Which signs have to be ADA-compliant?
Read all about it here.
If you run a business, own a commercial building, or operate a large facility, you may have come across the term ‘ADA compliant signs’. These signs are similar to your usual signs but with the difference that they need to incorporate certain design features listed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
More than 7 million Americans today suffer from some visual disability. The requirements imposed by the ADA are intended to make it easier for these people to be able to see and interpret signage that is usually found in buildings and facilities. This helps them navigate through the space without having to ask for assistance.
Which Signs Have to Be ADA Compliant?
According to the ADA, not all signs are subjected to compliance with the ADA regulations. Generally, all areas or rooms that do not have a specific permanent purpose are not required to have ADA-compliant signage.
On the other hand, all areas and rooms that have a specific purpose need an ADA-compliant sign. These areas include staircases, elevators, bathrooms, etc. The failure of doing so can result in heavy fines that can amount up to $150,000.
Are ADA Compliant Signs Really Useful?
ADA-compliant signs are extremely useful, not only for people with disabilities but also for your business. Having ADA-compliant signage shows your customers that you care for their well-being and convenience. This builds a level of trust for your business, leading to customer retention.
Having ADA-compliant signage not only makes it more convenient for people with disabilities to navigate around the space, it also plays a role in keeping them safe. If a person was to get injured due to the absence of ADA compliant signage in your business, you would likely have to face several lawsuits, which could turn out to be detrimental for your business.
What Are ADA Compliance Requirements?
There are many requirements listed under the ADA; some of them are as follows:
Non-Glare Surface
The text and symbols on the signage must not reflect light; glare can easily impair the vision of visually disabled people. Non-glare signage allows people with disabilities to easily view and interpret the signage.
High Contrast Level
The letters and symbols should be in high contrast with the background color of the signage. Low contrasting signage can pose a difficulty for visually impaired people in differentiating the letters and symbols from the background.
Although they do not specify a particular contrast level, ADA regulations suggest that signage should have 70% contrast. There are no restrictions on which colors you can use as long as the contrast is sufficient enough.
Braille
Braille is a written language in the form of protruding dots from the surface of the signage. People with no vision can use this language to understand the signage and get relevant information from it.
Height
According to the rules of ADA, signs should be mounted a minimum of 48 inches above the floor. The maximum height from the floor can be 60 inches. The ADA lists many more mounting-related regulations.
Get Your ADA Compliant Signage Now!
When designing an ADA-compliant sign, there are many minute details to look out for. Call Amazing Signs; our team of professional technicians are familiar with all the ADA regulations and therefore ensure that your signs aren’t just stunning; they’re legal as well.
