“Are ADA signs beneficial for my business?” we hear many business owners ask us. For many, ADA compliant signage seems like an unnecessary expense, but that could not be further from the truth. Instead of being just a ‘convenience’ feature for your premises, ADA signage has the potential to generate revenue and improve customer retention.
In this article we are looking at how ADA signs are beneficial for all types of businesses. And how business owners ignore them at their own peril!
What is ADA signage?
The Americans with Disabilities Act is legislation that has helped make workplaces, retail establishments, airports and restaurants more accessible for those with visual impairments. The act prescribes a certain set of regulations which requires many establishments to install signage in accordance with these guidelines. A few requirements include:
- The sign be placed on a static mounting point (like a wall)
- Signs must be placed adjacent to doors they identify
- Font must be san serif
- Font and background colors must meet contrast requirements
- The sign itself must meet strict reflection requirements
- Signs must be installed 48-60 inches above the ground
- Braille signs for the visually impaired
- The sign should be within easy touching distance
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health in 2015, over 1 million Americans were ‘legally blind’.
Benefits of Using Custom ADA signs
A business that chooses to not install ADA signs may be breaking the law and will leave a bad taste with visitors. Conversely, a business that invests in custom ADA signs will reap the benefits of a broader customer base and goodwill. Here are some benefits of installing ADA signage.
Legal compliance
Most businesses are required to have ADA signage. Remember, it is not just for your clients and customers, even employees may rely on it to navigate the office space. Not installing ADA signage may make you vulnerable to an employment lawsuit, personal injury claim or government fine.
Positive first impression
More visitors than you can imagine notice if your premises have ADA compliant signs; businesses that do make a great first impression. They show that the business has invested in being accessible and inclusive, generating goodwill amongst clientele. Signs also remove the frustration that comes with the effort of trying to navigate an unfamiliar space.
Branding visibility
Custom ADA signs give business owners a lot of latitude to create unique designs. It is simply not true that ADA signage “all looks the same”. In fact, many Jacksonville businesses, such as those in healthcare and those catering to an older demographic, invest heavily in designing their own accessible signage. This has a direct impact on brand perception. The effort is also recognized on social media as people praise the extra effort the business has put into being accessible and interesting.
Types of ADA compliant signs
Basically, any ‘normal’ sign can be created as an ADA compliant sign. Some types of ADA signs are:
- Wayfinding and directional signs
- Bathroom signs
- Door braille signs
- Emergency exit information
High Quality Signage in Jacksonville
At Jacksonville Signs & Graphics we are proud to help make the world more inclusive for everyone. Our designers work with business owners to design interesting accessible signs that work with their décor while meeting ADA standards. Speak to a sign expert to find out more.
