The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) has been asked by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts under Judge William G. Young to share the following notice with its membership regarding the settlement agreement of a class action lawsuit against Poly-Wood, LLC. The basis of the suit is failure to communicate information on online stores fully and equally to consumers who use screen reader auxiliary aids to access digital content.

The notice, sent to nine additional organizations of and for the blind, reports the successful settlement to resolve all claims put forth in Giannaros v. PolyWood for injunctive relief under all federal, state, and local laws. The class action settlement notice reads:

Class Action Notice

A proposed settlement has been reached that would resolve the class action lawsuit Giannaros v. Poly-Wood, No. 1:21-cv-10351 (D. Mass.). The lawsuit alleges that Poly-Wood violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101, et seq. by failing to take the necessary steps to ensure that its websites do not discriminate against blind or visually disabled consumers who use screen reader auxiliary aids to access digital content. Poly-Wood denies the allegations. Under the settlement, Poly-Wood agrees to take additional steps to make its websites, mobile apps, and any new website or mobile app it develops or acquires Accessible to screen reader users. For a more complete summary of the terms of the proposed settlement, please visit here (CLICK HERE).

The deadline for class members, which includes BVA stakeholders, to object to the settlement agreement is July 9, 2022. While representatives of the East End Trial Group believe that the relief described in the settlement is substantial, all class members and organizations that advocate on their behalf have an opportunity to share their opinions.