Skip to main content

A Federal District Court in Michigan held that a blind person has the right to sue a credit union she claims has an inaccessible website even though she is not eligible for membership.


It was only a matter of time until this happened. A Federal District Court in Michigan held that a blind person has the right to sue a credit union she claims has an inaccessible website even though she is not eligible for membership. The court refused to dismiss the lawsuit, by doing so, ruled that all credit unions could potentially be found to violate the Americans with Disability Act if their website is not ADA compliant.

Karla Brintley, the plaintiff, does not qualify for membership at Belle River Community Credit Union. This fact meant nothing to the court, as it ruled that she could prove she was harmed. “Because of these barriers, the Plaintiff has been denied the ability to effectively browse for Defendant’s services and locations, determine eligibility for membership, and compare Defendant’s services and advantages with its competitors.”

The court determined that websites are subject to the ADA’s accessibility requirements whenever there is a connection between a website and the services being provided by the physical location. The court held so long as the website provides information on products, services and locations that could be obtained at the physical branch, this standard could be satisfied.

This reverses the trend of outcomes in Virginia, where Federal Courts have dismissed a slew of lawsuits due to inaccessible websites. This is no surprise, especially in Michigan, where the courts take accessibility very seriously.

The solution is very simple. It is faster, easier, less expensive in both actual monetary cost and potential reputational damage to simply fix the problem. These attorneys are not going anywhere. Credit Unions need to address the issue now, because if they don’t, they will most certainly have to address it later and at a much higher cost.


Eric Isham
CEO and Founder
omnicommander.com
Office 850.269.7111
Cell    270.320.1224




While in Seattle, stop 
by OMNICOMMANDER's booth and see how they can help you with your website.

See you in Seattle


















Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mortgage Rates See Biggest Decline in a Year; Applications Rise

WASHINGTON–Mortgage rates saw the biggest one-week drop in over a year last week, causing the first increase in mortgage demand in a month, according to new data. Total mortgage application volume rose 2.5% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($726,200 or less) decreased to 7.61% from 7.86%, with points falling to 0.69 from 0.73 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment. The Rate Driver "Last week's decrease in rates was driven by the U.S. Treasury's issuance update, the Fed striking a dovish tone in the November FOMC statemen

Growing Delinquencies, Especially in Auto Loans, Can be Seen in New CUNA Report

MADISON, Wis.–Ongoing increases in delinquencies, especially in automobile loans, can be seen in the new CUNA Economic Update . According to CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk, the report shows: Mortgage delinquencies. With data obtained by Equifax, CUNA economists said they have found “slight upward movements” in mortgage delinquency rates.   Credit card delinquencies. Bigger increases in delinquency rates relative to the cyclical low – as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic – is concerning, said Schenk.   Auto loan delinquencies: Data shows a “dramatic” increase in delinquency rates among institutions such as auto financing companies.  CUNA Forecast   CUNA’s economists are forecasting delinquency rates will peak at 1% by the end of 2024.

Speakers & Sessions For NCOFCU 24 San Antonio TX.

National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions Inc (NCOFCU)  Speakers and Schedule! It is the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions (NCOFCU) "GO TO Conference" for credit unions serving first responders! Who should attend? CEO's, VP's Directors and Staff See What's Planned Register Here! Bring your spouse, bring a guest to enjoy San Antonio, TX River Walk 4 Days Golf 16 + Sessions Alamo Reception Closing Dinner Right on the San Antonio River Walk Several Networking events Open Forums Idea Exchange Events Panel Discussions of CU Leaders National & Industry Speakers Trends in First-Responder Credit Unions Director & Volunteer Sessions Exhibitors ShowcaseAnd  So Much More! HOTEL REGISTER HERE