Does your company signage align with current ADA guidelines?
Here’s what you must remember when developing signs that comply with ADA laws.
Although old-schooled, signage is one of the best ways to create a lasting image in the minds of your customers. From displaying brand logo and tagline, advertising special offers and sales to aesthetic elevation so much can be done with the help of signs. However, remember that you must follow specific requirements and guidelines when installing signage.
As of 2022, Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to everything from bathroom and elevator signs to room numbers, names, and lobby signage. Although confusing, these legal regulations are implemented to protect disabled individuals from discrimination in all places accessible to the public. Following these civil rights is vital to maintaining brand integrity and avoiding controversy.
Current ADA Signage Guidelines
ADA has put in place specific parameters for all forms of signs – failure to meet these standards can result in a hefty fine of $75,000 per violation.
Character Guidelines
- All raised characters are required to be uppercase. ‘Sans Serif’ font must be utilized while ensuring all characters are free of oblique, script, or italicization.
- Characters should be raised 1/32 inch from their background with a height equivalent to 5/8 of an inch or 2 inches.
- Characters must be accompanied by grade 2 braille dots – raised dots that make up the braille code. Each dot represents a different letter, number, or punctuation mark. These dots can be read by touch.
- Braille dots must be positioned directly below the corresponding text and separated by a minimum of 3/8 of an inch from surrounding text and objects.
- All braille dots must be dome-shaped or rounded, not flat or squared.
- Overhead or projection-mounted signs do not require raised characters or braille dots since these signs cannot be touched. However, characters must be prominent and designed, keeping in mind the viewing distance.
- Both uppercase and lowercase letters are permissible on overhead signs. Characters should contrast against the background and have a non-glare finish – light characters for a dark background and dark characters for a light background.
Pictogram Guidelines
- All graphics and pictograms must be placed in a 6-inch high field area free of raised characters or braille dots.
- If and when braille dots or text is used alongside a pictogram, it should be placed directly below the pictogram field.
- Just like characters, pictograms too are required to be on a contrasting background with a no-glare finish.
Mounting Guidelines
- Signs with raised characters must be mounted on the latch side of the door.
- A distance of at least 48 (from the lowest tactile character) and 60 inches (from the highest tactile character) must be present from the baseline of the raised characters and the finished floor.
- The sign should be located in a way that provides clear floor space beyond the arc of the door (18 * 18 inches minimum, centered on tactile characters)
- For overhead signs, there should be a distance of at least 80 inches from the base of the characters to the floor. Similarly, a projection-mounted sign extending more than 4 inches from the wall is also required to have an 80-inch distance between the base and the floor.
Allow Seattle SignCo to develop signs that comply with ADA guidelines!
If you reside in the Woodinville area and are on the hunt for a reliable sign installation company, Seattle SignCo has you covered. Our team of professionals is trained in the art of creating signs that are aesthetic and ADA-approved.
