12/30/2011
On March 15, 2011 the new ADA Accessibility Guidelines took effect on a national level for newly designed or altered facilities. The Department of Justice enforces the standard in places of public accommodation, commercial facilities and in state or local government facilities. During the next year, DOJ's regulations allow covered entities the choice of following either the updated standards or the original standards. After March 15, 2012, the new standards are mandatory. In setting the effective dates, DOJ sought to allow sufficient time for transitioning to the updated standards so as not to disrupt design and construction projects already underway.
There are substantive changes to the requirements for accessible signage, in both the scoping and technical sections of the standards. Both tactile and visual characters are defined in greater detail, mounting heights for signs has changed and minimum character heights have been determined based on viewing distance.
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: [email protected], 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
It's a common question posed to the Board since its release of new design guidelines for facilities covered by the ADA and ABA. These guidelines will drive updates of the standards used to enforce the ADA and ABA. The standards, which are maintained by a handful of other Federal agencies, are what m...