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Are you thinking about updating your ADA-related signage? If so, were you aware that a momentous change took place just five years ago? What are the ADA signage rules for the State of New York? Your questions – answered!
Q: Who needs to be aware of changes to ADA signage regulations?
A: For many business owners, the changes in ADA compliance are just now beginning to matter. Because many older signage products are now nearing the ends of their useful lives, company owners are thinking of replacing them. However, there is a federal 2010 standard change that comes into play as well as a New York change stemming from 2014. Older signs were grandfathered in. Replacement signs have to meet the new standards.
Q: What do the changes look like?
A: Federally, there are updates to the design and fabrication of tactile characters as well as mounting heights for specified sign products. Locally, there is a change to the International Symbol of Accessibility as well as the removal of the term “handicapped” and replacement with the word “accessible.”
Q: What is the rule with cubicles?
A: Unless your cubicles are bolted in, which makes them permanent fixtures, you do not need to invest in ADA-compliant cubicle signage. However, if these structures are fixed, you must label numerals but not occupant names or titles.
Q: Are there rules for the display of characters on the signs?
A: Standard practice dictates a color contrast of about 70 percent. Business owners frequently request that our technicians incorporate at least one brand color in the design of the signage. However, some companies prefer an elegant alternative, which consists of brushed aluminum boards with black lettering. The letters must be raised at least 1/32-of-an-inch above the backdrop. Moreover, the lettering must be in upper case sans serif font and not exceed two inches in height.
Q: What are the dots that some signs feature?
A: These dots are Braille 2. This is a language that many people with visual impairments learn. These dots must be placed directly underneath the lettering that it translates. However, the dots do not need to be clearly visible. Therefore, business clients frequently request that we keep the dots in the same color as the backdrop.
Q: Is it true that there are specific guidelines for mounting ADA signs near doors?
A: Yes, it is. If you have a single door, the sign must display on the side of the handle. If you have a double door where only one side opens, it must be on the side that never opens. If both sides open, pick the right side for the display.
Q: Am I in compliance with the federal ADA and NY standards?
A: Meeting the ADA signage rules for the State of New York as well as the federal Act sounds complicated; however, it does not have to be. Our sign shop specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of compliant signage. Invite our team out for a site survey, which allows us to inventory your ADA signage and highlight markers you are missing. Call or email today to schedule an appointment!
Areas We Serve for ADA Signs in New York State
Gotham Signs & Graphics is a commercial sign company servicing businesses in Mamaroneck, White Plains, Port Chester, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Harrison, Rye, Yonkers and all of Westchester County. We also work in Fairfield County, The Bronx, and Manhattan.
