If you're a business owner, you know the importance of good signage. Most signs are your call, but when it comes to ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act signs, there is no saying no. These signs are a must for any business or shopping venue, such as a mall. Since 1990, the ADA has been protecting the rights of citizens with disabilities in public. In addition to ramps and parking for people with disabilities, well-placed ADA signs will go a long way to making a wider range of visitors happy and willing to visit your mall again. ADA signs work like other signs, of course, but they are also designed to assist people who are blind or in wheelchairs. Here are some of their characteristics.

• Raised Letters. Restroom signs or those pointing the way to a specific location within your building, should be ADA signs. Signs with raised letters are tactile, meaning they can be felt and read by anyone with a vision impairment.
• Braille. This is the language for the blind and visually impaired. Unlike raised lettering, this language has its own system of raised dots. The dots can be interpreted by touch. ADA signs should contain Braille characters. When someone with no vision or vision impairment reads these signs, they will be able to enjoy the features of your shopping mall without being excluded.
• Fonts. For most people, reading signs is no problem. For those who need ADA signs, these should be in the sans-serif font. Italics or script are difficult to comprehend. ADA signage avoids fonts that are too decorative or unusual. Easier to read fonts are great for people with dyslexia, too.
• Color and Contrast. While branding is important to your mall signs, ADA signs do best in a dark-to-light contrast. Avoid colors that clash with each other as they will be difficult to read. A classic dark blue background with white lettering is often the best way to go.

ADA signs should be in place for all to see and read. Rather than interfering with a business’s overall branding, they improve accessibility for many potential customers that might otherwise be uncomfortable in your mall or dissuaded from visiting at all. Our design team can help you put together the perfect ADA sign package for your mall today. Reach out to us for a free consultation.