ST. JOSEPH — A blind man has filed a federal lawsuit against the American Jazz Museum, alleging that the museum's website is inaccessible to individuals with visual disabilities and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Robert Glen Myers filed the complaint alleging that the American Jazz Museum's website is incompatible with screen reader software, preventing blind individuals, including himself, from fully accessing the museum's products and services, according to a complaint filed Feb. 21 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
Myers claims the website's inaccessibility denies him and others the ability to engage with the museum's offerings, including learning about programming, performances and exhibits.
He also states that the lack of access prevents him from signing up for the museum's electronic newsletter, which provides exclusive offers and updates.
The complaint alleges that the museum has not made this information available in any other accessible digital format.
The lawsuit notes the importance of digital access for individuals with visual impairments, focusing on the challenges and risks visually impaired individuals face when traveling outside their homes.
Myers argues that being able to explore the museum's offerings online is an essential accommodation under the ADA.
The complaint states that the website is also used to search for physical store locations, check store hours, browse merchandise and sign up for promotional emails—features Myers cannot utilize due to the accessibility barriers.
According to the filing, Myers attempted to access the museum's website in September 2024 to learn about merchandise, sales and promotions with the intention of making a purchase.
Despite using screen reader software, he was unable to navigate the website due to what the complaint describes as "access barriers."
Myers sent a pre-suit communication to the museum on Oct. 9, 2024, notifying them of the accessibility issues, but the museum has allegedly failed to address the problems.
The lawsuit argues that the museum's failure to provide an accessible website constitutes discrimination under Title III of the ADA.
The section of the law requires places of public accommodation to offer equal access to their goods, services, and facilities.
The complaint references the ADA's legislative findings, which recognize the ongoing discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities and stress the importance of removing barriers to access.
Congress enacted the ADA in 1990 to address discrimination against people with disabilities across various areas, including public accommodations.
The law's purpose is to provide clear, enforceable standards for eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal access.
Under Title III of the ADA, both the U.S. Attorney General and private individuals are authorized to bring lawsuits to enforce compliance.
The complaint highlights that, more than three decades after the ADA's passage, many facilities still fail to comply with its requirements.
It further argues that private lawsuits are a crucial mechanism for enforcing the law, given the limited resources of the U.S. Department of Justice's Disability Section.
Myers presents himself as part of a small group of private plaintiffs who act as advocates for the disabled community.
Myers is asking the court to order the American Jazz Museum to make its website accessible and implement policies to prevent future accessibility barriers.
He also seeks reimbursement for his legal costs and other expenses related to the case.
Myers is represented by Kevin W. Puckett of ADA Legal Team in Kansas City.
Attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri case number: 5:25-cv-06034