ADA FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Isn’t the government constantly changing the ADA rules?
A: ADA sign guidelines have not changed once since 1991 when they were first written. However, various states may have published their state building codes in the meantime, and there might be some more stringent rules in your specific state. Also, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) did come out with new standards, including a completely rewritten sign section in 1998. The federal government, which is in charge of the ADA, has no control over this activity. The Federal Government is in the process of revising the ADA Guidelines.
Q: Will photopolymer signs still be compliant after the new ADA rules are passed?
A: The proposed ADA rules do not rule out any fabrication methods. The proposed rules only indicate that Braille dots be rounded or domed, therefore Photopolymer continues to meet all compliance guidelines.
Q: ADA signs are supposed to be "non-glare." Can we use metals for ADA signs?
A: The safest way to use metals for ADA signs is to confine them to areas of the sign which don’t contain essential way finding or identification text. If you must use metal as a sign background, remember that it has to have a minimum 70% contrast with the characters and that there can be no reflection or glare. A very light natural aluminum with a slight blasted finish may work with black characters.
Q: How do we determine contrast on signs? What colors work best?
A: Contrast is between light and dark, not between colors. For instance, a very pale grey (almost white) would be fine with a charcoal background. Brown and green or red and black do not contrast for people with defective color vision. Although contrast is not defined in the guidelines, the Appendix does suggest a minimum of 70%.
Q: Current ADA guidelines call for "simple" serifs. What is a simple serif?
A: There is no such term. The original writers of the ADA guidelines incorrectly used this definition of typeface. The proposed Rules eliminate this confusing term. Serifs on tactile characters make them more difficult to read by touch.
Q: Where can I find more factual information about the ADA and regulations?
A: More information can be found at the U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Home Page
