The Americans with Disabilities Act states that all new commercial construction, as well as remodels or alterations, must comply fully with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Barrier removal is required in many existing facilities. The Department of Justice and the Access Board have indicated that replacing or augmenting existing site and building signs with ADA-compliant signs usually does not constitute an "undue hardship" and is considered a simple, inexpensive way to show a good faith effort to remove barriers.

The scoping and design requirements for ADA-compliant signs are complex and confusing. Very often new signs do not meet these standards.

All permanent interior signs are affected by the law. Guidelines prescribing finishes and character height and proportion, as well as other technical standards, are mandated. Certain interior signs must comply with stringent requirements for tactile characters, Braille, and pictograms. Many exterior signs are not affected by the law; however, signs designating accessible parking spaces and loading zones must comply, as well as signs indicating accessible building entries. Directional and informational signage must meet specific design standards.

Access by Design has worked extensively with people who have various types of disabilities, such as sight, hearing, cognitive, and mobility, to determine how proper signs can help them with "wayfinding." We clearly understand how a well-designed signage program benefits everyone.

An existing signage audit is conducted to ascertain where permanent interior signs are required, which ones should have tactile, Braille, and pictograms, and where directional/informational signs need to be replaced or added. The site is analyzed for appropriate parking signage as well as for required or useful directional and informational signs.

Specifications are developed for ADA signs, indicating the various technical criteria, as well as overall sign sizes, design layout, and aesthetic considerations. Site and building drawings are used to indicate locations. Access by Design assists with the bid package and vendor selection. Project management and installation supervision assures that signs are mounted properly.

Access by Design ADA Signage Programs provide:

o Complete site and building sign survey.

o Summary of new or additional signs required.

o Bid and design specifications and criteria.

o Vendor and proposal evaluation.

o Installation project supervision.