When it comes to the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and it’s impact on interior signage, things are about as clear as mud. So much so, we have seen the act amended 6 times in the past 30 years with the latest update providing further murkiness. The best way to look at the ADA guide is exactly that, it provides guidance for your interior signage. While some parts of the Act are rock solid, other parts are more of a recommendation. How do you ensure your building is compliant? You start by contacting Optimum Signs.
Does your municipality subscribe to the ADA of 1990 or do they require you comply with the much more strict International code? If you bring your project to Optimum Signs, we will decipher the applicable code and how it impacts your project. What about architects? My architect developed a design for our new building but can it be permitted? Doesn’t matter because Optimum Signs will work with the municipality to ensure that all the signs comply with all applicable codes. Our designers are fluent in ADA speak and will help make sure your designs are compliant. We can take your design and craft it to fit local codes, or we can take your information and create a custom design. The above sign was created for a local company that has a very large parking structure in downtown Milwaukee. They were concerned that they had no signage throughout the structure and wanted to make sure that they were compliant with the local codes. Especially when they have a fire inspection at the end of July. You see with the latest changes to the Act, Fire Inspectors, building inspectors and even elevator inspectors are now charged with making sure building owners are in compliance with the ADA. In one case the university we were working with went against our recommendations and wanted to skip the braille and raised copy requirements. We informed them that the signs would not meet the minimum standards and the host of upcoming inspectors could make them replace the signs. They decided to do it anyhow. So after sending us a letter stating that they were proceeding against our recommendation, we installed just over 1100 signs.
They thought that they were clear as each inspector walked by the signs and didn’t say a word, until the last inspector came through. He walked the entire building not saying a word. Once they finished the inspection, he gave them the report and the first thing on the report was that they were denied a occupancy permit because the room signs were not ADA compliant. They argued and complained but to not avail. They had to replace all of the signs.
If you are trying to avoid a costly mistake or if you want a company that can do everything on your project from ADA to building signs, please give us a call. We can be reached at 262.289.9481 or email us at info@optimumsignswi.com. We would love to help you with your project.
