William Odonnell v. Accor Management US Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, William Odonnell, a legally blind individual, is suing Accor Management US Inc. for failing to make its website, Sofitel.accor.com, accessible to blind users, which allegedly violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plaintiff claims he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to navigate the website using screen reader technology, including missing alternative text for images and unclear labels for interactive elements. He seeks a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to improve the website's accessibility and to ensure compliance with ADA standards, as well as attorney's fees and other damages.

Causes of Action

• Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181, et seq., Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind individuals, violating the ADA.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers while attempting to use the website, including lack of alternative text for images and unclear labels for interactive elements.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
• A preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make the Website compliant with the ADA.
• A declaration that Defendant discriminates against the blind by failing to provide access as required by the ADA.
• Plaintiff’s reasonable attorneys’ fees, statutory damages, expenses, and costs of suit.
• Pre- and post-judgment interest.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12188; venue is proper in the District of Massachusetts.