ADA Signs: What They Are And Why You Need Them
If you’re concerned that the signs in your business are not ADA compliant, or you’re wondering just what ADA signs are all about, this article will help you out.
ADA Signs Are Designed To Help Those With Disabilities.
ADA stands for the “Americans with Disabilities Act,” which is a civil rights law that was enacted by the United States Congress in 1990. The law prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities. The initial federal law has inspired a subsequent 2008 federal amendment, as well as numerous state and even municipal laws across the country. The law requires certain businesses be able to serve and/or employ people who have certain disabilities. ADA signs are signs that can be read by people with visual disabilities.
What Do ADA Signs Look Like?
Not all signs need to comply with ADA laws, but signs that provide basic information, such as a sign that points to the restroom, often do. To be ADA compliant, a sign needs to be installed in a place that is easy to see for people from different angles. The sign must also use appropriate fonts, letter height, spacing, and color contrasts. Perhaps most noticeably, ADA signs contain braille, which is an alphabet of raised bumps that people can read with their fingers.
What Happens If You Don’t Have ADA Signs?
According to the Government of Michigan, there are about 45,000 people who are legally blind. According to the National Federation of the Blind, the number of Michiganders who have a visual impairment of some kind is approximately 223,500. A fair few of these people reside in West Michigan. If your business cannot accommodate them, you will lose out on their business. A simple thing such as a sign can make people with limited sight feel welcomed and comfortable at your establishment.
There are downsides to not having ADA compliant signage beyond simply losing out on the business of those with visual disabilities. Without ADA signs, your business may be in breach of the federal or a Michigan state ADA law. This could result in your business being issued a heavy fine. This fine would cost more than having a few signs made to be ADA compliant, so the smart thing to do is to ensure your business has the ADA signs it needs.
Work With Signs By D9N Design To Make Sure Your West Michigan Business Is ADA Compliant.
At Signs by D9N Design, we design, manufacture, and install custom-made ADA signs for clients anywhere in West Michigan. We can advise you on what signs should be ADA compliant. To learn more about ADA signs, please contact us via our website or call 1-888-992-1688.
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