WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 7, 2019)—On Monday, October 7, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Domino's Pizza's appeal of a lower court's ruling that it must make its website and app accessible. At the American Foundation for the Blind, we were relieved to see this common-sense confirmation of long-standing precedent. The Americans with Disabilities Act has been the law of the land since 1990, and the Department of Justice first articulated its interpretation that the ADA applies to public accommodations' websites over 20 years ago.
Web accessibility is a critical part of companies’ obligation to provide equal access to their programs, services, and activities. The standards for making websites fully accessible are known, well-documented, and can be readily achieved with proper training and usability testing to ensure that websites and apps are accessible to all customers. Full participation in American life is increasingly dependent on use of the Internet, and we are heartened that the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes the importance of the civil rights protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
For further reading:
Supreme Court hands victory to blind man who sued Domino’s over site accessibility (CNBC)
Department of Justice Confirms ADA Applies to Online Accommodations (AFB Blog)
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About The American Foundation for the Blind
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. Visit: www.afb.org
