Are Your Signs ADA Compliant?
If you’re not sure, get in touch with SignWorks Inc.
ADA Compliant Signs
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under this act, most signage is required to have some mandatory features that allow them to be interpreted by people with disabilities.
Over 7 million Americans today are visually impaired. Their disability makes it difficult for them to perform a lot of tasks, such as finding the restroom or the elevator. The requirements imposed by the ADA are aimed at making it easier for them to carry out these tasks.
ADA Rules
Non-Glare Surface
A sign must have text, characters, and symbols that must not produce any amount of glare. Visually impaired people get easily blinded by glare in their eyes. This is very common in elderly people.
This rule is to ensure that people with disabilities can easily read and interpret public signage in a building. To avoid glare, signage can use matte surfaces that do not reflect as much light as a shiny surface.
High Contrast Level
Signs with low contrast may not pose a problem for you. But people with visual disabilities may have trouble differentiating the characters on the sign if they blend in with each other.
For a sign to comply with the ADA requirements, the text and characters must have high contrast with the background. Although a specific value is not stated, 70% contrast is recommended. Also, there are no restrictions for the colors you have to use as long as there is sufficient contrast.
Font
For the signage to be legible, the font must be appropriate. It should be simple, large in size, and should not be italicized.
Sans serif fonts should be used; great examples are Helvetica, Futura, and Verdana. The font size should be between 5/8 inches to 2 inches. Uppercased letters should be used, and a minimum distance of 1/8 of an inch between letters is required.
Braille
Braille is a type of language; it looks like dot-shaped protrusions on the surface of the signage. Braille allows people that have completely lost their vision to read the signs and navigate through the space or building.
Mounting
ADA regulations outline comprehensive mounting requirements for signs. The mounting of the signs also contributes significantly to their readability and visibility.
According to the rules of ADA, signs are to be placed at least 48 inches above the floor. The maximum height from the floor can be 60 inches.
What Signs Have to Be ADA Compliant?
Not all signage has to be compliant with the ADA regulations. According to the law, signs that provide permanent directions, help identify spaces, and give information about permanent features of a building have to be ADA compliant.
Not following ADA regulations can result in hefty fines which can go from $75,000 to up to $150,000.
Hire SignWorks Inc.
When getting a sign installed for your business, it is better to hire professionals who are familiar with all ADA regulations. Get in touch with SignWorks Inc., and our team will make sure that your signs are aligned with all the regulations. Our signs are not just good; they’re ADA compliant as well.
