Help Your Local School Get ADA Ready Before the New School Year
As summer rolls in, schools across the country are tackling renovations, classroom updates, and preparing for a fresh start. But one area that’s often overlooked, and critically important, is ADA-compliant signage.
If you’re in the sign industry, facility management, or even a parent in the community, now is the perfect time to reach out and ask:
“Is your school ready for the new school year, and ADA compliant?”
Summer Is the Ideal Time to Make Updates
When students and staff are out for break, schools finally have room to breathe. Hallways are quiet, classrooms are empty, and maintenance staff are focused on upgrades.
It’s the perfect opportunity to:
Replace outdated signage
Correct code violations
Add signage to renovated or newly built areas
Proactively updating signs now avoids rushed, last-minute work in August or September, and ensures compliance before inspections roll around.
What Schools Often Overlook
ADA signage requirements are specific, and most schools don’t even realize they’re out of date. We regularly see:
Room signs with incorrect font size or contrast
Braille missing or placed improperly
Signs installed at incorrect heights or locations
Pictograms used without proper spacing or labels
Even minor violations can lead to failed audits or accessibility complaints.
Here’s What Schools Should Review
We recommend checking that:
Every permanent room (like classrooms, offices, janitor closets) has tactile lettering and Grade 2 Braille
Restrooms have correct pictograms and ADA-compliant labels
Signs are installed 48–60 inches from the floor and mounted on the latch side of the door
There’s sufficient color contrast (at least 70%) between text and background
Stairwell, elevator, and directional signs follow proper ADA guidelines
We’ve created a simple printable checklist to help schools walk through their signage needs:
Why Your Outreach Matters
A quick conversation now could save a school weeks of scrambling later. Whether you're supporting a local district or working with education clients across the country, helping them identify gaps in ADA compliance shows your expertise and adds real value.
Don’t wait for students to walk through the doors before this gets attention, reach out today and offer to help get their signs ADA-ready.