ADA access signs are signage that includes the International Symbol of Accessibility, or ISA.
For many years, the symbol for wheelchair accessibility has been a familiar sight in cities all across the nation. It is typically used to mark areas where environmental barriers have been altered or removed to allow equal access to wheelchair users.
When anyone sees these symbols on restroom ADA signs, they understand that the area is accessible. But what does that mean exactly? Let's explore what accessibility means to wheelchair users and the general public.
Accommodating people with disabilities
People with disabilities live in the same world as everyone else because they are the same as everyone else. Wheelchair users do not want special treatment, only accommodation to allow them equal access to public facilities as those without mobility impairments.
They do not want to be seen as victims of their conditions, or portrayed as tortured individuals courageously struggling with their afflictions. Disabled people would rather be regarded as individuals who accomplish average everyday activities by finding alternative ways and means to do so. To achieve and lead normal lives, disabled people are best aided by removing the barriers put before them by our society, not the obstructions of their own bodies.
ADA access signs are designed to mark areas where these barriers and obstructions have been removed, providing disabled people with sufficient accommodations.
ADA restroom access sign characteristics
There are a variety of restroom ADA signs using the ISA symbol. They range from signs with symbols indicating men's restroom, women's restroom, or unisex restroom facilities to signs that feature the ISA symbol by itself.
These signs also typically include Braille lettering for use by people who are blind or have low vision. The symbols and lettering are printed using contrasting colors and legible fonts. As a rule, all of these images are raised to further aid in sign reading.
ADA access signs identify accommodations
The ISA symbol seen alongside these sign elements indicate that the restroom has been adapted for use by wheelchair users.
The facility contains toilet stalls built at the regulation measurements to comfortable fit wheelchairs and allow for mobility within the stall. The sign also indicates that certain tools to aid mobility, such as handrail bars, are also present. Other parts of the stall such as bathroom tissue holders and coat hooks are place at a height easily reachable by the average wheelchair user. These measurements are contained in ADA guidelines provided by the government.
Also, the restroom may have automatic doors with devices used to open them. These doors are created at a specific size to accommodate wheelchairs, and the devices to open them are placed at a practical height where they can be reached easily.
All of these accommodations are indicated by restroom signs that contain the simple and effective ISA symbol.
Be sure your business has the proper ADA access signs
If you are a business owner or manager, you know the value of purchasing ADA access signs and displaying them in the proper places.
This simple act shows your dedication to accommodating wheelchair users. Everyone including your customers, clients, employees, and guests, will make good use of your signs. They will be confident to conduct business with you knowing you are interested in accommodating everyone equally.
