Business owners should be aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. One of the requirements of ADA is that public places must have accessible signage. Businesses are required to have signs that comply with ADA standards. These signs communicate important information to visually impaired people or those with other disabilities.
Why ADA Signs Are Needed
– To communicate important information
- Where a business is located
- What services a business provides
- How to get to different areas of a business
- What hours a business is open
ADA signs help ensure that all people have access to the same information.
– To provide directions
ADA signs provide directional information. Directional signage helps people living with disabilities move around the business easily. It can also help them locate specific areas or services within a company. The signage also helps those who are not familiar with the layout of a building.
– To indicate accessibility
ADA signs also communicate whether or not a business is accessible to people with disabilities. The information helps people who need accommodations to make informed decisions about where to go.
– To comply with ADA standards
Businesses must have ADA compliant signage to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Noncompliance can result in fines and other penalties.
– To create a welcoming environment
ADA compliant signage can help businesses create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people with disabilities. This type of atmosphere is important for both the individual and the business.
ADA Requirements
ADA signage must meet certain requirements to be compliant with the law. Some of these requirements include:
- Easy to read and understand
- The letters on ADA signs must be at least half an inch tall
- Must use a sans serif typeface. This fond is easy to read for people with vision impairments
- Must be placed in a location where they can be seen by people who are walking
- The sign must be placed in a location where it can be easily seen
- Use tactile letters and symbols for those who are visually impaired
- Have tactile lettering and Braille
- Text on signs must be in black or another dark color against a contrasting background
- Must be placed at eye level and within reach of those who are using a wheelchair
- Signs cannot have any flashing lights or moving parts
ADA Signs are an important part of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They communicate important information to people who are living with a disability. The signage can help them navigate a business, find specific services or products, and determine if a business is accessible. By meeting ADA requirements, businesses can create a welcoming environment for those who have disabilities.
James River Signs is a provider of ADA compliant signage. It helps businesses meet ADA requirements. Call today (757) 598-4036!