How to Get My Sidewalk Painted for the Handicapped

If you have a residential space such as a condominium or town home or have commercial space and need to make a parking spot for persons with disabilities, you'll need to mark a reserved space with a handicapped symbol. This symbol, officially called the "International Symbol of Access," depicts a person seated in a wheelchair. The handicapped symbol can be painted in both a parking space and on a sidewalk.

Things You'll Need

• International Symbol of Access stencil
• Traffic and marking spray paint
• Broom and dust pan

Instructions

1. Contact your county's zoning office. Ask for the local size regulations for the symbol as they may differ from the federally regulated size of at least 39 inches.

2. Contact or visit your state's transportation authority. Order an International Symbol of Access stencil from the agency.

3. Purchase traffic and marking spray paint from a hardware store or paint retailer.

4. Sweep your sidewalk clean of any dirt with a broom and dust pan.

5. Place the International Symbol of Access stencil on your sidewalk and spray it thoroughly. Remove the stencil after 10 to 15 minutes, once the paint has dried.

References

• United States Access Board: ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)
• "Signs, Symbols & Codes"; Gary Benenson, James L. Neujahr; 2002