As a business owner, it is important to make your space welcoming and accessible to everyone. One of the most important things in creating an inclusive environment is ADA signage. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires certain signs to help individuals with disabilities navigate buildings and public spaces. While ADA compliance can seem like a challenge, avoiding common mistakes can make the process more straightforward.
In this blog, we walk you through what ADA signage is, why it’s important, and the most common mistakes business owners make when implementing it. We give you tips on how to get it right so your business stays compliant and inclusive.
What is ADA Signage?
ADA signage is those signs that people with disabilities will navigate through public and commercial buildings. Such signs are to be according to specified guidelines making them accessible, comprehensible, and usable to all, even the blind, deaf, or others with disabilities.
Some examples of ADA signage include the following:
- Restroom signs indicating accessible restrooms
- Exit signs
- Room number signs or directional signs
- Accessible parking signs
Those signs have to contain specific elements, like lettering in other forms, such as raised letters or braille, and the right color contrast. The ADA signage can make public spaces safer, easier to travel around, and more inclusive for everyone.
Why is ADA signage important?
The ADA signage requirement is not merely a legal requirement; it’s an important feature that will make your business environment where all your customers feel welcome. It enables people with disability independently to navigate your business and improve your experience together.
The ADA requirements can have serious consequences: fines, lawsuits, and reputation damage. Beyond that, business owners who ensure their spaces are accessible attract more customers because it proves they care about inclusivity and equal access.
Most Common Mistakes Business Owners Make with ADA Signings
Let’s now discuss the most common mistakes businesses make with ADA signage and how you can avoid them.
1. Not being aware of ADA Signage Guidelines
The biggest mistake is not getting familiar with the ADA guidelines for signage. The rules are there for a reason: they ensure that signs are not only accessible but also clear and easy to read. Not following the rules can lead to fines or lawsuits.
Tip: Research the ADA guidelines or consult an expert to ensure your signs meet the required standards.
2. Wrong Placement of Signs
Another mistake is the wrong placement of signs. Signs should be placed at the right height, between 48 and 60 inches from the floor, and be easily visible from a distance. If the signs are too high, too low, or behind an obstacle, they will not work.
Tip: Take a moment to contemplate the best positioning for each sign, considering access. Ensure signs are visible, accessible, and readable from every angle.
3. Failure to incorporate Braille or Tactile Text
Signs that do not contain braille or tactile raised lettering are not ADA compliant. Such elements help blind or visually impaired people find their way in and out of a location safely. Failure to include such elements will restrict the access of such people to obtain information they may need.
Tip: Always make sure that your signs have braille and touch-raised letters, particularly for locations like restrooms, elevators, and exits.
4. Poor Color Contrast
ADA signage requires an appropriate color contrast. Signs with poor contrast, for instance, gray lettering against a white background, are challenging to read and more difficult to view for someone who is vision-impaired. The ADA suggests high-contrast colors. For example, black text on a lighter background can be better for reading and seeing.
Tip: Select colors with good contrast that are easily readable. Such as black text against a white background, or white text on a dark blue background.
5. Ignoring Other Disabilities
Companies may get fixated on just one kind of disability; for instance, those who cannot see or cannot hear. In an ADA sign, it must include the diversity of disabilities such as mobility impairment, hearing loss, and intellectual ones.
Tip: Consider your entire audience. Ensure that your signage is meaningful to people with varying kinds of disabilities, not just one kind. You can use generic symbols or pictures to simplify things.
6. Failure to update signage when necessary
Over time, your business might change—whether you remodel your space, add new rooms, or update your services. When that happens, your signage needs to be updated too. Old signs that no longer reflect the layout or services of your business confuse customers and put you out of compliance.
Tip: Review all your signage regularly and update it according to the situation. Whenever you make some changes to your space, re-update your signs with the new changes.
7. Avoiding professional help
Some business owners try to manage their ADA signage by themselves without fully understanding all the rules. Doing it yourself is possible, but the best thing to do is seek professional help for full compliance. Professionals can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your signage is both functional and stylish.
Tip: If you are not sure, consult a professional who specializes in ADA signage. They will guide you to design, install, and maintain your signage according to all the requirements.
Conclusion: Getting ADA Signage Right
ADA signage is part of your business that should never be overlooked. By following guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can create an environment that’s welcoming and accessible to all the customers. Besides keeping you compliant with the law, this will also give the impression that you care about equal access for everyone.
Remember to stay informed, think about the needs of all your customers, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your business will benefit from being inclusive, and your customers will appreciate your efforts.
