The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all businesses and public spaces to provide signs to help people navigate the premises and find their way to the facilities and services they need.
Types of ADA Signs
- Directional signs help people find their way in facilities. They can be used to direct people to exits, restrooms, and other areas of the building. They mark accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible entrances, and elevators.
- Informational signs provide details about a business or organization, such as the hours of operation, the type of business, and the services offered.
- Identification signs label important locations in a building or facility. They are used to mark the entrance to a building, the location of a business, or the names of public spaces.
- Overhead signs are hung from the ceiling and mounted on the walls. They are used to provide directional information and to mark accessible routes through a building.
- Safety signs warn people of potential hazards. They mark exits, fire extinguisher location, and other safety equipment.
Required Locations for ADA Signs
- Buildings
- Parking lots
- Restrooms
- Entrances and exits
- Stairways and elevators
- Hallways and corridors
- Lobbies and reception areas
- Dining areas
- Retail spaces
Sizes, Fonts, and Other Specifications for ADA Signs
ADA signs must be a certain size and font to be legible. The specific requirements vary depending on the distance from which the sign is viewed. In general, however, signs must be at least 6 inches tall. Also, the font must be easy to read. The ADA requires using sans serif, or fonts with no embellishments, such as Arial or Helvetica.
There are also requirements for the contrast of the signs. The text must be a dark color against a light background or vice versa. This contrast makes reading the signs easier for people with visual impairments.
Materials and Installation for ADA Signs
ADA signs must be durable to withstand weather, and wear and tear. Polystyrene is the most common material for ADA signs, but other materials, such as aluminum, are also acceptable.
ADA signs must be properly installed to make sure they are stable and secure. Signs should be flush with the wall or surface where they are mounted. They should also be spaced evenly apart.
Maintenance of ADA Signs
Signs must be regularly maintained to guarantee they continue to meet ADA requirements. This includes checking the signs for damage and making sure the signs are still legible. A sign should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible if damaged.
ADA signs should also be cleaned regularly. This helps to keep the sign legible and compliant.
Our team at FASTSIGNS® of Louisville, KY, are ADA sign experts. Call us if you have any questions.
