ADA Icon Delights Carlsbad Event Attendees
On March 14th, CSA was excited to have the 2023 Women in Signs Award Recipient, Sharon Toji — widely known as the “ADA Sign Lady” — make a presentation at the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum in Carlsbad, CA! Sharon is an expert in ADA signage and ANSI compliance standards for ADA signage, and what an opportunity this was!
Her story of what brought her into the industry and where her passion began, as well as her ADA expertise, is something attendees will long remember!
CSA members with a variety of backgrounds, owners and employees alike, gathered to meet Sharon in person, a true icon when it comes to understanding the Americans Disability Act (ADA) and application of signage. Her company was founded close to 70 years ago, by her husband, Tosh. Tosh passed suddenly just a few months ago, and Sharon kept going strong, carrying on the vital work.
She addressed what “translation” means in terms of braille software – how important it is to use the latest translation of Grade II Braille. Her very informative presentation provided an in-depth look at American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and what the many sectors of the visually-impaired population require. She explained in detail the strength and longevity of thermoformed ADA signage vs. the less stable photopolymer manufacturing processes.
Currently, Sharon is in the midst of revising the ANSI Standards, and was appointed Chair of a special work group on Communication. Her energy and sharp mind impressed everyone in attendance. As Ken Person, Vice President & California Region Manager with YESCO for 27 years said, following the presentation: “I could listen to Sharon for hours!”
In addition to her volunteer work with ANSI and the President’s Access Advisory Committee, Sharon has also served on four different state committees working over a span of years for the state standards for disabled access.
Following Sharon Toji’s presentation, thirty-six CSA members grabbed something cold to drink and enjoyed the wonderful networking opportunity. Then a fabulous dinner was shared, topped off with an “Insurance Updates” presentation by Lisa Rojas, Commercial Risk Consultant with HUB International.
After dinner, all engaged in an active townhall format discussion and the March 14th evening concluded with the 50-50 drawing ($140 given away), as well as the drawing for one of the $10,000 drawing tickets.
The CSA staff would like to thank our two presenters, for creating a wonderful networking and learning experience!
Teresa M. Young has been a consultant to entrepreneurs since 1986, in both retail and B2B sectors. In 1991, she became President of Sign Biz, Inc., a full-service business development company. Young sits on multiple boards, including as Past Chairwoman of both the International Sign Association (ISA) and California Sign Association. She is an accomplished code writer, web developer and contributor to the Git Repository. Young is also an in-demand speaker, engaging business owners with topical and powerful business insights and strategies in support of best business practices and modern marketing strategies under her MintyWorks and Coffee with T brands. 200 click-and-mortar enterprises were established under the Sign Biz business model with more than $19,000,000 worth of SBA-backed funding for these businesses.