The phrase ADA Signs has become common usage in the construction, architectural, and signage industries nowadays with the introduction of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Americans With Disabilities Act also regulates access and comes with regulations for easily visible and audible tactile accessibility both for people inside and outside of buildings. This Act was created by the government as a way to ensure equal opportunities for people and to prevent discrimination against them. Its provisions are meant to provide easy accessibility for the disabled to make it easier for them to perform ordinary tasks. This act also aims to create an environment where disabled people can feel more secure. Therefore, it promotes self-reliance and independence.
The federal regulations prohibit private organizations from discriminating against people based on their disability. To comply with these regulations, you need to purchase ADA compliant signage and make them easily visible to everyone. To do so, you need to have your premises converted into an ADA-compliant facility. ADA compliant design means a sign that does not require text to be read. It can include images, alternative text, icons, or anything else that makes it easier for a person to navigate around.
You need to look out for three basic ADA sign requirements when preparing your surroundings for the disabled. First, you need to comply with text along with the image provision of your sign requirements. These include size, placement, and typeface. For example, ADA compliant sign requirements may require that signs are printed according to the American Printing House standards (APHIS) or the European Standards Organization (ESO). In short, you need to comply with the ADA text and image provisions wherever you want to mount your sign.
Second, you must also comply with size regulations. Unlike most other regulations, ADA signage dimensions must be the dimension in inches. This means that if you want to mount ADA signs on the outside of doors, you must provide them with enough height, width, and “legs” to go over standard doors that are in different sizes. In addition to that, you also have to provide clear access for wheelchair users to access the area of entry.
Finally, you need to maintain proper visibility. All three of these areas must have relatively clear visibility. This means complying with visibility specifications in the ADA regulations or the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for outdoor structures, exterior handicap access parking, exterior door and window opening, and exterior landscaping. Of course, you must also ensure that all of your ADA parking signs and ADA entrance signs meet these regulations, too.
ADA compliance can also be ensured by using wayfinding signage. Wayfinding signage displays information about the structure or location of your facility. In addition to providing information about the location of your facilities, they may also direct you to special entrances, bathrooms, elevators, parking areas, stairways, or other appropriate locations. ADA wayfinding signage is available in a variety of materials and styles and therefore can coordinate with your building or structure.
As previously mentioned, ADA compliance involves different elements. For example, ADA compliance for exterior architectural features, exterior doors and windows, ramps, and exterior landscaping is extremely important. However, ADA public buildings also need to comply with other areas of the law, such as fire exit signs, seating provisions, wheelchair seating, and emergency signs. Finally, ADA-compliant public buildings must also comply with the specific provisions regarding architectural and mechanical layouts.
ADA signs may not only direct you to exits or entrances but may also include raised Braille signs for people with visual impairments. ADA public building signs must be clear and concise. They cannot afford any distortion. At all times, ADA signs must be color-correct and in a format that is easy for reading.
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