Petersen v. Jo-ann Stores LLC

Summary

On October 4, 2020, Aisha Petersen filed a Complaint in Florida Federal court against Jo-Ann Stores LLC. Plaintiff Aisha Petersen alleges that www.joann.com is not accessible per the WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1 accessibility standard(s).

About the defendant

Jo Ann LLC owns and operates a chain of fabric and craft supply stores.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

• Find out about Jo-Ann’s fashion fabric and crafts available online or at the store; since Plaintiff appreciates it and purchases on a regular basis;
• Locate Jo-Ann’s stores near Plaintiff’s home;
• Learn about buying Jo-Ann’s weakly coupons and ad;
• Plaintiff attempted to locate an “Accessibility Notice” on Defendant’s computer website which would direct him to a webpage with contact information for disabled individuals who have questions, concerns, or who are having difficulties communicating with the business. However, Plaintiff was unable to do so because no such link or notice was provided on Defendant’s website.

Legal claims

The laws the plaintiff says the defendant broke, called causes of action.

• 42 USC 12182 Americans with Disabilities Act

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

• That the Court issue a Declaratory Judgment that determines that the Defendants' website at the commencement of the subject lawsuit is in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
• That the Court enter an Order directing Defendants to continually update and maintain their computer version of the defendant’s website and Jo-Ann’s website to ensure that it remains fully accessible to and usable by visually impaired individuals;
• That the Court issue an Injunctive relief order directing Defendant to alter their website to make it accessible to, and useable by, individuals with disabilities to the full extent required by Title III of the ADA;
• That the Court enter an Order directing Defendant to evaluate and neutralize their policies and procedures towards persons with disabilities for such reasonable time so as to allow Defendants to undertake and complete corrective procedures;
• That the Court enter an award of attorney’s fees, costs and litigation expenses pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 12205; and Title III of the ADA Section 36.505.