In the 10 years since the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility for people with disabilities has become the norm in cities and towns across the country. Providing ease of access to the disabled in public spaces is the responsibility of state and local governments as well as businesses and organizations, large and small.

One of the most visible signs of the impact of the ADA’s guidelines is the increased  number of handicap parking spots found in commercial and public parking areas. Adding accessible parking is one step government agencies, businesses and privately run facilities can take to ensure people with disabilities are able to work and participate in programs, services or activities, both indoors and out.

Commercial parking lots and garages must be accessible to everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, was created to ensure that public places across the country are accessible for people with disabilities.

ADA compliance is essential for every property manager, and includes making sure public parking lots meet the guidelines set by the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Creating an ADA compliant parking lot is crucial for providing ample access to every individual, and it requires proper sizing, placement and marking of parking spaces reserved for those who need them.

Sign posts and supports play a critical role in maintaining traffic safety. But even the best signage will not protect drivers or pedestrians if it is not properly supported and maintained. This is especially important during the winter, when severe weather, snow removal equipment, and traffic accidents can lead to an increased number of downed or damaged signs.

Sign posts and supports play a critical role in maintaining driver and pedestrian safety. Even the best signage does little good if it is not visible, which means it must be properly supported and maintained. This is especially important during the winter months, when snow storms, plows and traffic accidents can result in an increased number of downed or damaged signs.

Wood and steel are the two primary materials used for small sign supports. When it comes to installing or replacing road signs, U-channel steel sign posts are undoubtedly the premium choice for sign supports.

Signed into law in 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was a major stepping-stone in ensuring equal rights for all Americans with disabilities. All businesses and privately held facilities are obligated to follow ADA guidelines. The law requires commercial parking lots and pedestrian paths to be accessible to everyone. This includes providing the disabled with parking spaces that offer ample access for vehicles as well as other mobility aids such as wheelchairs and power chairs.

Easy-to-read road signs, highly visible pedestrian crosswalks, and well-marked bike lanes are visible proof of the value of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Known simply as the MUTCD, this manual has served as the definitive guide for creating safer, more efficient travel on our country’s highways and byways for over 80 years.

In early March, President Trump announced he would invoke a legal provision that allows him to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum. Since then, a series of changing policy decisions has led to uncertainty about if and when the proposed tariffs will be implemented, and how they might impact the U.S. and countries around the world.

At Traffic Safety Direct, we are monitoring this situation closely as it has the potential to impact a variety of our core product lines. Corrosion-resistant steel is used for essentials like our wide selection of u-channel, round and square sign posts.

Businesses are required to know the State requirements regarding accommodations for persons with disabilities. This is in addition to the Federal requirements.

For instance, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law on July 25th, 2014 mandating the replacement of the iconic handicap symbol. The legislation was signed by the Governor on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A Small Business must understand the Federal and the State requirements regarding the accommodation of persons with disabilities.