A new lawsuit claims that a major online retailer of woodworking tools is denying blind and visually impaired individuals equal access to its website, raising questions about compliance with federal disability law in the digital age. The complaint was filed by Andre Battle on March 4, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Infinity Cutting Tools, Inc.
According to the filing, Battle is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to access web content. He alleges that Infinity Cutting Tools’ website, https://infinitytools.com, contains numerous barriers that prevent him and others with similar disabilities from independently navigating or making purchases online. The lawsuit is brought as a class action on behalf of all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to use the site but were denied full access to its goods and services.
The complaint outlines specific difficulties encountered by Battle when attempting to shop for a saw blade on September 3, 2025. These issues included submenu elements within drop-down navigation menus that could not be operated via keyboard, images lacking descriptive alternative text needed for screen readers, dialog boxes that failed to shift focus appropriately for non-visual navigation, ambiguous link texts, non-interactive contact information such as phone numbers presented in plain text, and pop-up windows or new browser tabs opening without warning. As stated in the document: “Plaintiff was disoriented when the automatic pop-up window appeared on the web page. Plaintiff, as a legally blind user, had significant difficulty knowing when automatic visual context change had occurred.” The complaint further notes that these barriers made it impossible for Battle to complete his intended purchase.
Battle argues that these accessibility failures violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation. The suit cites 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. According to the filing: “Defendant’s denial of full and equal access to its website…is a violation of Plaintiff’s rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ‘ADA’).”
The complaint also references established guidelines for web accessibility such as version 2.2 of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which recommend features like alternative text for images and keyboard operability for all interactive elements. It alleges that Infinity Cutting Tools has not followed these guidelines despite their widespread adoption by other businesses and government agencies.
Battle asserts that he would return to shop at Infinitytools.com if accessibility barriers were removed: “Plaintiff will visit the website again immediately upon Defendant correcting the numerous accessibility barriers on it.” He claims ongoing harm due to being excluded from online shopping opportunities available to sighted customers.
In addition to alleged violations of federal law, Battle brings claims under state law and seeks certification of a nationwide class consisting of all legally blind individuals who have been denied access through Infinitytools.com during the relevant statutory period. The lawsuit requests several forms of relief: an injunction requiring Infinity Cutting Tools to bring its website into compliance with ADA standards; compensatory damages; punitive damages; nominal damages; declaratory relief affirming discriminatory practices; payment of attorneys’ fees; pre- and post-judgment interest; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The filing details three causes of action: violation of Title III of the ADA; declaratory relief regarding ongoing discrimination; and negligent infliction of emotional distress resulting from exclusion from online commerce opportunities. It states: “As a result of Defendant’s conduct, Plaintiff suffers interference with daily activities, as well as emotional distress…including emotional and mental anguish…humiliation…frustration…and anxiety.”
Andre Battle is represented by attorney Uri Horowitz based in Flushing, New York. The case number is 1:26-cv-02430.
Source: 126cv02430_Andre_Battle_b_Infinity_Cutting_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
