According to the CDC, 61 million adults in the United States are living with a disability. That means that 26% or 1 in 4 adults have a disability that impacts major life activities. As a business, it is important to dive into disability statistics to help us know what can be done to make their lives easier in terms of accessibility and inclusion. Those people may need help finding their way around, using the restrooms, avoiding slippery floors, and more. Simple daily tasks that many take for granted, may not be as easy for others. Because people with disabilities are more than figures just as they are more than their disabilities. Like everyone, they are part of our society and contribute to shaping it.
The Americans with Disabilities Act has helped to change that. Now, most commercial and public spaces must install ADA signs (or ‘accessible signs’). These signs are vital for a large portion of the population and essential for your business.
What Is ADA Signage?
Simply put, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) signage is any sign that is designed with visual impairments in mind. This includes adding Raised Letters and Braille, appropriately identifying room names or numbers, and keeping the placement of the signs consistent with ADA guidelines.
Why ADA Signage Is Important: 4 Key Reasons
- Making Sure You Don’t Discriminate Against Individuals with Disabilities
Accessible signs help people with disabilities feel safe and comfortable in your establishment. These crucial signs allow people with visual and mobility impairments to move around your premises on their own. These signs also help keep people safe, for example, warning them of stairwells or any possible hazards.
These imperative signs can have a significant impact on your visitor’s experience.
- ADA Signs Make Spaces Accessible for People with All Types of Disabilities
It is a common misconception that accessible signs are only useful for people with visual impairments. However, well-designed signs help people with other disabilities, including but not limited to, hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities, navigate your business. Custom ADA signs can be tailored to fit the needs of people using different features within the design. Here are some examples of how you can customize your ADA signs for your business to ensure they are complaint:
- High-contrast design – This makes the sign immediately noticeable to everyone and helps them find accessible paths around the building.
- Loop System Symbols – These symbols notify people that the equipment or facility is equipped with a T-system (telecoil), making it more accessible for those who having hearing impairments.
- Wheelchair Accessible Ramps – These signs are installed in parking lots and by staircases to inform those who are in a wheelchair of a safe and accessible way to get around.
- It Shows Customers & Visitors You Value Them
With 26% of Americans having at least one disability, that’s a large portion of the population that you cannot afford to ignore.
Not having accessible signs might not be a big deal for people without impairments, as they might not even notice. However, people with impairments definitely will, and it can convey a poor impression about your business, making you perceived as you don’t value all of your customers. Make ALL of your customers feel welcomed and valued.
- Don’t Risk Getting Fined (or Shut Down)
ADA signs are required by law to be installed in any government, public, and commercial building. This applies to all new buildings and those that have been renovated after 2012. If you don’t install the required accessible signs at your business, you could be looking at a hefty fine, getting sued, or worst case scenario, face closure. A design printed on a piece of paper won’t do. There are stringent requirements for ADA signs, meaning there are regulations that govern:
- How the signs should look
- What features are needed on the signs
- Where they should be installed
*Que Amplify Graphics & Branding*
Stay on the right side of the ADA requirements and take advantage of us! We will help you navigate the requirements and identify where you need to install the signs around your building.
We will work with you to customize the signs by adding some of your branding elements, with lightning fast turnaround. Find out more on our website at: Custom ADA Signs
