Marcos Calcano v. Shedrain Corporation

Summary

According to the complaint, Marcos Calcano, a visually-impaired individual, is suing ShedRain Corporation for failing to make its website accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related New York laws. The complaint alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent blind individuals from accessing products and services, including missing alt-text for images and broken links. Calcano seeks a permanent injunction to require ShedRain to improve website accessibility and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The case highlights the ongoing issues of digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

About the defendant

Operates an online retail store offering umbrellas, outerwear, and outdoor accessories, along with related information and services.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers while attempting to use the website.
• Defendant has failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

Legal claims

The laws the plaintiff says the defendant broke, called causes of action.

• Violations of the ADA
• Violations of the NYSHRL
• Violations of the NYCHRL
• Violations of GBL § 349

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

• A permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible to blind individuals.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under various laws.
• Reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

Proposed class

The group of people the plaintiff asks to represent, so the case can cover them too.

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Defendant’s Website and as a result have been denied access to the equal enjoyment of goods and services offered by Defendant’s Website, during the relevant statutory period.