following these guidelines would not fundamentally alter The Occasions Group’s business nor impose an undue burden.
Hampton is represented by Alison Chan of Equal Access Law Group PLLC. As stated in court documents dated March 10, 2026, this case is identified as Case No.: 1:26-cv-2677.
Source: 126cv02677_Phyllis_Hampton_v_The_Occasions_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
