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Susan Russo v. Awol Vision Technology, LLC

Filed

Case details

Standards cited
WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Summary

According to the complaint, Susan Russo, a legally blind consumer, is suing Awol Vision Technology, LLC for failing to make its e-commerce website, www.awolvision.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals. Russo alleges that she encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the site to purchase premium home theater products, including missing alternative text for images and unlabeled buttons. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and various New York state laws. Russo seeks injunctive relief to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination she faced.

About the defendant

Defendant operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform through which consumers can browse, configure, and purchase premium 4K ultra short throw laser projectors, ambient light rejection projection screens, and integrated home theater packages.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

  • Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
  • Plaintiff encountered barriers while attempting to access the website on multiple occasions.
  • Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.

Legal claims

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

  • Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
  • New York State Human Rights Law, NYSHRL
  • Violation of New York State Civil Rights Law, NYCRL
  • Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law, NYCHRL
  • Declaratory Relief

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

  • A preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendant from violating Title III of the ADA.
  • A preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make www.awolvision.com fully accessible.
  • Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined by proof.
  • An award of costs, litigation expenses, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

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, www.awolvision.com, and, as a result of Defendant's failure to design and maintain the website in an accessible manner, were denied equal access to the goods, services, and information offered thereon.