Evidence-Based Changes Advocated for ADA Regulations
At a recent meeting of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a proposed mandate that would have had a significant effect on the sign and visual communications industry was disapproved. The mandate on contrast issues would have created tremendous difficulties in enforcement without any proof that it would benefit those it was designed to assist. The International Sign Association is focused on ensuring that the Federal Standards of Accessible Design support the best interests the disabled community. ISA’s representatives worked with other committee members to keep the contrast issues as a recommendation – at least until additional research is conducted on the issues. ISA participated in the process for developing ANSI’s 2014 Edition of the Model Code for Accessible and Usable Buildings Facilities. The ANSI Standards are used in the International Building Code, which serves as the basis for the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Therefore, ANSI codes can have a significant impact on our industry.
ISA is a voting member of ANSI and has worked on the color contrast issue for many years. In January 2014 ISA presented a detailed argument explaining why the 70 percent requirement is good as a recommendation, but not a requirement. The proposed new standard required that ADA signage have a visual contrast of 70 percent between foreground and background, a minimum LRV measurement of 45, a minimum of 5/8 inch character height for raised letters and a 1/8 inch minimum spacing between raised characters.
“We are in favor of developing a standard that manufacturers and code officials understand, support and comply with willingly,” said Teresa Cox, president of APCO Sign Systems and an ISA member. Cox represented ISA in the ANSI process. “Site conditions, particularly the type and intensity of lighting, have great impact on perceived contrast. Following that formula without considering site conditions would allow combinations that do not have enough contrast, and prohibit others that are perfectly legibly when appropriate lighting is provided.”
The proposals will be posted on the ICC website for public comment this fall and those comments will be discussed at the next meeting in January 2015. Read a summary of past ANSI meetings and the impact of these proposed changes. For more information contact ISA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives at [email protected].
