Laurence Wills v. ALUMNI OF NY, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Laurence Wills, a visually impaired individual, is suing Alumni of NY, Inc. for failing to make their website, www.hatchetsupply.com, accessible. Wills alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to use the site to purchase Adidas sneakers, which prevented him from accessing the goods and services offered. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), claiming that the website does not comply with accessibility standards. Wills seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• Violations of the NYCHRL
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers preventing full use of the website.
• Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make the website accessible.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York City Human Rights Law.
• Attorney's fees and costs.

Proposed Class

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, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182, and venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).