ADA Signs

What Does ADA mean? 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990. This civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disability and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations. In 2008 the ADA was broadened for disabilities that include, but are not limited to, “caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working” as well as the operation of several specified major bodily functions. 

What industries are impacted by ADA regulations? 

Any public facility is going to be impacted by the ADA. Here are some examples below: 

Employers 

  • Retail Stores & Shops 
  • Restaurants & Bars 
  • Service Establishments 
  • Theaters 
  • Office Buildings 

Public Entities & Public Transportation 

  • Museums 
  • Education Facilities 
  • Recreation Facilities 
  • State, County, & Local Government Facilities 

Commercial Facilities 

  • Hotels 
  • Factories 
  • Warehouses 
  • Manufacturing Plants 
  • Public areas of apartment and condo buildings 

What does this mean for Signs? 

ADA Signs have now become a common practice in the architectural, construction and sign industries. When the term “ADA Signs” is used, most think of signs that include braille. However, the ADA Accessibility Guidelines require more than just braille and raised characters on some signs. 

The ADA has 3 broad categories it focuses on when it comes to signs 

  1. Whether or not a sign is required. 
  2. Sign design requirements such as; font type, letter height, spacing, color contrast, pictograms, and similar details. 
  3. Precisely where a sign must be installed and requirements on where they may not be installed. 

Don’t know where to start? 

Start by downloading our ADA Sign Design & Installation Basics Guidebook! 

ADA Guide Book

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When we work with clients opening new businesses or rebranding a facility it is common for them to not have any idea of where to start when it comes to ADA Signs. That is exactly why we pride ourselves in being ADA sign design experts. Work with our consultants to determine the signs you need and get options on design that fulfill these requirements.