Southern California Sign Blog

ADA Signs or aka Americans with Disability Act Signs Help Businesses

Posted by Julie Ramirez on Mon, Oct 20, 2014 @ 06:10 AM

ADA Signs or aka Americans with Disability Act Signs Help Businesses

No matter your business or the property you own, if you have guests you are going to receive individuals with all sorts of different physical conditions. These different conditions might require some assistance in determining where to go and what entrances lead to wear. Simple, easy to follow signs are essential for your facility, as not only does it allow anyone who visits your store or place of business the ability to find their desired location, but it also ensures they can retain their self respect and not have to continually ask for assistance and instructions. Providing this small amount of assistance through appropriate signs can greatly improve your interaction with your clients and visitors, which makes them feel more comfortable with your building, in turn increasing the chances of them returning for repeat business with you and your company.

Some of the different signs you can consider include but are not limited to:

- ADA signs

- Restroom handicap signs

- Braille signs

- Title 24 Signs

ADA signs

ADA, or Americans with Disability Act, is a specific act pact inside the United States to ensure individuals with a disability are able to receive fair treatment and services throughout the country, regardless of the condition they are in. ADA signs are going to allow visitors to your facility, no matter what ailment they might have, navigate through your place of business and fine the necessary services they are seeking. This includes handicap parking signs, directional walkway and ramp signs, not to mention traditional bathroom and facility signs. All of these signs are designed not only to instruct anyone who visits your facility, but those with a disability, so they can freely and easily make it from the parking lot to the interior of the building, all without issue or other problems.

Restroom Handicap Signs

It is important to let individuals know if a bathroom is handicap or not. Someone should not have to wait outside of the bathroom in order to find out if it is handicap accessible or not. With the handicap restroom signs, it is going to allow someone to simply walk up to the bathroom sign and know instantly if they are able to gain access to the restroom or not and if they need to continue looking for a different bathroom. These signs are simple and easy to put up and it does not draw any special attention to it. However, it does allow those with the need of a handicap bathroom the ability to identify such a bathroom and locate one that meets their specific needs.

Braille Signs

Braille is a requirement in many states now and it helps keep your facility compliant with these laws and regulations. It also helps those who have visual disabilities to ability to quickly and easily determine what the door leads to and what they will find on the other side. This way, by the simple addition of braille to the signs, someone can determine what kind of bathroom it is, the room number, what is located behind the door and where they might find a specific service. All of this is designed to help ensure the individual can remain confident in where they are traveling to and what they are looking for.

Title 24

Title 24 covers a large range of areas for your building, but you must comply to everything located inside of Title 24. This includes your signs, the information placed on the signs and how it is used. By receiving Title 24 compliant signs, you can rest assured that everything inside your building is up to code. 

For further information needed for businesses, please refer or download: 

Handicap Accessible Parking -   Info Bulletin / Public - Building Code

ADA Information For Small Businesses

ADA CHECK LIST DOWNLOAD

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call The Sign Studio at (818) 843-9200.   

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ADA Sign Quote

 

Topics: ADA Signs, Tactile Braille Signs, restroom handicap signs, Title 24 Signs

Los Angeles Sign Company | In Stock ADA approved Signs

Posted by Julie Ramirez on Mon, Oct 6, 2014 @ 06:10 AM

Los Angeles Sign Company | In Stock ADA approved Signs

The Americans with disabilities act protects individuals with a disability,who are qualified,  from being discriminated against by employment agencies, government, private employers, and labor unions. A qualified individual with a disability is able to perform task in a work environment with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations made for an employee with a disability includes making a place of business accessible for the person to use. This also involves making certain adjustments to the schedule. Modifications to equipment, devices and examinations are included. Policies, trainings and interpreters are also part of the modifications. Modifications in a facility includes proper sign usage for a person with a disability. 

Requirements for ADA signs

There are certain requirements that ADA signs must meet. Some of these requirements include typography, tactile typography, locations, and mounting heights. When it comes to the typography on the signs, ADA  requires that an acceptable font to be used on all upper case and the font should be raised at least at 1/32". The tactile characters must be san serif. You are not able to make the font italic, oblique, or over decorate it. It is important that the character proportion of the width of the "I" be at 15 percent of the letter height. The width of the "O" should be anywhere from 55 and 110 percent of the height of the upper case "I". You may also want to know that the copy height of the tactile information be at a limit of 5/8 inch and 2 inch. Also the tactile spacing be at a minimum of 1/8 inch and the maximum amount allowed is four times the stroke width. Spacing between the lines of copy have to be at a minimum of 135 percent and the maximum is at 170 percent of the "I". Braille should be placed underneath the characters. The shape of the braille must be rounded. The grade 2 braille must meet dimension and capitalization ADA standard requirements for accessible design. Some of the tactile typography fonts allowed are Arial, BAV Garde_Normal, Frutiger_Normal, Futura Book, Heletica Neue_Roman, and Myraid Pro(MP). The permanent locations of ID signs should be located at the doorways. Only if there is no room can a sign be placed at the nearest adjacent wall. Signs on double doors have a couple of ways that it can be mounted. One way is that the sign be placed on the door that is not being used. If both doors are being used then the sign should be placed on the right to the door at the right. If the right hand side is occupied with other items, then the nearest adjacent wall will do. Signs are to be mounted at a 48 inches to 60 inches above the ground. 

Symbols on ADA signs

Symbols for visual information is also a ADA requirement. The symbol should be located within 6 inches of  a vertical void and the background should not contain a non-glare finish. Braille and characters cannot occupy the same space as the pictograph. Color should contrast with the raised characters to make it legible for individuals with low vision. It is recommended that international symbols are used. For example the famous wheel chair accessibility symbol. Rest room signs must have a 1/2 inch foam tape. This is to separate the pictogram from the font and on a unisex to separate the male and female symbol. A reflective handicap sign for a parking space must be placed 60 inches above the ground, which is measured from the ground up. It is important to meet and be compliant with the ADA standard requirements.

For further information pertaining to businesses and ADA Compliance, please download the following: 

Handicap Accessible Parking -   Info Bulletin / Public - Building Code

ADA Information For Small Businesses

ADA CHECK LIST DOWNLOAD

If you need a quote or need further information, please call (818) 843-9200 or send an e-mail to Info@SignStudioLA.com 

Sign Quote

 

ADA Sign Quote

 

Topics: ADA Signs, Tactile Braille Signs, restroom handicap signs, Title 24 Signs

Are the Signs for Your Business ADA Compliant? | Sign Studio LA

Posted by Julie Ramirez on Wed, Nov 27, 2013 @ 06:11 AM

Are the Signs for Your Business ADA Compliant? | Sign Studio LA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was put into place to ensure that persons of varying abilities have equal opportunities. In 1990, the ADA required business owners to place both indoor and outdoor ADA approved signs at their establishments. The act helps people with a disability be able to enjoy your business. Having ADA signs not only helps your business to stay in compliance, but it also ensures the safety of your patrons.

As a business owner, I am sure you are busy with the day-to-day operation of your company. Let us help you take one thing off your plate by providing a brief overview of ADA sign requirements.

Restroom Handicap Signs 

All business establishments must have tactile braille signs displayed at the entrance of their bathrooms. The ADA has established very specific guidelines that must be followed when making a restroom handicap sign. The types of signs available include male, female or family bathroom signs. The dimensions that need to be used are dependent on the type of sign that you choose to use. The signs are made of acrylic with a tactile braille top layer. The signs must include a picture, written words and the words in braille. The braille must be a specific height.  

Reflective Handicap Parking Signs

In addition to having ADA approved signs for your patrons indoors, you must also have handicap parking spaces available. The Americans with Disabilities Act has strict guidelines as to where handicap parking spots can be located. Below are the requirements for outdoor parking ADA signs.

  • The sign color must be blue and reflective.
  • The International sign of Accessibility must be white. 
  • The sign should be no smaller than 70 square inches.
  • The bottom of the sign should be exactly 80 inches from the ground.
  • The sign should display the fine for parking in the spot illegally.
  •  Spots that are approved for vans should have the words “van accessible.”
  • Parking lot should have another sign stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

It is imperative that you also look up the requirements on how and where to place the signs after you purchase them. Different types of parking spaces require a different placement of the ADA sign.

Also see:

ADA CHECK LIST DOWNLOAD

 

Where to Get ADA Signs

As you can see, there are many requirements you must take into consideration when placing ADA signs in your business. 

When looking for ADA signs, it is best to ensure that you are getting signs that are high in quality. Many businesses that design signs are very well versed in the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Don’t risk being non-compliant. Be sure to choose a reputable sign business for your ADA signs.

If you need further information or have any questions, please e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net or give us a call at (818) 843-9200. 

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Topics: ADA Signs, Tactile Braille Signs, restroom handicap signs, Title 24 Signs

ADA Information & Approved Sign Requirements From The Sign Studio, LA

Posted by Julie Ramirez on Mon, Nov 18, 2013 @ 06:11 AM

ADA Information & Approved Sign Requirements From The Sign Studio, LA

The Americans with disabilities act protects individuals with a disability,who are qualified,  from being discriminated against by employment agencies, government, private employers, and labor unions. A qualified individual with a disability is able to perform task in a work environment with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations made for an employee with a disability includes making a place of business accessible for the person to use. This also involves making certain adjustments to the schedule. Modifications to equipment, devices and examinations are included. Policies, trainings and interpreters are also part of the modifications. Modifications in a facility includes proper sign usage for a person with a disability. 

Requirements for ADA signs

There are certain requirements that ADA signs must meet. Some of these requirements include typography, tactile typography, locations, and mounting heights. When it comes to the typography on the signs, ADA  requires that an acceptable font to be used on all upper case and the font should be raised at least at 1/32". The tactile characters must be san serif. You are not able to make the font italic, oblique, or over decorate it. It is important that the character proportion of the width of the "I" be at 15 percent of the letter height. The width of the "O" should be anywhere from 55 and 110 percent of the height of the upper case "I". You may also want to know that the copy height of the tactile information be at a limit of 5/8 inch and 2 inch. Also the tactile spacing be at a minimum of 1/8 inch and the maximum amount allowed is four times the stroke width. Spacing between the lines of copy have to be at a minimum of 135 percent and the maximum is at 170 percent of the "I". Braille should be placed underneath the characters. The shape of the braille must be rounded. The grade 2 braille must meet dimension and capitalization ADA standard requirements for accessible design. Some of the tactile typography fonts allowed are Arial, BAV Garde_Normal, Frutiger_Normal, Futura Book, Heletica Neue_Roman, and Myraid Pro(MP). The permanent locations of ID signs should be located at the doorways. Only if there is no room can a sign be placed at the nearest adjacent wall. Signs on double doors have a couple of ways that it can be mounted. One way is that the sign be placed on the door that is not being used. If both doors are being used then the sign should be placed on the right to the door at the right. If the right hand side is occupied with other items, then the nearest adjacent wall will do. Signs are to be mounted at a 48 inches to 60 inches above the ground. 

Symbols on ADA signs

Symbols for visual information is also an ADA requirement. The symbol should be located within 6 inches of  a vertical void and the background should contain a non-glare finish. Braille and characters cannot occupy the same space as the pictograph. Color should contrast with the raised characters to make it legible for individuals with low vision. It is recommended that international symbols are used. For example the famous wheel chair accessibility symbol. Rest room signs must have a 1/2 inch foam tape. This is to separate the pictogram from the font and on a unisex to separate the male and female symbol. A reflective handicap sign for a parking space must be placed 60 inches above the ground, which is measured from the ground up. It is important to meet and be compliant with the ADA standard requirements.

ADA Braille Sign Guideline

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to call us at
The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

ADA Sign Quote

Restroom ADA Sign Images 

Topics: ADA Signs, Tactile Braille Signs, restroom handicap signs, Title 24 Signs

LOS ANGELES SIGNS | Restroom Signs - New ADA Laws and Regulations

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Sun, Jan 16, 2011 @ 08:01 AM

ADA COMPLIANT RESTROOM SIGNS

Blog   Restroom ADA Signs resized 600

 

New ADA Laws and Regulations

Many businesses don't realize there is a far-reaching and organized series of laws and procedures that govern bathroom signs and handicapped signage. The ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, was enacted to give due diligence to making sure that all public spaces, including restrooms and places where industrial signage is needed, are accessible and familiar to the handicapped person.

Recently, the laws regulating ADA restroom signs, and all ADA signs in general, have changed. New legislation has brought all the old ADA signage up to modern codes, and compliance is a must.

ADA signage refers to a lot of different laws and regulations, but some of the ADA restroom signs in particular that have been significantly affected by the new rules are braille signs. Braille signs are one of the most important aspects of restroom signage that ADA regulates, and with good reason. There are dozens of possible pitfalls when it comes to creating a braille sign, not least among them positioning, changes in braille itself, height, and prescribed size and lettering. For a handicapped person, it's absolutely essential that your bathroom signs speak to them in a way that they understand and are familiar with. These new laws make it that much easier to create informative, helpful, safe ADA restroom signs, and to create a braille sign that speaks to the widest possible audience as clearly as it can.

ADA signage is something that's easy to overlook in the rush to get through a job, or to design your interior space in a way that's pleasing to the eye and works with your business, school, hotel, or place of business. However, few things are more important about your ADA restroom sign than the way it speaks to the disabled. The right braille sign, the right ADA sign of any stripe, is designed to keep your business in good standing in two ways. One way is compliance. Without it, your space could be subject to penalties and even lawsuits, and that's never a good thing. The other way is simple customer/occupant care and service. Without the right kind of ADA signage, your handicapped patrons will have a harder time doing what they need to do in your space. Both of those simple, very compelling reasons for updating your signs are focused on here at The Sign Studio. .

Below you'll find a run down of many of the new ADA sign regulations that relate to industrial signage and braille signs. As a service to you and a guideline for how we make our signs in the future, we're placing these ADA regulations on our site - check back to reference them whenever you need. The Sign Studio is your one-stop shop for any kind of braille sign, ADA signage, or any type of state and federal law-compliant sign.

New Regulations Related to Braille Signs

According to the new regulations, when you're writing in braille there are several guidelines in reference to size, height, and font. For example:

"Letters and numerals shall be raised 1/32 in (0.8 mm) minimum, upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied with Grade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be at least 5/8 in (16 mm) high, but no higher than 2 in (50 mm). Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6 in (152 mm) minimum in height."

There are minimums for how far braille must be raised above the surface of your ADA sign, and at The Sign Studio we have the precision machines to get it just right, keep you compliant, and make your signs readable and accessible. We also are completely updated and able to write in perfect Grade 2 Braille, a capability not all sign companies share. We also are well trained and well versed when it comes to all ADA signage symbolics, and all related braille sign explanations and text.

Another set of regulations for braille signs:

Dot diameter: .059 in.
Inter-dot spacing: .090 in.
Horizontal separation between cells: .241 in.
Vertical separation between cells: .395 in.
Raised borders around signs containing raised characters may make them confusing to read unless the border is set far away from the characters. Accessible signage with descriptive materials about public buildings, monuments, and objects of cultural interest may not provide sufficiently detailed and meaningful information. Interpretive guides, audio tape devices, or other methods may be more effective in presenting such information.

As you can see, that kind of minute detailing requires incredible precision. That's why The Sign Studio has invested in the best, sharpest sign creation equipment.  With laser precision, we can make ADA restroom signs to absolute perfect margins and regulations, and every ADA sign we make for your company can be crafted with amazing exactitude.

That's important not only to make your signs compliant, but also to make them readable. For braille users, it's important that braille signs be the same as the braille they read in texts, to cut down on confusion. Confusion that could range from mere frustration to the possibility of danger, neither of which serve you, your place of work, or your guests.

The signs in your space are important on a number of levels, but few of them are more important than respect and customer service. Making the best braille sign possible, in compliance with all ADA signage laws and regulations, is a great way of accomplishing both of those goals, and making them with precision and excellence is a point of pride for The Sign Studio.   There are several other laws regulation ADA restroom signs. They include regulations related to height, spacing, and sign placement.

For instance, all ADA signs intended for use by handicapped persons have to be placed in locations free from any sort of unseen danger, such as the arc of a swinging door, or a protuberance along the wall. A braille sign has to be in a place where the user can feel safe standing still and reading it for any period of time.

"Letters and numbers on signs shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10."

This regulation ensures that the characters on a given sign will conform to other characters on other signs, making them familiar and readable. This goes for all kinds of ADA signage, and is one more way these ADA regulations make the world of interior space more palatable and easier to navigate for the handicapped.

There is also a regulation mandating that all bathroom signs be high contrast. In other words, if your writing is in a light color, like white, it must be contrasted with a darker background, like blue. You see this combination in a lot of different handicapped signage. The contrast must be 70% to be in full compliance, and the ADA provides a helpful equation to help businesses know how much contrast is enough:

Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100


where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the lighter area and B2 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the darker area. Note that in any application both white and black are never absolute; thus, B1 never equals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0. The greatest readability is usually achieved through the use of light-colored characters or symbols on a dark background.

All of these rules and regulations are essential in crafting the most up-to-date, ADA compliant signs possible. For handicapped persons and those who depend on braille, the new regulations are essential to an improved, more familiar quality of life. The new braille signs that will now be produced are alone worth the effort of bringing your signs up to code. Using literary spacing and Grade 2 braille is an important step in leveling the playing field of industrial signage.

And when it comes to code-compliant, customer service oriented ADA signage, including of course ADA restroom signs, there's no better place to go than The Sign Studio. 

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net  

Topics: ada compliant signs in burbank and los angeles la, ada tactile and braille signs, Restroom Signs, restroom handicap signs