Why High-Quality ADA Signs Matter for You Business
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as ‘the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s).’
In that sense, a disability can affect someone in a wide variety of ways.
Vision, movement, thinking, memory, learning, communication, hearing, mental health, independent living, social interactions, relationships, decision-making, accessibility, employment – it’s the list that never ends.
Unfortunately, too many people find themselves struggling with that list.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 61 million adults in the United States are living with some type of a disability – some of which are more severe than others.
To put that into perspective, that’s more than 25% of the adult population.
What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, etc.
The purpose of the ADA is simple: to ensure equality and fair opportunity to all.
It was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by then-President George H.W. Bush, and was amended by his son, then-President George W. Bush, on September 25, 2008, by the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Being federal law, violators of the ADA are often met with harsh punishments.
Legal action, lawsuits, complaints, fines, fees, injunctions, operational disruptions, reputational damage, government intervention – violating the ADA is never a good idea, no matter what the circumstance.
Benefits of ADA-Compliant Signs for Your Business
Complying with the rigorous standards and regulations spelled out by the ADA is much easier said than done – especially when you consider all the moving parts that play a role in maintaining ADA compliance.
One of those moving parts is ADA signage.
ADA signs are specially designed, high-contrast signs that feature braille and raised tactile characters – making them much more visible, accessible, and useful to those who are visually or physically impaired.
There are a variety of different types of ADA signs.
Some of the most important and common ADA signs include room identification signs, temporary signs, wayfinding signs, parking signs, entrance and exit signs, bathroom signs, braille signs, informational signs, and accessible features.
Though they serve different purposes, all types of ADA signs play a part in one common goal – and that’s to remove barriers, improve safety, achieve inclusivity, boost brand image, and maintain compliance.
Let’s take a look at five of the most prominent benefits of ADA signs for your business:
5. Remove Barriers for People With Disabilities
People with disabilities are often at a disadvantage when trying to navigate public spaces. Something as simple as finding the bathroom, handicap parking, or elevator are nearly impossible without a little help.
That’s where ADA signs come into play.
ADA signs allow people with disabilities to access and enjoy public spaces on an equal footing with everyone else by providing clear and concise directions and information about general areas of interest.
4. Improve Public Health & Safety
ADA signs play an integral role in public health and safety by clearly marking exits and evacuation routes – ensuring that everyone can quickly and safely evacuate a building in the event of an emergency.
Without ADA signs, emergency situations would be more chaotic than they need to be.
They also help direct people to the nearest fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, automated external defibrillator (AED), or other emergency equipment that could save a life (if not several) when tragedy strikes.
3. Create a More Welcoming Environment for All
ADA signs are designed for people with disabilities, but let’s be honest – we all benefit from having these signs installed everywhere. I mean, imagine a world where exit signs and bathroom signs don’t exist…
But that’s what makes the ADA so important – it’s creating a more equal and fair environment for all.
Not just equal and fair, but also welcoming. Without ADA signs, people with disabilities wouldn’t get to experience the simple, everyday luxuries that the other 75% of the country get to enjoy on a daily basis.
2. Comply With Federal & ADA Guidelines
Lawsuits, fines, penalties, having the government breathing down your neck, and losing the reputation you’ve fought so hard to obtain – these are things no business owner wants to ever have to deal with.
Unfortunately, it’s a harsh reality for those who don’t comply with the ADA.
The good news is you can avoid that reality by making sure your business has all the custom signage it needs to meet the requirements, regulations, and standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
1. Boost Your Brand Image & Increase Loyalty
Complying with the ADA shows that your business values all customers, including those with disabilities, and helps you better demonstrate your commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
And trust us, customers and employees will take notice of this.
For example, customers and employees are more likely to view a brand positively when they see it taking steps to accommodate and include everyone. And those types of positive interactions will only duplicate.
ADA Central: Your Go-To Source for Quality ADA Signage
Are you looking for high-quality ADA signs for your business? Are you worried that your existing ADA signage isn’t meeting ADA sign standards and regulations? Is your custom ADA signage due for an upgrade?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome to ADA Central – your one-stop-shop for custom ADA signs.
We have an extensive collection of pre-made ADA signs for you to choose from, but we can also handle custom orders to better meet your needs – so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a unique request.
At ADA Central, we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service at all times – whether that means helping you choose the right type of sign, or figuring out where those custom signs should be located.
Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our trusted and passionate experts.