Frequently Asked Questions
The Answers You Need
What is your return policy?
We offer full returns (minus shipping costs) on all products if not customized. If the item is Customized and it was approved as is we are unable to offer returns
What is the purpose of ADA signs?
ADA signs are required to make buildings accessible to people with visual disabilities. It’s important to remember that that this includes more than just blind people. Approximately 2.5 million Americans are legally blind (this is defined by visual acuity less than 20/200). There are also millions more who suffer from limited vision caused by glaucoma or macular degeneration. Besides Braille and tactile lettering, these signs provide bold, high contrast identification of rooms. As a generation of Baby Boomers age, these signs will become even more important. The intent of the law is to make sure people with disabilities have access to buildings by providing signs with high contrast, tactile letters and Braille for optimal readability. Visit www.ADA.gov for more information.
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Do all signs need to be ADA compliant with braille / tactile?
​No, there are a number of signs that are not required to be ADA compliant. Building addresses, directories, parking signs and temporary signs don't need to be ADA compliant. Temporary signs are designated as those which are in use for 7 days or less.
What rooms need to have signs?
Rooms that are not likely to change function (like a restroom, kitchen, elevators, etc) should be identified by name. Other rooms that may change function can be identified by a numbers or letters. A common solution for rooms like these is to identify the room number on the sign and use a changeable paper insert to identify the room function. Our window signs serve this purpose.
The short answer is: permanent rooms and spaces. Section 216.2 of the ADA applies to signs that provide designations, labels, or names for interior rooms or spaces where the sign is not likely to change over time. Examples include interior signs labeling restrooms, room and floor numbers or letters, and room names. Tactile text descriptors are required for pictograms that are provided to label or identify a permanent room or space. (You can review the entire ADA regulations here). The key thing to remember is that if it's a room that is not likely to change, you are required to have an ADA compliant sign identifying it. Most rooms fall under this designation. Restrooms, vending areas, closets, etc. tend not to change function often and are required to have ADA signs. An example of a room that might change functions often is a classroom (this year it’s an Art room but next year, it may be a Science lab.) Remember, even if an ADA sign is not required, it's still a good idea. Making our buildings accessible to everybody is the right thing to do. The cost to identify a room with an ADA sign versus a non-ADA sign is a few dollars more.
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Stairs need signs?
Do I need ADA compliant signs in the stairweells of my building?
You are required to have a tactile sign next to each door inside a stairwell. These signs should identify the floor level, stair level and exit level. Some local fire codes have size requirements for these signs. You should check with your local authorities before ordering.
Can I make a custom shaped sign?
Of course. Just let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help.