Kentucky business owners are responsible for assuring their premises follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Part of this includes providing well-designed and placed signage. This article provides an overview of where ADA signs must be installed in businesses in Kentucky and how to design them for compliance.
In the state of Kentucky, all businesses are required to have ADA signs. This includes both public and private establishments. Signs must be placed in all permanent locations where patrons with disabilities are expected to visit. This includes, but is not limited to, entrances, exits, restrooms, parking areas, and elevators.
Where to Install ADA Signs
- Signs must be placed at an accessible height. This means they should be mounted 48 and 60 inches above the ground.
- Signs must be placed in locations which are visible and free of obstructions. This means they should not be placed behind doors or in other areas where they could be blocked from view.
- Signs must be in a well-lit location. This can be done with either natural or artificial light.
- Signs must be placed in locations accessible to people with disabilities. This means they should not be placed in areas where someone in a wheelchair would not be able to reach them.
Design Elements for ADA Signs
- Signs must be written in plain language. This means the text should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid using acronyms, technical terms, or jargon.
- Signs must use upper- and lower-case letters. This makes the text easier to read.
- Signs must use a sans-serif font. This type of font is easier to read than a serif font with embellishments). For example, Arial is a sans-serif font, while Times New Roman is a serif font.
- Signs must have braille. Braille is a system of raised dots read with the fingers. This allows people who are blind or have low vision to understand the signs.
- Signs must include the international symbol of accessibility. This is a blue and white circle with a person in a wheelchair inside.
- Signs must be easy to read. This means they should use standard fonts and be a minimum of 3/8 inches tall.
- Signs must be contrastive. This means the text and background should have a high contrast ratio. For example, black text on a white background is more contrastive than white text on a light blue background.
- Signs must be raised or embossed. This means they should have a tactile surface so someone who is blind or has low vision can understand the sign with touch.
- Signs must be made from durable materials. This means they should not fade, chip, or peel over time. Adding a protective coating helps to prolong the life of the sign.
Guaranteeing Compliance
The best way to guarantee compliance is to work with a sign company specializing in ADA signs.
At FASTSIGNS® of Louisville, KY we are experts in ADA signs. We design and install ADA-compliant signs for businesses in Jefferson County. Contact us today to start working on a custom sign system.
