ada compliance: why accessibility matters
ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act
In the 1980’s activists began to lobby for a civil rights statute that would protect the rights of people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990. Its intention was to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in the workplace, government services, telecommunication, transportation, and public spaces.
Life before ADA meant no wheelchair accessibility in schools, no elevators for multi-storied buildings, limited possibilities for people with visual impairments to navigate public spaces independently. Often people were turned away from businesses for lack of accommodation and discriminated against for employment opportunities.
In 2010 the ADA Standards for Accessible Design were adopted that enforced standards that require accessible signs that are used to identify certain elements and spaces. It’s important to note that these standards are minimum requirements that address the needs of people with low vision, tactile application for blind people, and sign content for all people.
ada signage matters
ADA laws were created for people with disabilities.
People with disabilities are not disabled people.
If provided access–many people with disabilities are capable of performing things like required job tasks, attending school, and navigating spaces with autonomy. ADA is about ensuring people with disabilities have the same opportunities as able-bodied people. Inclusivity is really important to us here at Studio Dzo. As creatives, we believe it broadens our own perspectives and makes us better designers. ADA signage matters because ALL PEOPLE matter. Accessibility is a basic human need and maneuvering through life with autonomy helps people stay motivated to live fulfilling and productive lives.
ADA is Good for Everyone
IT SAVES TIME
In design there’s a saying, “GOOD DESIGN IS SOMETHING YOU DON’T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT”. As creatives we consider if a design looks good, as designers we think about how designs function. A clear indicator of successful wayfinding design is seeing how someone navigates a space. If sighted people are having a difficult time finding where they need to go, it’s safe to say someone with low sight, or someone who is blind will have an equally, probably more difficult time trying to find their way without help. Starting off with a good ADA system will save everyone time. It takes time for people to try to find their destination, it takes time to find someone to point it out, it takes time for someone to physically guide someone, it takes a lot of time for someone to guess where it is. Starting with well-designed ADA signage saves EVERYONE time.
ADA guidelines call for consistent mounting locations like doorways to help individuals locate ADA signage.
It helps keep everyone safe
Clear signage provides critical information. Identifying exits, restrooms, and other important areas are especially crucial in times of emergency. Egress safety signs are some of the most important signs that most sighted people don’t think about. Often located in stairwells and near exits, they provide clear evacuation routes and highlight safe areas. They often include floor levels, designated roof access, and location of fire exits. In the case of an emergency in an unfamiliar location, sighted people and first responders can also utilize the evacuation map on an egress sign.
Egress signs utilize raised characters, braille, and high contrast for blind and low sighted people. Also consider back-of-house signage and how someone with a visual impairment might need to utilize an evacuation plan through the back of your office or space.
It Promotes Inclusivity
ADA signage is vital for fostering an inclusive and accessible community. Equal access ensures everyone can fully participate and these improved experiences help create a welcoming environment. We collaborate with like-minded Partners who prioritize inclusivity and trust within their own teams and communities. For them, ADA signage isn’t about fulfilling a requirement; it’s about providing aesthetically pleasing solutions that are also highly functional for individuals who may not be able to see them. Providing a good experience for everyone means considering everyone.
going above and beyond
For the right Partners, it’s very important and clear that ADA signage isn’t just about fulfilling the law, it’s about fulfilling lives.
According to the 2021 US Census, over 40 million people are living with disabilities in the United States and we are committed to making spaces welcoming for all. We can support each other, enrich our communities, and enhance the lives of everyone within them. Together we can turn simple accommodations into powerful tools for accessibility and inclusion.
ADA Made Easy
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