Photo credit: Google Images If you are starting up a business, you have spent time hiring employees, mapping out budgets, purchasing advertising, as well as planning other critical strategies which are the cornerstones of constructing a profitable business. However, those strategies should not overshadow your dedication to complying with the 1990 American Disabilities Act that ‘prohibits discrimination against those who have disabilities in transportation, employment, communications, public accommodation, as well as governmental activities.’ Why do Businesses Require ADA Signage? You are more than likely familiar with some elements of the law, yet as an owner of a business, it is worth taking some time to get familiar with its stricter requirements. A requirement which business owners must notice immediately is the ADA signage presence on the property. What is an ADA Sign? ADA signs include building signs which specifically are made to offer individuals who have disabilities the same functionality and access to business centers as those who do not have disabilities. ADA signs have to present the exact same details to every individual irrespective of physical limits. What’s Required of an ADA Sign? There are multiple specifications which must be met for the ADA signage to be in compliance with federal laws. Location

• Every ADA sign that identifies rooms have to be situated adjacent to the door they identify.
• A permanent room sign has to be mounted in order for the characters to be from 48” – 60” from the ground.

Braille

• Every ADA sign requires tactile lettering to help visually impaired individuals
• Braille has to be lowercase except for any proper nouns
• Every bit of Braille has to be domed or rounded

Backgrounds, Characters, and Fonts

• Every sign has to use a sans serif typestyle
• Every ADA-compliant sign required at least 1/8” between adjoining characters
• Every sign has to have characters and backgrounds which do not emit a glare
• ADA signage that has visual characters have to have a higher light-dark contrast in between the backgrounds and characters

  ADA signs possess stringent requirements; however, that does not mean you must post signs which clash with your brand’s identity. Signs ID has the ability to print  and design signs which meet ADA requirements while additionally seamlessly tying in your company’s strategy for  visual communication. For more details on ADA signage  contact Signs ID at 980-999-1720. Written by Ed Corpe, Signs ID, Charlotte, NC www.signsid.com