ADA Compliant Signage: Meeting Accessibility Requirements

For businesses, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not only important for avoiding potential legal issues, but also for making your business accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. One of the key areas where businesses need to meet accessibility requirements is signage. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of ADA compliant signage and what businesses need to do to ensure their signage is accessible to everyone.

What is ADA Compliant Signage?

ADA compliant signage is signage that meets specific accessibility requirements outlined in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These standards were created to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to public facilities and spaces, including signage. The standards cover everything from the size and placement of signs to the font, color, and contrast used on them.

Why is ADA Compliant Signage Important?

ADA compliant signage is important because it ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can navigate your business and understand important information. This includes directional signage, restroom signs, and signs that provide information about services, policies, and procedures. By making your signage accessible, you're also demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that everyone feels welcome in your business.

What are the Requirements for ADA Compliant Signage?

There are several requirements that businesses need to follow in order to create ADA compliant signage. Here are some of the most important ones:

Size and Height: Signs need to be a certain size and height to ensure that they can be seen and read by people with disabilities. The minimum height for signs is 48 inches from the ground, and the maximum height is 60 inches. The minimum size for characters on signs is 5/8 inches tall.

Font and Color: The font and color used on signs need to be easy to read and provide enough contrast to be seen by people with visual impairments. Sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Helvetica, are recommended, and the color contrast between the characters and the background should be at least 70%.

Pictograms and Symbols: Signs should use pictograms and symbols in addition to text to make them more accessible to people with cognitive disabilities. These symbols should be simple and easy to understand, and they should be located at the top of the sign.

Braille: Signs that provide information or directions need to include Braille translations. The Braille should be located directly below the corresponding text, and it should be raised at least 1/32 inch from the surface of the sign.

Mounting: Signs need to be mounted securely and at the right height to ensure that they can be seen and read by people with disabilities. For example, signs should not be mounted on doors or moving surfaces, and they should not protrude into walkways.