National Federation of the Blind filed a law suit against Target in California’s superior court in Feb 2006. In September of 2006, a federal judge in California allowed the NFB’s case to proceed, rejecting Target’s argument that its Web site wasn’t subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act. It then became part of a class action suit in October 2007.
Well they settled today.
- Target doesn’t admit their site was ever inaccessible (although it still is)
- Target shells out 6 million dollars. I don’t think this is enough to encourage companies to make their websites accessible.
- Target will make their website compatible with screen reader software (and input from NFB). No mention of making the website compatible with other assistive technologies (screen magnifiers, those using Dragon Natural Speaking etc.)
The settlement requires Target to implement internal guidelines to make its site more accessible to the blind by Feb. 28, 2009.
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I saw that on NAGW today. The public comment to the article was, uh, “special”.
But I wholeheartedly believe corporations as well as government-backed entities should be developing their sites with 508 in mind. I heard a statistic that up to 40% of website users will, at one time or another, require some sort of adaptation.
They should, but often wont until either they are being forced to, or it is in their best economic interest. As we get older and require some form of assistive technology, perhaps it will become more economically feasible.
That’s the key: economic interest. You generate enough bad press or get enough people boycotting the store and they’ll cave!
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