WHAT?

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ADA signage is the acronym for Americans with Disabilities Act, which was enacted into law in 1990. The purpose of the law was to make building access and navigation through permanent public spaces easier for those Americans with visual, audible, or physical impairments. The specifications for navigational signage for persons with disabilities adapted current practices and made improvements. There are slight variations state-to-state on the regulations, so check your state’s code.

WHO?

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Contractors for newly erected buildings and owners of public buildings erected after 1990 are required to display ADA signage regulated signs. Wayfinding signage has always been used to identify entrances, exits, restrooms, elevators, offices, floor listings, etc., for the general public, but new awareness identified the special needs of handicapped Americans. These guidelines for wayfinding signage apply only to commercial environments such as schools, libraries, hospitals, hotels, shopping centers, banks, and government-owned buildings. Additional requirements for specifics on Braille signage is key.  Special letter sizing, spacing, height, and placement of all signs are affected by viewing distance.  These regulations do not affect other types of signage such as advertising, marketing , or temporary signs.

Here are just a few of the ADA signage guidelines:

• Non-glare surfaces are required because reflections can further degrade the vision of the seeing impaired or the elderly.
• All signs need to have distinctive contrast between the letters of a sign and its background.
• All signs need to be six feet up off the ground.
• All signs need to be sans serif.
• Upper case letters need to be raised 1/32″.
• All signs needs to have Grade 2 Braille next to the letters description.
• All pictograms (universal stylized symbols) need to have a verbal sign below it and have a 6″ border.

HOW?

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How do you get ADA compliant signage for your building?  ADA signage requires specialized engraving equipment to produce raised characters.  You may want to start your search under these suggested headings: ADA signage, wayfinding signage, graphic displays, or design displays.  If you are looking for immediate assistance, please call 1.800.829.4562 and ask for Geoff or Mike.