The ABCs of ADA

8/21/2024

The American with Disabilities Act sets standards for signs. These standards ensure that people with disabilities have the same access to everyday activities as everyone else. If you have a retail or building space, you also fall under ADA rules – and this includes your signage. Here are some ABCs of what you need to remember when constructing your signage.

1. Audience – Take into consideration who you are installing the signs for and how they will interact. The goal is to create signs that can be quickly understood – by everyone. So, produce signs that are designed for people with various disabilities, including mobility, heating and visual impairments.
    
2. Bold and braille – Make sure you use proper fonts and big, bold letters to make the signs easier to read. Incorporate braille where appropriate. Some signs should also be tactile. These include interior and exterior signs for specific rooms, exits, emergency locations and more. Be sure to do your homework before designing your new signs.
   
   Directional and space signs must be large enough to be easily read. Directional signs can also include symbols as visual cues. ADA signs must also be high contrast and have a non-glare finish.
    
3. Consideration – Signage alone may not be enough. To create a positive experience do you also need to include audio devices? Branded materials? An interpreter? Consider these before creating your sign. 

Also think about what type of signs you are creating. Some signs aren’t required to meet ADA standards. These include the following:

• Temporary
• Menus
• Occupant or company names and logos
• Addresses
• Directories
• Seat and row indicators
• Signs not in public areas

The goal of all ADA signs is to comply with legal, safety and inclusivity requirements. If your signage is failing to do this, it might be time for an upgrade.

Signs Now Can Help

If you need assistance designing or producing your ADA signage, Signs Now can assist you with everything from single graphics to whole-building signage. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

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