A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a prominent California corporation, accusing it of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint was filed by Perla Mageno on February 24, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County against Searchlight Media, Inc. The lawsuit highlights significant barriers faced by visually-impaired individuals when accessing the company's website.
Perla Mageno, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software (SRS) to navigate online content, claims that Searchlight Media's website is not designed or maintained in a way that allows equal access for visually-impaired users. According to the complaint, Mageno encountered numerous accessibility barriers while attempting to use the website, including unlabeled graphics and buttons, inaccessible forms and navigation systems, and an ineffective accessibility widget. These issues have allegedly prevented her from fully utilizing the site’s features such as browsing products or placing orders. "Due to Defendant's failure and refusal to remove access barriers," the complaint states, "Plaintiff and visually-impaired persons have been denied equal access."
The lawsuit argues that these deficiencies violate both federal and state laws designed to protect individuals with disabilities. Specifically, Mageno accuses Searchlight Media of breaching the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act (UCRA). Under these laws, businesses are required to ensure their services are accessible to all customers. The ADA mandates reasonable modifications in policies or practices necessary for disabled individuals unless such changes would fundamentally alter the nature of services provided. Similarly, the UCRA guarantees equal access for people with disabilities to all business establishments.
Mageno seeks several forms of relief from the court: a declaratory judgment affirming that Searchlight Media's current practices are discriminatory; preliminary and permanent injunctive relief requiring modifications costing no more than $50,000; statutory damages capped at $24,999 per offense; and coverage of reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs. By pursuing this case, Mageno aims not only for personal redress but also broader compliance with accessibility standards across commercial websites.
Represented by Joseph R. Manning Jr., Esq., from Manning Law APC based in Foothill Ranch, CA, Mageno is determined to hold Searchlight Media accountable for what she perceives as ongoing discrimination against visually-impaired consumers. The case underscores growing scrutiny over digital accessibility as an essential component of civil rights in today’s technology-driven society.
The presiding judge in this matter is yet unnamed under Case No.: 2025CUCR039430 This legal battle could set important precedents regarding digital inclusivity obligations for businesses operating online platforms alongside physical locations.