There's a gentle buzz amoungst the web developing world while we all keep an eye out on
Target (a very large US retailer). Target, in the face of a drawn out lawsuit brought forward by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), has dug its heels in essentially claiming that because their online store isn't a 'bricks and mortar' store, different rules apply. It seems a brave, if foolish, stance perhaps one that only an organisation as large as this could afford to take.
Whether it's a genuine belief that those with disabilities shouldn't be catered for by their website or whether its a cheap ploy to get some column inches remains to be seem, but it is surprising that a company is willing, not only to exclude potential customers from accessing their store, but also to actively anger those campaigning for improved design for disabilities.
It's starting to sound now however that Target will actually bring their site into line with the accessibility guidelines but it will be under the pretense that they did it of their own accord rather than because of pressure from elsewhere.
Related sites:
RNIB: Target Sued 08/09/2006
OUT-LAW.COM Target Sued 14/02/2006