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Domino's 0, disabled 1 in Monday Supreme Court action

Photo: iStock

October 8, 2019

Those with disabilities that make standard restaurant websites inaccessible won a pretty substantial victory Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear a petition from global pizza chain, Domino's, on whether its site was accessible. The Court took the action on its first day in session after the summer break. 

In January the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that retailers must make online services open and operative for those with disabilities and the decision Monday upholds that decision and sends the case forward for trial, according to USA Today. The action puts all restaurateurs with websites, as well as retailers overall, on notice that their sites must be compliant with this ruling.

The action was originally initiated by Guillermo Robles, a blind individual who told U.S. District Court in California that Domino's website failed to let him use his mobile phone screen-reader to order pizza from the chain, which he contended violated federal laws designed to protect the disabled. 

Domino's, however, counters that customized pies can be ordered in a number of other ways, including in person, by phone, via text or social media, or through devices like Alexa and Google Home. The brand even said it has a voice-ordering digital assistant under development. 

"Although Domino's is disappointed that the Supreme Court will not review this case, we look forward to presenting our case at the trial court," said a statement posted on Domino's website Monday. "We also remain steadfast in our belief in the need for federal standards for everyone to follow in making their websites and mobile apps accessible."