Missouri River Soap Lawsuit: A Comprehensive Guide
Missouri River Soap is a small business that sells handmade soap and other personal care products online. In November 2021, Arturo Estevez, a blind man, filed a lawsuit against Missouri River Soap alleging that the company’s website was not accessible to people with disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL).
Background
The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and state and local government services. The law also requires businesses to make their facilities and services accessible to people with disabilities.
The NYCHRL is a similar law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in New York City. The law also requires businesses in New York City to make their facilities and services accessible to people with disabilities.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
In his complaint, Estevez alleges that Missouri River Soap’s website is not accessible to people with disabilities in a number of ways, including:
- The website does not have alt text for images, which makes it difficult for blind people to understand the content of the website.
- The website does not have keyboard navigation, which makes it difficult for people with mobility impairments to use the website.
- The website does not have screen reader support, which makes it difficult for blind people to use the website.
Outcome of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was settled in March 2022. Under the terms of the settlement, Missouri River Soap agreed to make its website accessible to people with disabilities in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. The company also agreed to pay Estevez $1,000 in damages.
Implications of the Lawsuit
The Missouri River Soap lawsuit is a reminder that businesses must make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. The law requires businesses to make reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities can access their goods and services.
Conclusion
The Missouri River Soap lawsuit is a victory for people with disabilities. The settlement ensures that people with disabilities will be able to access the company’s website and purchase its products. The lawsuit also sends a message to other businesses that they must make their websites accessible to people with disabilities.
FAQs
Q: What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
A: The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and state and local government services. The law also requires businesses to make their facilities and services accessible to people with disabilities.
Q: What is the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)?
A: The NYCHRL is a similar law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in New York City. The law also requires businesses in New York City to make their facilities and services accessible to people with disabilities.
Q: What does it mean for a website to be accessible?
A: An accessible website is one that can be used by people with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or have mobility impairments. Accessible websites typically have features such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support.
Q: Why is it important for websites to be accessible?
A: It is important for websites to be accessible so that people with disabilities can participate fully in society. Accessible websites allow people with disabilities to access information, shop for goods and services, and communicate with others.
Q: What can I do if I encounter a website that is not accessible?
A: If you encounter a website that is not accessible, you can contact the website owner or operator and ask them to make the website accessible. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
Q: Are there any resources available to help businesses make their websites accessible?
A: Yes, there are a number of resources available to help businesses make their websites accessible. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are a set of technical standards that can be used to make websites accessible. There are also a number of organizations that offer training and assistance on web accessibility.
References:
- Case Summary: Estevez v. Missouri River Soap LLC: https://www.accessibility.com/digital-lawsuits/arturo-estevez-vs-missouri-river-soap-llc-2021-11-03
- Americans with Disabilities Act: https://www.ada.gov/
- [New York City Human Rights Law](https://www
