ADA Information Updates

On June 17th the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a formal proposal to adopt new ADAAG.  This is a huge and critical step in both updating and increasing ADA accessibility guidelines in the private sector as well as for state and local governments.  Of course there is the normal 60 days governmental period for public comment before final approval is expected.

Of course, it is likely that the DOJ will set the effective date for these changes several months down the road into the future.  This will allow and provide building owners and operators sufficient advanced notice to comply with the new requirements.

The new ADAAG includes many changes to accessible sign specifications:
Criteria for tactile typefaces have been updated to require a thin stroke width, widely spaced, without serifs or embellishments of any kind.

Mounting height for tactile signs has changed. The base line of tactile characters must be within 48 and 60 inches above the floor, slightly lower than the current requirement of 60 inches from the center of the sign.

There are new minimum heights for visual characters which increase with viewing distance. Characters on signs mounted overhead can be as small as 2” if they are no more than 10 feet above the floor; however the minimum character size increases with mounting height.

Most state building codes currently in use are very similar to the federal requirements that the DOJ is trying to issue and approve.

If you require technical assistance or have any questions regarding signage and ADA requirements and compliance feel free to contact us info@wlconcepts.com or 516-565-5151 for guidance.  Also available is the Technical Assistance board to assist with very technical questions.  They can be reached at TA@access-board.gov r 1-800-872-2253.

Other helpful links can be found at US Department of Justice ADA homepage, and ADA Requirements for Interior Signage.