Although it might seem odd that the blind would use a Web site like www.target.com, advocates for the blind claim that computer software and coding embedded in Web sites makes surfing the Internet as easy for those who cannot see as it is for those who can.

Blind people access Web sites using keyboards and screen-reading software that vocalizes the information others see on a computer screen. The complaint states that Target's site lacks "alt-text," an invisible code embedded beneath images on the Web site that screen-reading software uses to provide descriptions to the blind.

The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, claims that Target's website does not support such software, making the site useless to the blind -- a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act and various state laws.

"Target thus excludes the blind from full and equal participation in the growing Internet economy that is increasingly a fundamental part of daily life," said the suit, which seeks class action certification.

Lawyers for the blind chose Target because of its popularity and because of a large number of complaints by blind patrons.

Target's site also has inaccessible image maps, the suit said. Image maps, when clicked on by sighted users, allow the patron to jump to other parts of the Web site. Without image maps, visitors to www.target.com must use a mouse to complete transactions -- preventing blind patrons from surfing the site or making online purchases, the suit said.