SANCHEZ v. HEATH CERAMICS, LTD.

    Plaintiff

    • Name: Christian Sanchez
    • Filing date: December 2, 2020
    • State of filing: New York

    Defendant

    • Name: Heath Ceramics, LTD.
    • Website: www.heathceramics.com
    • Industry: Consumer Goods
    • Summary: Heath Ceramics manufactures and sells a variety of ceramic drinkware, tableware, home decor, decorative tile and related items.

    Case Summary

    On December 2, 2020, Christian Sanchez filed a Complaint in New York Federal court against Heath Ceramics, LTD.. Plaintiff Christian Sanchez alleges that www.heathceramics.com is not accessible per the WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1 accessibility standard(s).

    Case Details

    Plaintiff alleges issues in its Complaint including the following:

    • Lack of Alternative Text (“alt-text”), or a text equivalent. Alt-text is an invisible code embedded beneath a graphical image on a website. Web accessibility requires that alt-text be coded with each picture so that screen-reading software can speak
      the alt-text where a sighted user sees pictures, which includes captcha prompts. Alttext does not change the visual presentation, but instead a text box shows when the cursor moves over the picture. The lack of alt-text on these graphics prevents screen readers from accurately vocalizing a description of the graphics.
    • Empty Links That Contain No Text causing the function or purpose of the link to not be presented to the user. This can introduce confusion for keyboard and screenreader users;
    • Redundant Links where adjacent links go to the same URL address which results in additional navigation and repetition for keyboard and screen-reader users; and
    • Linked Images Missing Alt-text, which causes problems if an image within a link contains no text and that image does not provide alt-text. A screen reader then has no content to present the user as to the function of the link, including information contained in PDFs.
    • When using the keyboard for navigation, the website loses its
      functionality for drop-down menus and the related options. This loss of functionality creates issues with the screen reader and as such causes the user to lose any ability to work with or review the site.
    • Site information such as "Place your order by these dates for
      Thanksgiving delivery", was not labeled to integrate with the screen reader. The only option available is "these dates", therefore, bars the user from accessing vital information the site is to convey.
    • Site element such as text proving product detail is not labeled to integrate with the screen reader. The information is not accessible when using the keyboard for navigation. Without providing proper information, it would create a barrier for a visually impaired user.
    • The website permits the user to buy quantities of its product. Greater than one. The "cart" feature allows for the user to increase the quantity count by pressing a (+) or (-) feature on the screen. The website lacks sufficient description describing the quantity feature of the cart and only presents "button" as the description. The lack of detail is confusing and difficult for a screen reader to interpret.

    Plaintiff asserts the following cause(s) of action in its Complaint:

    • VIOLATIONS OF THE ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
    • VIOLATIONS OF THE NYSHRL
    • VIOLATION OF THE NEW YORK STATE CIVIL RIGHTS LAW
    • VIOLATIONS OF THE NYCHRL
    • DECLARATORY RELIEF

    Plaintiff seeks the following relief by way of its Complaint:

    • A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12182, et seq., N.Y. Exec. Law § 296, et seq., N.Y.C. Administrative Code § 8-107, et seq., and the laws of New York;
    • A preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Defendant to take all the steps necessary to make its Website into full compliance with the requirements set forth in the ADA, and its implementing regulations, so that the Website is readily accessible to and usable by blind individuals;
    • A declaration that Defendant owns, maintains and/or operates its Website in a manner that discriminates against the blind and which fails to provide access for persons with disabilities as required by Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12182, et seq., N.Y. Exec. Law § 296, et seq.,
      N.Y.C. Administrative Code § 8-107, et seq., and the laws of New York
    • An order certifying the Class and Sub-Classes under Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a) & (b)(2) and/or (b)(3), appointing Plaintiff as Class Representative, and his attorneys as Class Counsel;
    • Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined by proof, including all applicable statutory and punitive damages and fines, to
    • Plaintiff and the proposed class and subclasses for violations of their civil rights under New York State Human Rights Law and City Law;
    • Pre- and post-judgment interest;
    • An award of costs and expenses of this action together with
      reasonable attorneys’ and expert fees; and
    • Such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper. 

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