Business Signs That Require ADA Compliance
Business signs that require ADA compliance are necessary for businesses that have customers who may need special assistance. This level of accessibility not only reassures customers that their needs are being taken into account, but also enhances customer satisfaction.
Signs must be free from glare and have well-contrasted colors to ensure easy visibility for those with visual impairments. They also need to be made using compliant fonts and characters.
Directional Signs
Whether you’re operating a storefront, a large office building or a campus, directional signage can make your business more accessible. From directions to restrooms, wayfinding signs are a must-have for any business.
Directional signage should be clear and concise, so guests know exactly where they need to go. For example, directional signs at restrooms, parking lots and exits should be clearly visible so that people don’t get lost in the dark.
For indoor directional signage, consider a variety of mounting options, including wall-mounted or light box directional signs. These illuminated signs are perfect for a wide range of spaces, such as conference rooms and offices, where they can improve visibility during the day and night.
To keep your audience’s attention, choose a background that is eye-catching and contrasts well with the sign’s message. For example, a black or white sign with red lettering is a popular choice, but consider other high-resolution graphics as well. You can also add digital mapping options to create an even more visually-appealing reimagining of traditional wayfinding signage.
Informational Signs
When a business has ADA compliant signage in place, it shows guests that they are valued and appreciated. Additionally, it helps those with disabilities find their way around the building and make it easier for them to navigate their daily routines.
Informational signs include all of the same information as identification and directional signs, but with a broader scope. These signs can include hours of operation, historical facts, maps and special offers.
Character strokes and line spacing are critical ADA-compliant features that must be taken into account. Per ADA standards, identification signs must have character strokes no greater than 15 percent of the character height, while informational, directional and overhead signs should hold a 10 to 30 percent character stroke range.
The spacing between lines of text should sit between 35 to 70 percent of letter character height, with 3/8-inch margins surrounding raised written text and Braille. The character and line widths calculated earlier help determine these measurements.
Tactile Signs
ADA compliant tactile signs can help people with disabilities easily navigate your business. They can also improve your brand by promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
These signs are typically raised images, pictograms, braille or letters that identify permanent rooms and spaces in public buildings. They include restrooms, cafeterias, locker rooms, conference areas and mechanical spaces.
The ADA standards specify the location of these signs, as well as the height and font style required to meet ADA compliance. These requirements are a necessity for any commercial building with a large number of customers that have visual impairments or other barriers to accessing information.
Signs must be mounted 48 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character or line of text, and 60 inches maximum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured in a horizontal direction from the highest tactile character. These heights are convenient for people with visual impairments to read.
Braille Signs
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all business signage meet ADA compliance standards. These requirements include a range of specifics, from font type to character height, color contrast and more.
In addition, signs must be non-reflective and have a non-glare finish. Braille characters and dots must also be highly contrasted with the sign background for visual accessibility.
Tactile characters on ADA restroom signs must be positioned 48” to 60” above the floor, measured from character baseline. They may be mounted on the latch side of doors, if the door has vision panels or a glass partition and the clear floor space is at least 18″ by 18″, centered on the tactile characters.
In California, the distance between two dots in the same braille cell and corresponding dots in adjacent braille cells must be the maximum listed in the federal Standards. Companies specializing in ADA braille signs, such as Green Dot Sign(r), manufacture all signs to this California standard to ensure compliance nationwide.
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