1/21/26

Episode Summary

The host, Scott Austin, talks with Jordan Brannon from Coalition about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for online stores and why it has become a major concern for Shopify merchants. They discuss how ADA compliance is currently not clearly defined in law, leading to a surge in lawsuits from attorneys targeting e-commerce sites.

Key points covered include:

• What ADA compliance means for online stores and why it matters domestically in the U.S. context.
• How stores built with Shopify themes may be partially compliant out-of-the-box but often require additional work, especially after customizations or apps are added.
• Tools and practices that help evaluate and improve accessibility, such as contrast checks and alt text for images.
• Limitations of low-cost ADA apps and the need for deeper adjustments like CSS changes and structured content.
• Discussion on when to bring in an agency for compliance support and what to look for in a partner.

Overall, the episode emphasizes that ADA compliance is important for accessibility and legal risk reduction, but achieving it requires more than just add-on tools — it involves careful evaluation and ongoing effort.

Show Links

• Coalition - https://coalitiontechnologies.com/
• Wave Evaluation Tool for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofh
• axe DevTools Web Accessibility Testing for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbdd
• Accessibly Shopify app - https://apps.shopify.com/accessibly-app?ref=835204
• AccessPro Accessibility Widget - https://apps.shopify.com/access-pro?ref=835204
• Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla

Video & Transcript

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-177-ada-compliance-with-jordan-brannon

1/7/26

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Scott Austin appears as a guest on the Day in a Canoe Podcast, hosted by Nathan Mersereau. They discuss Scott’s personal and professional journey, including his early life growing up in Connecticut, his decade in the U.S. Coast Guard, 12 years at Microsoft, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Scott also talks about his work with Shopify brands through the JadePuma agency and shares his perspective on technology—especially AI—and how he uses it effectively while being mindful of its limitations. The conversation highlights broader themes of true wealth, curiosity, relationships, and lifelong learning rather than focusing solely on ecommerce topics.

Show Links

• Day in a Canoe Podcasts - https://planningalt.com/insights/tag/day-in-a-canoe-podcasts
• Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezilla

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-176-day-in-a-canoe-podcast

12/24/25

Episode Summary

Guest & Topic

• Host Scott Austin brings on attorney Brenda Pagliaro to explain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance as it applies to e-commerce websites, especially Shopify stores.

Key Points

• ADA compliance requirements are complex and evolving, and many store owners are confused about what they must do to make their sites accessible.
• Pagliaro outlines background on the ADA, how accessibility regulations are interpreted for websites, and why online stores often get targeted with demand letters and lawsuits.
• There is no guaranteed way to prevent getting sued; the focus should be on mitigating risk by implementing accessibility practices, documentation, processes, and using tools (like accessibility apps), though none are a silver bullet.
• Many cases settle before court, but even settlements and legal defense can be costly for small stores.

Practical Takeaways

• Ecommerce site owners should take ADA compliance seriously, proactively prepare for potential claims, and combine accessibility tools with internal policies and ongoing review to reduce legal risk.

Show Links

• Brenda Pagliaro - brendapagliarollc@gmail.com or brenda@mediationworksfl.com
• Brand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendar

Transcript & Video

https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-175-talking-ada-compliance-with-an-attorney