To meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, signs should follow the regulations in a way that increases their readability and thus makes accessibility available to all. Here is some information on the core requirements of ADA:

1. Height and Placement: ADA signs should be mounted in a position such that the sign's center is between 48 and 60 inches off the floor, with specific mounting requirements depending on purpose and location. It is a height that would make it easier for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility to see and read the signs.
2. Non-glare Finish: ADA signs normally have a matte or eggshell finish to minimize glare that may impede readability. The low-reflective surface text allows noticeability even when the area is strongly lit.
3. Contrast: Sharp, high contrast between the text and background allows the ADA signs to be read more easily. In other words, light text upon a dark background or vice versa is generally required; this allows quick and easy interpretations of signs.
4. Sans Serif Font and Font Size: Fonts without embellishments are required on ADA signs. The text must utilize sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Helvetica. The characters should be 5/8" to 2" tall, allowing readability by visually impaired persons.
5. Braille and Tactile Elements: Permanent room signs and identification markers (such as restroom signs) must include Grade II Braille and raised text. These tactile elements provide a means for visually impaired individuals to read the signs by touching them.
6. Pictograms: Where pictograms are to appear on some signs, they shall be within a 6-inch field of clear space and mounted according to the accessibility guidelines. This makes the symbols internationally known, helpful for those who don't have a deep understanding of the English language or develop an understanding through visual aids.

Mississippi-Specific ADA Compliance Regulations While federal ADA standards are uniformly applicable across the country, the state of Mississippi enforces such standards but attaches greater importance to compliance with local building codes.

• Permitting and Inspection: Signs placed in businesses in Mississippi usually require permits, especially if retrofitting an existing structure. By working with local regulatory offices, a business can be assured that its signs will pass state and federal guidelines without costly delays.
• Mississippi Building Codes: There are building codes enacted in Mississippi that run parallel to the ADA standards. Some of these codes would extend to fire safety signs, Braille signs, or emergency evacuation information, according to the ADA. Compliance with both the ADA and building codes requires making adequate, necessary assessments in terms of accessibility, from entrance signs to wayfinding and restroom signs.

How Apex Signs & Graphics Can Help Although cumbersome, the process of meeting ADA sign regulations for a business in Jones County just got much easier with Apex Signs & Graphics. Our crew knows all about ADA requirements, Mississippi state guidelines, and local building codes to help guide you through the process with expertise in designing and installing compliant signs in your facility. Contact Apex Signs & Graphics today for a consultation today at (601)-804-8971 to get started on your ADA complaint sign package.