In this month's white paper we take a look inside how business and brands can leverage an ADA signage as a powerful marketing and advertising tool.
http://signsbytomorrow.com/web/custom-graphics-imaging-signage-case-studies.aspx
2. What is ADA?
If you own or operate a business, you are
probably aware that you need to post ADA signs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
commonly referred to as ADA, put into motion
government regulations requiring all public
businesses to display ADA signage. The success of
your business is ensured by your ADA compliance
and also reflects sensitivity toward the needs of
handicapped and disabled people.
Signs By Tomorrow (SBT) signage and
graphics experts are on hand to assist with ADA
signage solutions. Since ADA covers a wide range
of civil rights that prohibit, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability, your
building, facility or school is most likely affected by ADA’s requirements for proper signage. It’s
crucial for your business to comply with ADA rules and regulations. It’s the law and the
professionals at Signs By Tomorrow signage centers across the nation are available to assist with
all of your custom ADA signage needs.
How Can Businesses Comply with ADA?
Navigating through ADA handicap signage
requirements can be tricky, but the knowledgeable
staff at your local Signs By Tomorrow signage
center is experienced and ready to help.
For instance, Signs By Tomorrow Houston
South senior project manager Amber Erskine is
considered a specialist in ADA and how the law
pertains to your business’ signage. She says that
ADA guidelines require a sign to be placed on every
door one can walk through in a building. Erskine
mentions that the exact quantity of signs for doors
is carefully considered for this ADA specification.
“The height requirement of ADA signs from the ground has recently been lowered,”
Erskine reveals. “In addition, it’s important to note that all signage on doors or within hallways
must be 48 inches above the floor or ground to accommodate people using wheelchairs and
people who are blind.”
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Did You Know?
All ADA signage on doors or in hallways must be 48 inches above
the floor or ground.
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3. Benefits of Custom ADA Signage
Just because ADA signage is required, doesn’t
mean it has to be boring. The reasons to design
custom ADA signs that match your brand and
Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategy
are numerous. Signs By Tomorrow goes the extra mile
to ensure that your ADA signs not only meet federal
government regulations but also reflect your logo and
corporate branding -- much more than just placing a
handicapped sign or symbol for each piece of ADA
signage.
In the process of ADA signage preparation, you
receive custom consultation with Signs By Tomorrow custom sign making experts and directly
benefit from excellent customer service and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Working with
Signs By Tomorrow signage experts on custom ADA signage means that you receive all of the
great benefits associated with a nationwide sign company.
How to Attract Business with ADA Signs
It’s easier than ever to transform your existing directional and wayfinding signs into ADA
signage that attracts attention and complies with federal regulations. In fact, most companies
are not aware that ADA signs can incorporate company logos, brand ascetic, designs and remain
completely in compliance with ADA standards.
Remember, all of your branding and marketing efforts will not be lost in the shuffle of
the production of custom ADA signage. In fact, SBT will ensure that ADA compliant signs include
all of the appropriate information, while highlighting your logos or photos in the designs.
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7 Examples of Custom
ADA Signage You See Everyday
1. ADA Bathroom Signage
2. ADA Parking Signs
3. ADA Exit Signs
4. Branded Suite and Room
Numbers
5. ADA Handicap Parking
Signs
6. ADA Elevator Signs
7. ADA Stairwell Signs
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4. Creating Graphics for ADA Signs
Creating high-quality graphics for your ADA
signage is both affordable and convenient. Signs By
Tomorrow develops custom graphics available at
the best quality with high resolutions, making it
possible for the ADA signage and graphics to
feature printed images including: photos, logos
and marketing messages.
Erskine also points out that SBT has to be
very firm about the text used on ADA signs and
graphics and says, “Signs are limited to only
printing non-serif fonts. Serif fonts are too thick
and will not print well.”
Many businesses may need to replace old
signs with new ADA-compliant signage since the
most recent update to the law went into effect in
Feb. 2011, leaving many old ADA signs incorrect
and outdated. “We suggest that clients update all
their signs and use their logo or emblem to make
the signage unique but still legal,” Erskine states.
In an article in American Libraries Magazine
titled New ADA Signage Standards Take Effect,
author Liz Humrickhouse explains that ADA signage
in bathrooms, stairwells, hallways, etc. must be
very clear. “New [ADA signage] must now include large, bolded characters in both upper- and
lowercase (for those who read visually) and thin, beveled, and widely spaced lettering (for
tactile readers). Additionally, legally blind visual readers benefit greatly from no-glare, high-
contrast signage,” Humrickhouse says.
Signs By Tomorrow sign centers across the country are fully equipped to meet all of your
ADA graphics needs in a cost effective, creative manner.
Case Study: Wellness Clinic
Signs By Tomorrow Houston South recently
completed the logo and decals for a wellness clinic (see
photo left). The wellness clinic required custom made
wayfinding signs to guide patients through the facility that
incorporated the clinic’s leaf logo while meeting ADA
regulations. The wellness clinic was so pleased with the
results that they increased their order to include the
purchase of new custom signage for every room in the
facility.
The double-panel signage SBT delivered not only
met the wellness clinic’s unique needs and all ADA
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5. regulations but also presented a clean, professional design that conveyed high-end
professionalism for the client.
Case Study: Property Management Firm
When property managers Thomas Properties Group/ABM
needed ADA signage, the company’s security/fire life safety
director David Brown contacted Signs By Tomorrow for
assistance. The property management firm ordered 18 stairwell
floor level ADA signs, sized 18 by 12 inches (see photos right).
Although a proof of the ADA signs was mistakenly
approved with an error in the order, SBT responded quickly with
a resolution of removing the incorrect letter. The quick
response and solution made everyone involved very happy.
Signs By Tomorrow signage centers in Santa Clarita, CA and
Sunrise, FL worked hand-in-hand to complete this project,
proving that the far-reaching nationwide network of SBT
signage centers directly benefits firms such as Thomas
Properties Group.
ADA Signage FAQ’s
Q: What does ADA compliance mean?
A: In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal anti-
discrimination statute, was enacted by the U.S. Congress to ensure equal access to people with
disabilities. ADA Accessibility Guidelines are specific about how and where special needs signs
are displayed. ADA ensures that people with special needs are not excluded from the same
experiences as other non-disabled people. Some examples of signs that provide guidance and
assistance to people with special needs are Braille or Tactile signage.
Q: What types of ADA signs are readily available?
A. There are many types of ADA signs that are compliant with federal regulations, including ADA
compliant International Symbol of Accessibility, Braille signs, Tactile signs, restroom signs,
entrance and exit signs, wayfinding signs and more.
Q: Do custom ADA signs and graphics cost a lot?
A: At Signs By Tomorrow, custom does not mean costly! Our advanced digital printing and
engraving technologies allow us to create cost effective sophisticated custom ADA signage and
graphics for your business.
Q. What do ADA signs typically look like?
A: ADA signage incorporates various shapes, colors, sizes and textures and can even display your
company, school or organization’s logo. Don’t just default to the typical ADA handicapped sign,
your design can include what is specific and unique to your marketing plan and remain true to
your brand identity.
Q: What are some of the ADA rules and regulations and how can we comply?
A: Signs By Tomorrow experts are on hand to navigate through the various rules and regulations
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6. associated with ADA. Since the guidelines are too numerous to list, consult a SBT professional or
visit the website www.ada.gov for more information.
Full-Service Standard and Custom ADA Signage Solutions
Signs By Tomorrow offers high-quality, custom ADA signage and provides a plethora of
digital printing services. Whether we design your signage or bring your design to life, Signs By
Tomorrow’s solutions allow you to build awareness and further brand recognition as well as
comply with specific ADA guidelines.
Be sure to maximize your marketing budget and Integrated Marketing Communications
strategies with custom sign solutions by Signs By Tomorrow. From custom ADA signs to vehicle
wraps, tradeshow booth designs and both indoor and outdoor signs, SBT is truly an advertising
resource. With cost-effective ways to promote your business, around town and across the
country, Signs By Tomorrow is the leading custom sign company.
Works Cited
Americans with Disabilities Act website: www.ada.gov
American Libraries Magazine. April 25, 2012. New ADA Signage Standards Take Effect,
Humrickhouse, Liz. http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/features/04252012/new-ada-signage-
standards-take-effect.
Signs By Tomorrow website: www.signsbytomorrow.com
Signs By Tomorrow, 8681 Fulton Dr., Columbia, MD 21046
877-728-7446, www.signsbytomorrow.com
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