Businesses in Meridian, ID, must be aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. ADA signs are not just for storefronts and office buildings; they are also necessary for public transportation, parks, and other places where people may need assistance.
What is the ADA?
The ADA is a federal law enacted in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of life, including employment, education, housing, and access to public places. In addition, the law requires businesses and other organizations to make accommodations for people with disabilities to participate fully in society. This includes providing ADA-compliant signs.
Businesses Covered Under the ADA
The ADA has a broad definition of "business." Any organization which provides goods or services to the public is considered a business, regardless of its size or profit status. This includes all types of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. All businesses covered by the ADA must comply with its requirements, including providing ADA signs.
The ADA establishes requirements for twelve categories of public accommodations, including:
- Retail stores
- Restaurants and bars
- Entertainment venues
- Hotels and places of lodging
- Recreation facilities
- Museums
- Places of public gathering
- Sales or rental establishments
- Service establishments
- Public transportation terminals, depots, and stations
- Schools and colleges
- Social service center establishments
What ADA Signs are Required?
All businesses covered by the ADA must install compliant signs. This means the signs must be big enough to be seen by people with disabilities, and they must be placed in locations which are easily accessible. In addition, the signs must contain specific information about the business, such as the hours of operation and the type of products or services offered.
The ADA also requires businesses to provide Braille and raised lettering on their signs. This helps people who are blind or have low vision read the signs by touch.
Here are the five common types of ADA signs:
- Informational signs provide general facts about a business, such as the hours of operation and the purpose of the business. Some examples include directory signs and lists of location rules.
- Directional signs help people find their way in businesses. They may include arrows or other symbols to indicate the location of specific areas. Examples include exit signs with arrows and signs with arrows for bathrooms.
- Identification signs display the name of a business, room, or location. They include restroom signs and office numbers.
- Overhead signs are hung from the ceiling and are often found in crowded places such as airports and shopping malls. They include signs directing travelers to their gates and to restrooms.
- Safety signs provide information about potentially hazardous conditions. They may include symbols and words to describe the danger. Examples include "wet floor" signs and "caution" tape.
Any questions? Call FASTSIGNS® of Boise, ID, today. We can answer your questions about ADA sign requirements.
