Plaintiff
- Name: Andrew Zhang
- Filing Date: March 12, 2026
- Court: United States District Court Southern District of New York
- State: New York
- Attorney Firm: Horowitz Law, PLLC
Defendant
- Name: Hands of Hope P.T., P.C.
- Website: handsofhopeny.com
- Industry: Health Care Equipment & Services
- Standards Cited: WCAG 2.2
- Summary: Provides rehabilitation facilities, therapeutic exercise services, specialty wellness programs, personalized physical therapy, medical weight loss programs, and additional wellness services such as IV therapy and compression therapy.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, Andrew Zhang, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Hands of Hope P.T., P.C. for failing to make their website, Handsofhopeny.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent blind individuals from accessing services, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York laws. Zhang claims he was unable to book an appointment due to these barriers and seeks injunctive relief to ensure the website is accessible, along with compensatory damages for the discrimination faced.
Causes of Action
- Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. - Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Violation of New York State Human Rights Law, N.Y. Exec. Law Article 15 (Executive Law § 292 et seq.)
- Violation of New York State Civil Rights Law, NY CLS Civ R, Article 4 (CLS Civ R § 40 et seq.)
- Violation of New York City Human Rights Law, N.Y.C. Administrative Code § 8-102, et seq.
Key Allegations
- Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind individuals due to various barriers.
- Plaintiff was unable to complete a booking on the website due to accessibility issues.
- Defendant has failed to take steps to correct the access barriers on its website.
Requested Relief
- A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA and New York laws.
- A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against the blind.
- Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York State Human Rights Law and City Law.
- Plaintiff's reasonable attorneys’ fees, expenses, and costs of suit.
Proposed Class
all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Handsofhopeny.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of services offered by Handsofhopeny.com, during the relevant statutory period.
Jurisdiction & Venue
This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12181, as Plaintiff’s claims arise under Title III of the ADA and New York State Human Rights Law.
