The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires businesses to provide accessible signs for their customers and employees. Accessible is defined as signs which can be read by people with disabilities, including those with poor vision.
Why Do Businesses Need ADA Compliant Signs?
The ADA is a civil rights law, and businesses found in violation of the ADA may be fined up to $75,000 for their first offense. The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces the ADA, and they have made it clear accessible signs are a priority. In 2012, the DOJ issued new guidelines for businesses on how to comply with the ADA, and these guidelines included accessible signs.
What are the Requirements for Accessible Signs?
- Legible – The sign must be clear and easy to read. ADA signs must use font sizes appropriate for the size of the sign. The font must also be Sans-Serif, which means it does not have any decorative flourishes.
- Visible – The sign must have stark contrastbetween lettering and the background. For example, a white sign would not be visible on a light-colored wall.
- Illuminated – Where needed, as in low light or dark areas, ADA compliant signs must be lighted by interal or ambient light sources. The lighting source must be bright enough for the sign to be seen from several feet away.
- Mounted at the proper height – The bottom edge of the sign should be no higher than four feet from the ground, and the top edge of the sign should be no lower than eight feet from the ground.
There are also specific requirements for Braille and tactile signs. Braille signs must have raised characters, so people who are blind can feel them, and tactile signs must have raised characters and symbols for the same reason.
Benefits of Installing ADA Signs
- Avoiding costly fines – as mentioned above, businesses that do not comply with the ADA may be fined up to $75,000.
- Improving customer service – by making businesses more accessible to people with disabilities, overall customer service is improved.
- Making businesses more inclusive – companies which are accessible to people with disabilities are making it a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
- Creating a stress-free environment – some businesses are difficult to navigate, especially for those with disabilities. ADA signs allow them to find their way, lowering stress and anxiety.
The best way to ensure signs are accessible is to work with a sign company who specializes in ADA-compliant signs. At FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento – Arden-Arcade, CA, we have a team of experts who are ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about our ADA sign products and services.
