Welcome to the comprehensive guide on ADA signs, where we will navigate through the crucial aspects of understanding, implementing, and customizing your business signs in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This guide will decode the ADA requirements for specific sign types, installation guidelines, and how to integrate accessibility and brand identity seamlessly.
Professional custom ADA signage providers are well-versed in the required specifications of different types of ADA signs. Let's explore how you can integrate your brand aesthetics into custom ADA signage from Igna Signs & Graphics in Chicago.
Chapter 1: Understanding ADA Signage Requirements
ADA signage refers to the particular type of signs that are made as per the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a U.S. federal law that mandates accessibility for people with disabilities in various public spaces, including businesses and facilities. ADA signage ensures that individuals with visual or other impairments can navigate and access spaces independently.
A few of the significant features of ADA signs include raised tactile characters that can be felt by touch and braille to help individuals with visual impairments. In addition, ADA interior signage or outdoor signs also adhere to specific requirements regarding contrast, font style, and mounting height. All these specifications and guidelines are set to create an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone.
Chapter 2: Types and Specifications of ADA Signs
Room Identification Signs:
• These signs are used to identify rooms and spaces.
• They should have a high contrast between the background and text (for example, light characters on a dark background or vice versa).
• Braille is required, and it should be placed below the text.
• The height of the raised characters should be about 5/8 inch (16 mm) and 2 inches (50 mm) high.
• The tactile characters should be in uppercase and sans-serif font.
Exit Signs:
• These signs should have tactile and visual characters.
• The word "EXIT" should have tactile characters at least 6 inches (150 mm) high.
• The background should contrast with the characters.
• Braille is required below the text.
ADA Restroom Signs:
• ADA restroom signs indicate the location of restrooms.
• International symbols of accessibility should be used.
• Raised characters are required, and the height should be between 5/8 inches (16 mm) and 2 inches (50 mm).
• Braille is needed below the text.
Accessible Parking Signs:
• These signs indicate accessible parking spaces.
• Should include the International Symbol of Accessibility.
• These ADA signs should be mounted at least 60 inches (1525 mm) above the ground.
Informational Signs:
• These signs provide information such as directories, maps, and other facility-related details.
• Raised characters are required, and the height of these characters should be between 5/8 inch (16 mm) and 2 inches (50 mm).
• The background of these ADA signs should have a high contrast with the characters.
• Braille is required below the text.
Elevator and Stair Signs:
• Elevator signs indicate the location of elevators, and the stair signs show the location of the stairs.
• Raised characters are required; the height should be 5/8 inch to 2 inches high.
• Braille is required below the text.
Tactile Signs:
• These signs have raised characters and symbols to provide information through touch.
• Characters should be in a sans-serif font, uppercase, and between 5/8 inch (16 mm) and 2 inches (50 mm) high.
It is essential to refer to the most recent ADA guidelines for any updates or changes to the requirements. These specifications ensure that ADA signs are accessible to people with disabilities.
Chapter 3: What Type of Businesses Must Have ADA Signs?
All types of businesses and organizations must follow the rules and guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Therefore, all companies must install ADA signage on their business premises. A few of the facilities that must install ADA signage include the following:
• Hospitals and Clinics
• Hotels
• Shopping centers
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Office buildings
• Assisted living facilities
Chapter 4: Implementing ADA Signage: Installation Guidelines
Here are a few of the guidelines that business owners and custom ADA sign providers must follow during the installation process:
Install tactile signage at the correct location.
If an ADA sign has tactile characters, mount them to the wall on the latch side of the door. You can mount the sign on the nearest adjacent wall when there is insufficient wall space on the latch side of a single door or to the right of double doors with two active leaves.
Install the signs at the appropriate height.
Position displays at a height between 48 inches from the base of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches from the baseline of the highest tactile character from the floor during installation. This adjustment ensures consistency with guidelines while accommodating specific regional requirements for proper display placement.
Ensure there is sufficient clear floor space.
Make sure there's a clear space on the floor, measuring at least 18 inches by 18 inches, between the door swing area and the sign. Also, remember that an individual should be able to stand within three inches of an ADA sign without bumping into anything sticking out or interfering with the door's movement.
Chapter 5: Customizing ADA Signs to Reflect Brand Identity
Customizing ADA signs to reflect brand identity involves a thoughtful approach to maintaining aesthetics and ADA compliance. Here's a concise guide:
• Color Scheme: Infuse brand colors into the signage while ensuring high contrast for readability. Maintain a balance between background and text hues to meet ADA guidelines.
• Logo Integration: Incorporate your logo discreetly, ensuring it doesn't compromise the clarity of tactile and braille elements. This is how you can add a unique branded element.
• Font Consistency: Use brand fonts for text, ensuring it aligns with ADA requirements for raised characters and braille placement. Always prioritize legibility.
• Material Selection: Select ADA interior signs or outdoor sign materials that resonate with your brand image while meeting the durability and tactile requirements. This enhances the longevity of the sign and your brand recognition.
• Custom Shapes: Introduce subtle custom shapes that align with your brand identity without detracting from the standardized ADA formats.
• Braille and Tactile Design: Ensure braille and tactile elements are incorporated seamlessly, maintaining the required standards while accommodating your brand's visual appeal.
Remember, your goal should be to maintain a balance that reflects your brand identity without compromising the essential accessibility features mandated by ADA guidelines.
Elevate Your Brand with ADA-Compliant Signage Solutions in Chicago
Trust Igna Signs and Graphics for expert solutions in Chicago to get custom ADA signs to harmonize brand identity and accessibility. We specialize in crafting ADA-compliant signage that seamlessly integrates your brand's aesthetics to enhance brand identity and recognition. Our dedicated team of skilled signage manufacturers ensures precision in color, logo incorporation, and material selection to reflect your brand's unique identity while following the ADA guidelines and rules. Elevate your brand presence while upholding inclusivity standards set by ADA.
Contact Igna Signs and Graphics today for tailored ADA signage solutions that go beyond compliance.
