What are ADA Signs?

Here’s what you need to know:

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Signs are designed to help people with disabilities find the desired place without having to rely on assistance. These signs are focused on delivering architectural information and guidelines so any person with disabilities will be able to navigate the entire building with great ease.

What type of ADA signs are there?

There are a vast range of different ADA Signs out there, each one focused on a very specific situation.

You can find:

  • elevator signs
  • room-type signs
  • directional signs
  • telephone signs
  • no smoking signs
  • exit signs
  • restroom signs
  • wheelchair accessibility signs

But the list doesn’t stop here, there are a vast range of other sign types that you can go for, and each one of them delivers a tremendous range of benefits.

Why does a business require ADA Signs?

First, every company is required by law to have specific ADA Signs within its building/store.

It’s great for both employees and customers to locate various places without assistance. Instructional signs in particular need to be ADA compliant as they benefit people that have hearing, visual or mobility impairments, among many others.

One thing to note is that ADA Signs are not required if you just need to use them for a week or less. However, if you want to designate a permanent building, then you will need permanent signs, and that’s something to take into consideration. Also, you don’t need ADA signs in parking lots unless you have accessible parking spaces. Normally, these signs are important when it comes to safety. You need to add them near fire exits, elevators and points of interest.

 

What rooms need to have ADA Signs?

That depends on the situation, but you will find ADA Signs in:

  • conference rooms
  • exam rooms
  • IT rooms
  • mechanical dooms
  • utility rooms
  • storage rooms
  • kitchens
  • changing rooms

Anywhere there might be need for any instructions or safety information, these signs will be more than welcome and that’s something to keep in mind.

Rules regarding ADA Sign placement

You need to make sure that the sign is visible and at the same time depending on its height and location you might need to have larger fonts.

In case you have ADA Signs that have tactile or Braille elements, you should add those on the latch side of the door for the room in question. Normally, ADA Signs will be up to 48 inches from the floor and they can’t be over 60 inches higher. In case the sign can’t be mounted in the desired location, you will have to install it on an adjacent wall. They should not be mounted on a door.

Conclusion

The ADA Signs are very important for people with disabilities, so it’s important to add them within your business. Both employees and customers will get to use them and it will make things easier. Plus, you get to stay compliant with the governmental requirements, and that can make a huge difference!