Businesses that are open to the public are subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If they don’t comply with them, they can face enforcement efforts. ADA enforcement often starts with a lawsuit brought by a customer, employee or member of the public against a non-compliant business.
Often, companies focus their ADA accommodations on disabilities related to people’s mobility. They will invest in accessible bathroom stalls and add ramps to their facilities for wheelchair access.
Fewer companies think about the needs of those with visual impairments. The ADA imposes an obligation for proper signage for those who are blind or have debilitating visual limitations.
What does the ADA require in terms of braille signage?
You generally need to post the location of certain important systems within your business. Among the most common are signs advising people about where the exits are, where entrances to stairways are, and where the bathrooms are.
The braille section of the signs should be posted at a standard height, which is between 48 in and 60 inches from the ground. That way, individuals navigating your business who have visual impairments will be able to find the signs and read them without difficulty.
Businesses without the appropriate signage could face claims from customers who were unable to patronize them or who got hurt because of improper or inadequate signage throughout the facility. Understanding what requirements your business must fulfill to become ADA compliant can help you avoid potentially expensive ADA lawsuits. If you are already facing a lawsuit, it’s important to have sound legal guidance.