Supreme Court Delivers a Large Victory for People with Disabilities in Domino’s Digital Accessibility Case

What This Decision Means for Digital Accessibility Lawsuits Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

On Monday, October 8^th, the Supreme Court declined to take the case of Domino’s Pizza, LLC v. Robles, Guillermo. As we previously reported, the case was Domino’s appeal of an earlier decision from the Ninth Circuit of Appeals ruling that the plaintiff had the right to sue for discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to Domino’s maintaining an inaccessible website, mobile website, and mobile applications. The case had been closely watched by accessibility advocates and companies with digital presences.

In issuing a “Certiorari Denied” the court did not offer any opinions on the case, nor serve any rulings that will help determine future accessibility lawsuits. What it did do was allow for additional suits against companies with inaccessible digital content and environments by plaintiffs with disabilities alleging discrimination under the ADA. This is important, and widely considered a victory for people with disabilities, because if the Court took the case, it could lead to a decision barring similar suits in the future.

While the Supreme Court’s decision effectively ends Domino’s Pizza’s appeal of the Ninth Circuit ruling, we don’t expect this to be the last time a company brings concerns about digital accessibility lawsuits to the attention of the Court.

If you have any questions or concerns about digital accessibility, as it relates to court cases, lawsuits or otherwise, The Viscardi Center can help you. We offer an array of services to help small and medium size businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies achieve accessibility compliance. Call or email us today to learn more!