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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) took a big step last month toward increasing accessibility in the built environment. On June 17 they issued their formal proposal to adopt the new ADAAG. This long anticipated action is a critical step in the process of updating ADA accessibility guidelines for the private sector and state and local governments. We are in the midst of the government’s normal 60 day period for public comment. When the comment period concludes next month, final approval is expected pretty quickly.
It is likely that the DOJ will set the effective date for these changes several months in the future, to provide building owners and operators sufficient advance 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.
Once the DOJ issues their final approval, the federal requirements for accessible signage will be very similar to what is currently required by most state building codes. Follow this link on the Access Board’s website for specific information on state accessibility codes, including contacts at the local level:
www.access-board.gov/links/statecodes.htm
The ANSI Committee is wrapping up its 2008 cycle, so look for updates on future changes to the model code.
Technical Assistance
Should you have any questions about signs and the ADA, technical assistance is available directly from the Access Board through their question line: , or by phone at 1 800 872 2253.
For the latest updates visit www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/standards-update.htm
Helpful Links
• Access Board
• U. S. Department of Justice ADA Homepage
• ADA Requirements for Interior Signs (64k pdf)
• SignInfo: Changes in the ADA (99k pdf)
• LRV (Light Reflectancy Values) Chart (64k pdf)
•
Contrast Calculator
• APCO Color Chart
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