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businessman walking with dog guideHome > Press Room > Press Release Archive > AFB Commends Target's Decision

AFB Commends Target's Decision to Make Web Site More Accessible to People with Vision Loss

Washington, DC (August 28, 2008)—Today, the American Foundation for the Blind applauded the announcement that the Target retail chain will make its web site more accessible to customers with vision loss. The decision brings closure to litigation brought against Target by the National Federation of the Blind in 2006.

"This is an important victory for people with vision loss," said Mark Richert, Director of Public Policy for the American Foundation for the Blind. "Not only does the settlement allow consumers with vision loss equal opportunity to access the goods and services on Target's web site, but it reiterates that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does cover accessibility of commercial web sites for people with disabilities."

Improving the accessibility of a site is not that difficult, and can be done by making a few simple modifications, such as properly labeling graphics and links. At least 20 million Americans say they have trouble seeing, even with glasses or contacts, and these numbers are projected to increase substantially as the U.S. population ages. This means that more and more consumers will expect the web to be accessible. It's time businesses, online retailers, and web designers follow in Target's footsteps and make their sites available to all consumers.

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About AFB

The American Foundation for the Blind is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information, visit us online at www.afb.org.

Contact: Caitlin McFeely
AFB Communications
(212) 502-7674
cmcfeely@afb.net

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