High-Quality ADA-Compliant Signage for Your Organization

Effective signage is crucial for navigating any public space. For those with disabilities, signage plays an even more critical role in safely accessing buildings and spaces.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides signage standards to ensure information is communicated accessibly to all.

Defining ADA Compliant Signage

The ADA is a federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities. Under this act, public buildings and facilities are required to provide accessible signage for entrances, restrooms, stairs and more.

Specifically, ADA-compliant signage refers to signs designed strictly in accordance with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These legal standards outline extensive specifications for various aspects of signs to maximize accessibility for the disabled community.

Requirements cover:

Raised characters and braille
Fonts and font sizes
Finish and contrast (for visual accessibility)
Mounting heights and positioning
Pictograms and symbols
Tactile and visual elements

By adhering to these ADA requirements, signs can effectively communicate essential information to those with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, mobility, cognitive, and neurological impairments.

Types of Signs Requiring ADA Compliance

There are many different signs that must meet ADA regulations within a public-facing facility. Key categories include:

Directional Signs

Wayfinding signs that direct visitors include interior directories, maps, stairways, elevator signs, and signs indicating departments, rooms, and exits.

Door and Room Signage

Permanent signs identifying rooms must incorporate tactile lettering, most commonly braille, accompanied by raised characters. This is crucial for doors, room numbers, office names, and other identifiers.

ADA Bathroom Signage

Restroom signs have additional requirements, including braille and raised lettering for “Men” and “Women.” Pictograms are also typically included, along with accessibility symbols as needed.

ADA Parking Signage

Parking signs designate accessible spots with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Van-accessible spots require “Van-Accessible” signs.

Assistive Listening System Signs

Facilities that utilize Assistive Listening Systems for amplification must display signs indicating their availability.

By understanding the different types of signs requirements, you can ensure proper ADA compliance throughout.

Top Benefits of ADA Signage

Beyond meeting legal obligations, many additional benefits come with ensuring your facility’s signs adhere to ADA standards:

Improved Navigation

Compliant signs allow disabled individuals to independently navigate buildings and locate restrooms, exits, and other key areas-improving safety.

Enhanced Reputation

By exceeding ADA requirements, businesses demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion and accessibility that today’s consumers value.

Expanded Customer Base

Accessible signage helps businesses tap into the spending power of the disabled community by eliminating navigation barriers.

Avoided Penalties

Non-compliant signs can lead to U.S. Department of Justice investigations, lawsuits, and fines-which compliant signs help avoid.

Key ADA Signage Standards and Requirements

To fully comply with ADA regulations, there are a number of essential requirements and standards to keep in mind for your facility’s signage.

Sign Placement

ADA provides guidelines for proper sign placement to maximize visibility. Signs must be mounted at a compliant height, typically between 48 and 60 inches from the ground to the center line of the sign. They should be situated where they are easily noticeable, such as above room entryways.

Pictograms

Pictograms are graphic symbols used to convey information on signs. Common ones include restroom figures or exit doorway icons. Adding pictograms enhances signs for those with limited literacy. They should be accompanied by text descriptions.

Contrast

Signs must have adequate contrast between the text or graphics and the sign’s background color. This visual contrast helps signs be easily legible for those with low vision or color blindness. Light text over dark backgrounds generally provides the best contrast.

Braille Signs

Certain identification signs-like restrooms, rooms, and exits- must incorporate braille per ADA standards. Grade 2 braille with domed or rounded dots should be used along with raised tactile letters when required.

By adhering to these key ADA specifications, your signs will be both accessible and compliant.

Martin ADA Signs: The ADA Signage Experts

We’re experts in applying all ADA guidelines and standards to your custom signs. Our ultimate goal is to craft beautiful, functional signage that promotes accessibility, safety, and independence for all.

Ordering ADA Compliant Signs

Are you looking to add or update ADA signage? Here is an overview of the ordering process:

Step 1: Request a Quote

Browse signage options on our website and request a quote listing your desired sign specifications.

Step 2: Confirm the Design

Our team will work with you to confirm the perfect design and specs to meet your ADA needs.

Step 3: Completed ADA Signs Delivered

We’ll produce your custom signs to meet all ADA requirements and deliver them conveniently to your location.

Get Started With Your ADA Signage Today

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