Eleventh Circuit United States Court issues decision in the area of disability rights: whether a business website is a place of public accom
Last week the Eleventh Circuit issued a decision on an important issue in the area of disability rights: whether a business website is a "place of public accommodation" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Complexities aside the 11th Circuit basically said "no" in a 2-1 decision, as least not for informational websites. Winn Dixie supermarket was therefore not liable to a plaintiff with vision impairment, for a website lacking design features friendly to those who use screen readers.
While some courts have taken a similar approach, others have concluded otherwise. Those courts say websites can be places of public accommodation within the ADA, especially where there is a sufficient nexus to the physical business location.
The latest decision is therefore significant because it deepens the split of federal authority on an issue that impacts virtually every ADA-covered business and countless customers with disabilities across the nation. Divergent views on an issue with widespread impact entice the U.S. Supreme Court, especially where the issue is one of important societal concern like disability rights and inclusion. It remains to be seen whether the high court will get involved and if so, when. (Read more at link)
