In 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) went into effect with the purpose of making workplaces and other facilities accessible for people of all abilities. There are rules for where interior office signs should be mounted and how they must appear. The ADA rules for markers specifically state that signs must have tactile, symbolic, pictorial, and verbal information. In order to be in compliance, it is important that your organization knows about the details and scope of the requirements. You will clearly communicate information to people of all abilities when you follow the regulations. Thankfully, Elite Custom Signs provides ADA signs for Raleigh, NC.

What Signs Must Be ADA Compliant?

ADA compliance is not required of all of the signage in your facility. There are exceptions to the guidelines for practical purposes. Here are some prime examples to give you an idea of what markers need to comply with ADA requirements:

• Informational markers located in a venue’s functional areas, such as the lobby
• Directional signs, such as those that denote bathrooms and exit routes
• Signage that designates permanent rooms, including room numbers and meeting rooms

There are, of course, many more office signs than these. For the other signage, the compliance rules are not as strict. For example, temporary signs, like those used for promotional purposes or window displays, do not typically need to comply with ADA rules. Semi-permanent building directories that change when tenants move in or out also do not fall under the regulations.

What Are Some of the ADA Regulations?

Readability is the main focus of the guidelines set forth for ADA compliant signs in Raleigh, NC. The rules help people with disabilities find better accessibility through readable signs. They regulate how big the copy is and what kinds of typefaces are used. Fonts should be non-decorative, sans serif, and simple. The tactile letters required to make signs usable for tactile readers have to be raised to a height of at least 5/8 of an inch but not more than two inches. Grade 2 Braille must also be used in conjunction with regular signs. There must be a contrast of at least 70 percent between letters and backgrounds. This entails using dark-colored letters on a light background or light-colored letters on a dark background. In addition, the markers must also use non-reflective and non-glare materials. This is especially helpful for seniors with vision impairments. The guidelines also cover sign placement. For instance, you should mount an interior office sign that is used to identify a room on the side of the door latch near the entrance to the room. Blind patrons can then easily locate and read the signage. You leave yourself open to fines, lawsuits, unhappy clients, and complaints when you do not follow the regulations set out by the ADA. Your enterprise’s lack of accommodations may also upset customers who do not have disabilities. Outfit your building with ADA compliant signs to keep guests of all abilities satisfied as they visit your facility. To learn more, contact Elite Custom Signs today!