by Brianna Crandall — March 7, 2012—ASI, a global architectural signage firm that specializes in providing consultative services in wayfinding and identity solutions for hospitals, educational institutions and other large commercial and public facilities, has published a handout detailing the changes required under the federal 2010 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Standards for Accessible Design. All U.S. states must adopt and begin enforcing the new standards by March 15, 2012.
“With respect to signage, the changes primarily affect public accommodations within the U.S., which means that over five million facilities are impacted including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, physician’s offices, schools, stores, movie theatres, convention centers, libraries, banks, museums and airports,” noted Kelly David, Director of Marketing and Product Management at ASI. “Given that it is a federal law and that ADA compliance is such a critical part of good wayfinding, it’s important that builders, building managers and others involved in the design and remodeling of public facilities be aware of the changes and how they will affect their industry.”
The handout from ASI seeks to clarify the impending changes and provide guidance on how facilities can be in full compliance by the deadline. Just as important, the handout also offers information on how the guidelines affect signage, including sections describing the sign types that are exempt from ADA Standards and featuring examples of ADA-compliant signs. Other important information includes illustrations and descriptions of ADA-compliant wayfinding elements and signage to ensure accessibility.
Many businesses will already be in compliance with the new standards, and a number of states and municipalities have taken it upon themselves to implement and adopt the changes well ahead of the compliance deadline, notes ASI. Still, many organizations may not be aware of the changes and compliance deadline described within the 2010 ADA Standards. Cost, familiarization with the requirements, or having the means by which to implement them, can influence the likelihood of compliance by a facility, adds the company.
“Aside from the fact that it’s a federal requirement, adhering to the revised ADA Standards doesn’t have to be painful or costly,” David said. “There are so many different options to deploy signage that not only meet the federal guidelines but also harmonize seamlessly with the facility’s branding and wayfinding needs, while also meeting your budget needs. The key is to work with an experienced and knowledgeable signage consultant well-versed in the new standards and who can translate them into a signage solution that will fulfill your institution’s wayfinding and messaging goals.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became a law in July 1990, with enforcement beginning in July 1991, with the intent of broadly protecting the civil rights of the disabled, prohibiting discrimination in employment and access to goods and services, explains ASI. The U.S. Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the ADA for title II and title III on September 15, 2010. These updated rules contain clarifications and refinements as well as the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design.
March 15, 2012, is the compliance date for using the 2010 Standards for new construction, alterations, program accessibility, and barrier removal, reminds ASI. Formal compliance is administered at the state and local levels, and many states and municipalities have already adopted the new standards or even more stringent ones.
