Businesses should learn from the Target Accessibility Lawsuit

The 2006 class action lawsuit against Target was a crucial case for web accessibility. Target’s internet site was determined inaccessible to visually impaired users and accessibility lawsuit concluded in 2008 for $6 million. The settlement compelled Target to alter their business's methods and their website is now accessible to blind. Other stores and companies using the internet for business should learn from Target’s misfortune, take web accessibility seriously and immediately take necessary actions to guarantee their web site is accessible.

Previously, courts ruled the ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) only applies to actual physical spaces. The Target lawsuit was the first time a federal district judge deemed the law is applicable to websites if they are a path to a physical locations. Target was believed to posses a connection between their actual physical retail store and online store. The internet retail store was considered by the court as not being equally available to visually impaired individuals. Target was held accountable, forced to apply changes to their website and pay a hefty settlement.

Accessibility Lawsuit overview:

• Claims Target’s website was inaccessible to blind users.                    
• Target’s website was allegedly not accessible to those who use assistive technology to navigate the companies website.                                                        
• Blind plaintiffs wanted web accessibility changes that would allow blind patrons to purchase items, use gift cards, Target store locations, and perform other actions available to non-impaired consumers.

(Hunton and Williams, Accessibility Lawsuits)

Currently, Target is no longer regarded as have an inaccessible website and is now respected for being a gold member certified website of the National Federation for the Blind. Visually impaired patrons can more effectively connect to Target.com and have the opportunity to acquire the same supplies and services as a sighted individuals.

There are various explanations for why businesses choose to ignore web accessibility: the company is unaware it is inaccessible, current lack of penalties, or they are not familiar with available validation tools to assess accessibility guidelines. In 2014 the government is planning to update and apply web accessibility guidelines and standards. Business and website owners shouldn't ignore the lessons learned in this case and quickly take a proactive attitude toward website compliance. It is better to be on the right side of accessibility than to be dealing with an accessibility lawsuit.

Vimeo’s HTML5 Update Enhances Accessibility and More

Vimeo has recently presented a series of upgrades to their video player platform, along with incorporating in-player transaction support for Vimeo subscribers which allows any professional member to market their work and do it using the means they like, on the net or own their company site. Included in the upgrade is a faster and more accessible service. The update is done around HTML5 technology offering a more responsive design for computers, phones and tablets.

Vimeo's chief technology officer, Andrew Pile explains that Vimeo is an exceptional platform that takes pride in the expertise of creators worldwide. Using Vimeo will ensure content is shown at the very best quality possible. A significant amount of work went into generating the latest version of our player. Pile states that Vimeo is excited to take a top slot in support of open web standards by using HTML5. Other changes Vimeo has applied, includes the introduction of speedier playback, along with reduced loading time, plus the opportunity to make purchases directly from a members.

Vimeo has also enhanced their web accessibility, making the platform easier to use with assistive technology. This will likely be a big progress for individuals utilizing keyboard and display screen readers, as well as those who utilize captions and subtitles. Video creators can now add their very own translations subtitles and captions to their videos, helping to increase viewership across the globe. While web accessibility changes to the Vimeo platform can still use enhancements, the much needed improvements will be appreciated by many impaired users.

Vimeo has attracted clients through the years due to their quality customer care. It is a significant reason video makers have chosen this platform. With the current HTML5 in place that provides increased web accessibility, better voice over and sharing compatibility, it looks as if the popular platform will continue to remain a preferred consumer product.