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The REI sign at the entrance of its store in Portland.
(Photo Credit: Tada Images/Shutterstock)

REI class action overview:

  • Who: A legally blind man is suing Recreational Equipment Inc (REI) saying its website is not accessible to people using a screen reader 
  • Why: The plaintiff says the accessibility issue is a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act
  • Where: The class action was filed in a California federal court.

Popular outdoor equipment retailer REI does not make its website accessible for legally blind people using a screen reader, in violation of the law, a new class action lawsuit alleges. 

Plaintiff Christopher Lucero filed the class action lawsuit against Recreational Equipment Inc May 19 in a California federal court, alleging violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the Unruh Civil Rights Act.

Lucero is a visually impaired and legally blind individual who requires screen- reading software to read website content using his computer.

According to the lawsuit, REI’s website www.rei.com is not fully or equally accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers.

Plaintiff seeks damages, injunction

Specifically, Lucero said there was a lack of alt-text on the website, meaning graphics could not be described to those using a screen reader, and that there were multiple empty and redundant links. 

As a result, Lucero is seeking a permanent injunction to cause a change in REI’s corporate policies, practices, and procedures so that its website will become and remain accessible to him and other blind and visually impaired consumers.

He is looking to represent all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access the website using a screen reader, as well as a California Subclass.

He’s seeking certification of the class action, an injunction, damages of $4,000 per offense, fees, costs and a jury trial.

The news comes as REI faces a class action lawsuit alleging it sells waterproof coats that contain unsafe levels of toxic chemicals. 

What do you think of the allegations in this case? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiff is represented by Thiago M. Coelho of Wilshire Law Firm. 

The REI Class Action Lawsuit is Christopher Lucero v. Recreational Equipment, Inc, Case No. 3:22-cv-02977 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California


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3 thoughts onREI class action claims website not accessible to blind, visually impaired

  1. JJ says:

    Thank you for this many websites are the same please add me too!

  2. Dave R Harrel says:

    Add me please

  3. Guy DuBuc says:

    This is insane
    I believe all website are not accessible to blind or visually impaired.
    So are. The street, the buildings and magazine books or news paper.
    It is unfortunate and it might be possible to change that on a mid terms basis.

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