What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This law applies to all areas of public life, including businesses, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the public.
The ADA requires businesses to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible signs and communication materials compliant with the ADA.
Signs must be easy to read, placed at an appropriate height, and accompanied by Braille or other tactile symbols for visually impaired people. The ADA also requires businesses to provide accessible entrances, parking spaces, and restrooms. All companies must comply with the ADA to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same access as everyone else.
Types of ADA Signs
ADA signs are important in ensuring everyone can access a property. There are four types of ADA signs: directional, informational, regulatory, and overhead.
- Directional signs provide navigation assistance to people with disabilities. These signs can indicate the location of exits, restrooms, elevators, and other important areas. Directional signs are often combined with other ADA signs to provide a complete set of directions for people with disabilities.
- Informational signs provide general details about a property or location. These signs are typically found in public areas, such as schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. They often provide information such as business hours,
- Regulatory ADA signs provide directions and information about the rules and regulations of an area. They are commonly found in public places such as parks, schools, and government buildings. Regulatory ADA signs provide information such as no smoking, no pets, no skateboarding, and other safety rules.
- Overhead signs are typically used in parking lots and garages to provide directions and information about parking. They are also seen in airports, hospitals, and government buildings. They are positioned above specific locations to provide direction and information.
Basics of ADA Compliant Signs
Signs mandated by the ADA must be clear, easy to read, and to the point. Here is an overview of the basic requirements for ADA signs:
- Installed 48 to 60 inches from the floor (depending on location)
- Lit up if in a dim location
- Upper- and lower-case letters
- Font must be sans serif or with embellishments like Helvetica
- Non-glare finish on the sign surface
- Must have Braille, pictograms, and raised tactile lettering
- Must be maintained to ensure they can always be read
- Primary sign characters must be at least 5/8 inches high
Professional Sign Company to Guarantee Compliance
At Vector Sign Solutions, we have the experience and knowledge to install and recommend ADA-compliant signs for any business. We install and maintain these signs to help you avoid fines and citations from the ADA. Contact us today to get started.
