At least two New York CBD retailers are facing lawsuits from a legally blind shopper who says their websites violate federal law because they’re not accessible to the visually impaired.
Prospect Farms Hemp Sales LLC and Highline Wellness Inc. are accused of failing to comply with requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Plaintiff Rasheta Bunting says in separate complaints that the companies are “denying blind and visually-impaired persons throughout the United States with equal access to the goods and services” they sell to others.
“Blind customers are essentially prevented from purchasing items” on either website, according to the lawsuits.
Bunting is asking a federal court in New York to require the companies to update their sites with “readily available” technology aimed at assisting the visually impaired navigate a website, such as alternative text, accessible forms, descriptive links and resizable text. She also seeks unspecified damages and class-action status.
Bunting is also suing at least one other online health and wellness retailer that does not sell cannabinoid products. She argues that the visually impaired have a greater need than others to shop online because of mobility challenges.
Law 360 first reported the lawsuit against Prospect Farms.
