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| | National Federation of the Blind and
Target Agree to Class Action Settlement
8/27/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen Target Communications
Public Relations Specialist (612) 696-3400
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281
cdanielsen@nfb.org
National Federation of the Blind and Target
Agree to Class Action Settlement
Target Will Ensure That Web Site Remains
Accessible to Guests Who Use Assistive Technologies
Baltimore, Maryland (August 27, 2008): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
and Target (NYSE: TGT) announced today that they have settled a class action
lawsuit regarding access to the Target.com Web site by blind people.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
“Access to Web sites is critical to the full and equal participation of blind
people in all aspects of modern life. The National Federation of the Blind is
pleased to have reached a settlement with Target that is good for all blind
consumers, and we recognize that Target has already taken action to make certain
that its Web site is accessible to everyone. We look forward to working with
Target in the coming months to help make additional improvements that will
enhance the experience of blind visitors to Target.com. It is our sincere hope
that other businesses providing goods and services over the Internet will follow
Target’s example and take affirmative steps to provide full access to their Web
sites by blind consumers.”
Bruce Sexton, Jr., a named plaintiff in the case from the beginning, added:
"This settlement marks a new chapter in making Web sites accessible to the
blind. I commend Target for committing to being a leader in online
accessibility."
Steve Eastman, president of Target.com, said: “First and foremost, Target is
committed to serving all our guests. As our online business has evolved, we
have made significant enhancements in order to provide an accessible shopping
experience. We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the National
Federation of the Blind regarding the accessibility of Target.com for
individuals who use assistive technologies and will work with the NFB on further
refinements to our Web site.”
As part of the settlement, Target will establish a $6 million fund from which
members of the California settlement class can make claims. In addition, the
National Federation of the Blind will certify the Target Web site through its
Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification program once agreed upon improvements
are completed in early 2009. Target and NFB have agreed to a three-year
relationship during which NFB will perform accessibility testing of the Target
Web site. For more information about the terms of the settlement, please visit
www.nfbtargetlawsuit.com.
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About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the
largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the
United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy,
education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and
self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the
voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National
Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training
center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,648 stores in 47 states nationwide
by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is
committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products,
in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store
or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping
experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items.
Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities
through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962,
Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to
help meet community needs.
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