Directional signs are extremely important for proper interior planning. They simplify navigation and ensure that everyone will be able to find the exit in an emergency. Imagine a situation in which you cannot quickly get out of the building on fire because this building is new for you and you cannot quickly locate the nearest exit point. The consequences can be catastrophic, so it is essential to pay attention to proper placement of directional signs. More than that, it is important to make sure that these plaques comply with ADA requirements. To understand this more clearly, we should answer several questions.
Where Can I Purchase ADA Directional Signs?
A set of ADA directional signs is rather a rare product. Not all suppliers of interior signs offer directional plaques that correspond to the ADA regulation. That is why it is important to find a manufacturer that can ensure the proper design of ADA directional signs with its handcrafting approach.
Bsign is the best option you can find in this niche of the market. You can place a custom order and forget about worries that your directional signs might violate some important rules of ADA.
What is ADA?
ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act. This bill was signed in order to make sure public spaces are inclusive and accessible to people suffering from different types of physical disabilities. The first version of this bill was signed back in 1990. It offered a set of obligatory rules that intended to eliminate any kind of discrimination against disabled individuals. Later, in 2008, the bill was amended, and this version of the document is still in power today. The rules, imposed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be followed by all businesses and facilities that offer their products or services in public spaces. It is relevant for offices, shops, healthcare and educational institutions, hotels, restaurants, etc.
What are the Requirements for ADA Directional Signs?
It is important to understand that ADA is a very broad set of rules that goes far beyond the regulation of directional signs.
Nonetheless, there is a specific chapter dedicated solely to interior signs, and it is mainly concerned with the following factors:
- Placement: All interior signs that are supposed to locate permanent areas should meet the ADA requirements. Directional signs suit this category perfectly as they show directions to exit and entry points, elevators, and staircases, which are permanent within the building.
- Colors: ADA directional signs should be made in contrasting colors in order to be clearly visible and distinguishable for visitors with vision impairments. The black-and-white combination is the best one.
- Fonts: Anything depicted or written on ADA directional signs should be tactile. Writing in Braille is not obligatory but it will greatly simplify wayfinding for visitors with vision loss.
Why are ADA Directional Signs So Important?
Inclusivity is not just an empty word. This is an important thing that helps to avoid discrimination and make sure that our society is equal.
Although people have different abilities, they should have equal opportunities, especially in a public space, which is supposed to serve everyone, not just a specific category of people. From that perspective, the placement of ADA directional signs is just one of the solutions to ensure inclusivity.
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