California has some of the most detailed ADA Compliance rules in the US, so it's important to make sure your business is following them to avoid any lawsuits or issues. The term "ADA Signs" has come into common use in the architectural, construction and signage industries with the advent of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, it's a misunderstood term. Most people think it's synonymous with braille signs. Certainly, signs with braille and raised characters are the most visible manifestation of the law requiring access to the built environment, but the sign standards in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, or ADAAG, require much more than just braille and raised characters on some signs. [caption id="attachment_2772" align="alignright" width="300"] ADA Compliant Signs[/caption] Wheelchair Accessibility While most of the owners of public property here in the USA understand the necessity of adhering to the rules dictated by the Americans with Disability Act or the ADA, not all understand that California Handicap Parking Signs are unique to the other signs required in the rest of the country for this purpose. ADA regulations were enacted to guarantee that disabled individuals can access entrances and exits of public buildings, such as stores, restaurants, educational facilities, medical facilities, government buildings and more, safely and without confusion. Even though the existence of these regulations is well broadcasted, there are still some property owners who fail to adhere to them, and this is very evident here in California. Due to this fact, people in this state can file lawsuits against those public venues and establishments that ignore the need of posting California Disabled Parking Sign models on their properties. [caption id="attachment_2770" align="alignleft" width="300"] ADA Restroom Signs[/caption] Restroom Signs ADA-standard restroom signage must include several elements:

• It must have tactile text denoting the gender access to the restroom (men, women, family, or “restroom” [for unisex]).
• The exact Braille translation must be located directly below the tactile text.
• Optional (but extremely common): It may have a pictogram depicting gender access on the sign. The pictogram does not have to be tactile, but it often is.
• If the restroom is accessible, there must be a pictogram including the international symbol of accessibility. [caption id="attachment_2773" align="alignright" width="300"] ADA Compliant Restroom Sign[/caption]

All this to say that ADA Compliance can seem overwhelming and complicated for those who aren't aware of the changing laws. That's where we can help you. North Coast Signs can ensure your ADA signs are up to code.  We follow the current regulations to make sure your signs are correct and in compliance with the State and Federal laws. Unfortunately, the consequences of noncompliance—like signage rules—can differ from state to state. However, it’s fair to say that buildings lacking in carefully designed and installed signage are left vulnerable to hefty fines and even potential lawsuits. Let us help you with your ADA signage needs. Our expertise ranges from ADA signs to lobby signs, illuminated channel letters to monument signs.  We can also help you with fleet vehicle graphics and window graphics. If you want to make sure you're in compliance with all of your ADA signage, give North Coast Signs a call at 760.536.5454 or contact us online. We're happy to help! [caption id="attachment_2771" align="alignright" width="300"] ADA Conference Room Sign[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2774" align="alignleft" width="300"] ADA Tactile Lettering[/caption]