In a landmark ruling, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York recognized accessWidget as a measure that promotes website accessibility.
During the case of Erkan v. David A. Hidalgo, MD, P.C., the defendant faced allegations that his business’s website was inaccessible and non-compliant with accessibility standards. To counter these claims, the defendant demonstrated accessibility improvements made to the website, including the use of accessWidget.
The judge ruled that these measures, “and the site’s use of an accessibility widget”, were "sufficient to assure the Court that there is no reasonable expectation that the [accessibility] issues purportedly identified by Plaintiff will recur."
This recognition, which contributed to the dismissal of an ADA digital accessibility lawsuit, marks a significant milestone, not just for accessWidget but for accessiBe’s broader mission of creating a more inclusive internet. It reaffirms the tangible impact of our AI-powered solution and the commitment we share with our customers to promote accessibility.
Building a more inclusive internet
At accessiBe, our mission has always been clear: to make the internet more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Accessibility is not just about compliance with legal standards; it involves making a genuine effort to enable people with disabilities to engage with the digital world. This focus is what drives us every day.
We’ve developed a variety of innovative products and services designed to align with this mission, helping businesses of all sizes integrate accessibility into their digital presence. From automated tools to manual services, we’re striving to make accessibility achievable, scalable, and impactful.
This commitment was put to the test in a pivotal court case that affirmed our mission by showcasing the tangible impact of accessWidget in helping businesses achieve web accessibility and compliance.
Dr. Hidalgo, a plastic surgeon using accessWidget on his practice’s website, faced a significant challenge when a plaintiff filed an ADA lawsuit against him, alleging the website was not accessible to people with disabilities. Confronted with serious legal and reputational risks, Dr. Hidalgo turned to accessiBe for support.
With accessWidget on his website and accessiBe’s litigation support at his service, Dr. Hidalgo had what he needed to demonstrate his commitment to accessibility.
Our team worked with him to provide detailed audit reports, accessibility statements, and ongoing technical guidance to strengthen his case. These tools not only showcased the improvements made to his website but also highlighted his proactive steps to maintain accessibility.
Barriers addressed, case dismissed
The case, Erkan v. David A. Hidalgo, M.D., P.C., went all the way to the District Court, where the outcome was decisive.
The court found that Dr. Hidalgo’s efforts, including the implementation of accessWidget, effectively addressed the accessibility barriers raised by the plaintiff. The case was dismissed, with the court highlighting how these measures resolved the alleged violations.
"accessiBe's support was a tremendous help. Being involved in litigation is never easy, but accessiBe quickly provided the necessary documents and reports that showcased our accessibility efforts. Their prompt and thorough response was key in demonstrating our commitment to compliance and ultimately contributed to the dismissal of the case."
- David A. Hidalgo
Key improvements to the website included enhanced alt text, clearer navigation labels, and updates to menu accessibility, achieved also through the use of accessWidget. Dr. Hidalgo also committed to ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure compliance with ADA standards.
Importantly, the judge referenced accessWidget in the decision, noting that “the site’s use of an accessibility widget” was among the accessibility improvements made to the website, which were “sufficient to assure the Court that there is no reasonable expectation that the issues purportedly identified by the Plaintiff will recur”.
Accessibility and support you can count on
The court’s recognition of accessWidget highlights its value as a powerful solution to promote accessibility and address real-world challenges.
As illustrated by Dr. Hidalgo’s experience, we at accessiBe are committed to standing by our customers every step of the way, providing them with the tools, support, and expertise needed to address legal claims and improve accessibility. This is a game changer for many businesses with the increase in ADA accessibility related legal action in recent years.
In 2024, more than 4,000 ADA digital accessibility lawsuits were filed, with most targeting small to mid-sized businesses. Even businesses with accessible websites can face unwarranted claims, which is why having a trusted partner like accessiBe is essential for expert support and legal risk mitigation.
Our proven track record speaks for itself: no accessiBe customer has ever lost a court case due to accessWidget failing to meet accessibility standards; and now, with the Dr. Hidalgo case, a court has affirmed confidence in this solution.
By trusting accessiBe’s decades of collective accessibility and legal expertise, customers can avoid unnecessary settlements and protect their reputations.
A solution for every business
Web accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Every business has its unique needs, resources, and goals, which is why accessiBe offers a range of solutions to meet them:
Our collaboration with disability organizations and people with disabilities ensures that our tools create meaningful change for the communities they serve. Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, accessiBe provides solutions tailored to your journey.
accessiBe’s commitment to our customers
The court’s recognition of accessWidget is a testament to our unwavering commitment to accessibility and to our customers.
When you choose accessiBe, you’re choosing a partner who will be with you every step of the way. Our tools, expertise, and support are designed to help you succeed—not just in meeting legal standards, but in creating a digital space where everyone feels welcome.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive internet. We’re honored to be part of your journey.
