The main goal of ADA is to guarantee that all Americans enjoy the same access to goods and services. Wayfinding signage plays a key role in ADA because it helps ensure that facilities are accessible and easy to navigate for people with disabilities.
Some people believe that ADA signage is any sign that includes braille characters. This is a common misconception. In addition to braille characters, signs must meet various other precise requirements in order to be considered ADA-compliant.
At CR&A Custom, we have the technical capabilities to create fully compliant custom ADA signage, including the world’s fastest, fully automated ADA/braille production machine.
This way, not only will your business stay in compliance with applicable regulations but you will also offer a safe and inclusive environment where all your employees and clients feel appreciated and welcome.
What Is ADA Signage?
From telecommunications to employment and wayfinding, ADA covers a wide range of topics. The sections relevant to signage are titles II (Public Services) and III (Public Accommodations), whose regulations were revised in 2010 by the Department of Justice. These revised regulations are called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, or simply 2010 Standards.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design divide signs into the following categories:
- Designations (signs identifying rooms and spaces)
- Directional and informational signs (Wayfinding signage)
- Means of egress (exits)
- Parking
- Entrances
- Elevators
- Toilet rooms and bathing rooms
- TTYs (teletypewriters)
- Assistive listening systems
- Check-out aisles
- Amusement rides
What Is ADA Signage?
From telecommunications to employment and wayfinding, ADA covers a wide range of topics. The sections relevant to signage are titles II (Public Services) and III (Public Accommodations), whose regulations were revised in 2010 by the Department of Justice. These revised regulations are called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, or simply 2010 Standards.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design divide signs into the following categories:
- Designations (signs identifying rooms and spaces)
- Directional and informational signs (Wayfinding signage)
- Means of egress (exits)
- Parking
- Entrances
- Elevators
- Toilet rooms and bathing rooms
- TTYs (teletypewriters)
- Assistive listening systems
- Check-out aisles
- Amusement rides
What Businesses Need ADA Signage?
A non-exhaustive list of businesses considered “public accommodations” by federal law include the following:
- Inns, hotels, and motels
- Restaurants and bars
- Bakeries and grocery stores
- Hardware stores or any sales/retail outlet
- Banks
- Laundromats and dry cleaners
- Accountants and lawyers’ offices
- Health care providers’ offices
- Public transportation
- Recreation venues
- Schools
- Social service centers
- Gyms
ADA regulations also include exceptions. Menus, building directories, seat and row designations in assembly areas, occupant names, building addresses, and company names and logos are NOT required to comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
What Businesses Need ADA Signage?
A non-exhaustive list of businesses considered “public accommodations” by federal law include the following:
- Inns, hotels, and motels
- Restaurants and bars
- Bakeries and grocery stores
- Hardware stores or any sales/retail outlet
- Banks
- Laundromats and dry cleaners
- Accountants and lawyers’ offices
- Health care providers’ offices
- Public transportation
- Recreation venues
- Schools
- Social service centers
- Gyms
ADA regulations also include exceptions. Menus, building directories, seat and row designations in assembly areas, occupant names, building addresses, and company names and logos are NOT required to comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
What Are the ADA Design Standards for Signage?
- Raised characters. Must be duplicated in braille and must be at least 1/32 inch above their background. They must be uppercase and sans serif, without decorative elements or sharp edges.
- Braille. Braille in ADA-compliant signs must be contracted (grade 2). Braille dots must have a domed or rounded shape and comply with a table of measures included in the 2010 ADA Standards. Braille must be positioned below the corresponding text and at least 3/8 inches away from any other tactile characters, raised borders, or decorative elements.
- Installation height and location. Tactile characters on signs must be located at a minimum of 48 inches above the finish floor or ground surface, and 60 inches maximum. These values are measured from the baseline of the lowest (for minimum) or highest (for maximum) tactile character.
- Visual characters. A non-glare finish must be used. The characters must be conventional in form and must contrast with the background by using either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background. They must be at least 40 inches above the finish floor or ground.
- Pictograms. These are the symbols used in signage. The drawings used to identify men’s and women’s bathrooms are two classic examples of pictograms. In order to comply with ADA, pictograms must have a non-glare finish and a height of at least six inches. They must also have text descriptors located below them and duplicated in braille.
- Symbols of accessibility. The ADA Standards include four symbols of accessibility:
- International symbol of accessibility (the most common)
- International symbol of TTY (teletypewriters)
- Volume control telephone
- International symbol of access for hearing loss
What Are the ADA Design Standards for Signage?
- Raised characters. Must be duplicated in braille and must be at least 1/32 inch above their background. They must be uppercase and sans serif, without decorative elements or sharp edges.
- Braille. Braille in ADA-compliant signs must be contracted (grade 2). Braille dots must have a domed or rounded shape and comply with a table of measures included in the 2010 ADA Standards. Braille must be positioned below the corresponding text and at least 3/8 inches away from any other tactile characters, raised borders, or decorative elements.
- Installation height and location. Tactile characters on signs must be located at a minimum of 48 inches above the finish floor or ground surface, and 60 inches maximum. These values are measured from the baseline of the lowest (for minimum) or highest (for maximum) tactile character.
- Visual characters. A non-glare finish must be used. The characters must be conventional in form and must contrast with the background by using either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background. They must be at least 40 inches above the finish floor or ground.
- Pictograms. These are the symbols used in signage. The drawings used to identify men’s and women’s bathrooms are two classic examples of pictograms. In order to comply with ADA, pictograms must have a non-glare finish and a height of at least six inches. They must also have text descriptors located below them and duplicated in braille.
- Symbols of accessibility. The ADA Standards include four symbols of accessibility:
- International symbol of accessibility (the most common)
- International symbol of TTY (teletypewriters)
- Volume control telephone
- International symbol of access for hearing loss
