Imagine entering a new building, one with multiple suites and locations, for the first time. In one of those hundreds of possible rooms, you have an appointment scheduled. As you can imagine, it is going to be fairly difficult to find the location you need if that building lacks the proper signage; even harder if you are visually impaired. This scenario is the perfect example of why signage, especially that which is ADA compliant, is so important. If you are searching for an ADA resource that will help you design, create, and install new signage for your building, look no further. We define ADA compliance and explore the importance of displaying ADA compliant signage.

ADA Compliance: What is It?

Voted into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (or, ADA) is, in the simplest terms, a civil rights law. The main function of the law is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Those areas include schools, transportation, the workplace, and all public or private places which are open to the general public.

The main purpose of the ADA is to make elements such as ramps, door sizes, drinking fountains, handrails, toilet stalls, elevators, and yes, the proper signage, more accessible for every individual who may use them. While this may all sound great, does it apply to your business or facility? Definitely.

Who Needs to Be Concerned with ADA-Compliance?

All public accommodations, including privately-owned, leased, or operated facilities are required by law to be ADA compliant. That includes:

Hospitals
Airports
Golf Courses
Restaurants
Retail Merchants
Doctor’s Offices
Private Schools
Day Care Centers
Health Clubs / Gyms
Sports stadiums
Movie Theaters
Salons / Barbershops

If you are still uncertain if your business needs to adhere to the ADA specifications, there are many resources available to you, such as this ADA website filled with helpful guides. You can also ask our team of experts and we will be able to tell you just as easily.

Why Is It Important to Be Compliant?

Accommodating Clients and Guests

An estimated 26.9 million adult Americans (around 10% of the total population) reported they have some form of sight impairment in a 2017 National Health Interview Survey. Following ADA sign regulations ensures your business or facility offers a welcoming environment to people with disabilities and makes it easier for them to navigate your facility.

Avoid Loss of Money

Not complying with ADA regulations could cause confusion or an awkward environment for your guests, causing you to lose business. Noncompliance can also lead to hefty fines from the US Department of Justice, costing exponentially more than simply correcting the violation in the first place

Making ADA Compliance Easy with Fleisher Signs

From design to installation, Fleisher Products & Signs is here to help you become and remain ADA compliant. Our team has been fabricating ADA Signs for over 30 years and our extensive list of capabilities includes sublimation, lamination, laser, and rotary engraving, tactile and ADA fabrication, graphic design, and high-quality digital printing.

If you would like to talk more about your ADA-compliant sign project, our team is always available to answer questions. Contact us today.

ADA Compliant Signs: The What, Why, and How