ADA signage, a term used to describe signage that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes spaces inclusive and functional for everyone. This disabilities act regulates accessibility, specifically highlighting its implications for signage within built environments. The best ADA signs also contribute to inclusivity and consistent branding while being easy to use for individuals with diverse needs.

This guide will explore the history behind ADA laws, the components of compliant signage, and how Excel Lighting & Signs provides customized sign solutions that meet ADA accessibility guidelines.

Key Takeaways On ADA Signage

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all public buildings and spaces provide accessible signage to create equal access for individuals with disabilities.
• ADA signage is signage that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA signs are used to identify and direct people to accessible features in public buildings. They are designed to be easy to read for people with visual, hearing, or other sensory disabilities.
• These guidelines outline ADA sign specifics including mounting height, braille and raised character requirements, glare and contrast, and more.

A Look Back: The Origins of ADA Regulations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990, was a transformative moment for accessibility. By mandating equal access to public spaces, the law removed many physical and informational obstacles that individuals with disabilities encountered daily. ADA signage was a fundamental part of this initiative, as was accessible parking spaces, making sure that signs identifying permanent rooms, exits, and accessible pathways were usable by all.

The 2010 Standards for Accessible Design

In 2010, ADA regulations were updated with more detailed standards to refine accessible features, such as tactile signs, braille characters, and appropriate mounting heights. Temporary signs, used for seven days or less, are an exception to these guidelines and do not need to comply with the same regulations as permanent ADA signage. These enhanced rules created clear expectations for businesses, making compliance easier while improving public accessibility.

What Goes Into ADA-Compliant Signs?

Done well, ADA-compliant signs are more than just regulatory requirements. They should be thoughtfully crafted tools that balance usability, durability, and adherence to ADA guidelines.

At Excel Lighting & Signs, we specialize in creating signage packages (both wayfinding and ADA compliant) with these critical components:

Tactile Signs with Braille and Raised Characters

• Raised Characters: Letters and numbers on a tactile sign must be raised at least 1/32 of an inch and use simple, sans-serif fonts. These raised letters also need to follow precise character spacing requirements to remain readable.
• Braille Characters: All compliant signs include Grade 2 Braille, offering critical assistance for visually impaired individuals. The spacing between braille cells must meet ADA guidelines to ensure legibility.

High-Contrast Colors and Non-Glare Surfaces

• Contrast: Text and background colors must sharply contrast—for example, white text on a dark background—to make signs easily readable.
• Non-Glare Finish: Materials with non-glare finishes are essential, as they prevent reflection and enhance readability in varying lighting conditions.

Font and Spacing Guidelines

Fonts must be sans-serif, such as Arial or Helvetica, avoiding decorative styles that reduce legibility.

Visual characters play a key role in ADA signage, as they must meet specific criteria for finish, contrast, and character specifications. Line spacing and word spacing must align with ADA signage requirements, making the signs clear and easy to understand.

Placement and Mounting Heights

• Signs should be mounted between 48 and 60 inches from the floor to accommodate a wide range of users, including those in wheelchairs.
• Placement on the latch side of doors ensures that signs are easy to locate and use.

Where ADA-Compliant Signs Are Required

Certain spaces and facilities require ADA-compliant signs to enhance usability and meet regulatory standards:

Permanent Rooms and Spaces

Rooms with fixed purposes, such as restrooms, kitchens, and conference rooms, must have signs identifying permanent rooms. These signs must include tactile characters and braille while adhering to specific spacing and character height rules.

Directional and Informational Signs

Directional signs are critical for guiding visitors to accessible entrances, elevators, and emergency exits. It is permissible to use separate signs for tactile and visual characters. Informational signs that outline building rules or provide instructions must also follow ADA accessibility guidelines.

Emergency Exit Signs

Exit signs play a vital role in emergencies, meeting both visual and tactile requirements to ensure everyone can evacuate safely.

Benefits of ADA-Compliant Signage

Inclusive Access

Accessibility signs empower individuals with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired or use mobility aids. Features like braille signs and tactile characters are indispensable for creating spaces that everyone can navigate confidently.

Legal Compliance

By meeting ADA signage requirements, businesses avoid penalties and demonstrate their commitment to inclusion. Compliance is essential for commercial facilities and local government buildings alike.

Improved Usability for All

Thoughtfully designed signs, featuring clear fonts and proper spacing, benefit everyone by making spaces more user-friendly.

Types of ADA Signs

There are several types of ADA signs, each with its own specific requirements and regulations. Some of the most common types of ADA signs include:

• Identification Signs: These signs identify permanent rooms and spaces, such as restrooms, exits, and room numbers. They must include tactile characters and braille to ensure they are accessible to visually impaired individuals.
• Informational Signs: These signs provide information about interior spaces and facilities, such as instructions, rules of conduct, and hours of operation. They must be clear and easy to read, with high-contrast colors and non-glare surfaces.
• Directional Signs: These signs provide direction to spaces and facilities, such as signs pointing to restrooms, exits, and elevators. They help guide individuals through a building.
• Tactile Signs: These signs have raised characters and braille, and are required for signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces. The raised characters must be at least 1/32 of an inch high and use simple, sans-serif fonts.
• Braille Signs: These signs have braille characters and are required for signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces. The braille must be Grade 2 and follow specific spacing guidelines.

Common Missteps in ADA Signage

Some businesses unintentionally overlook critical ADA guidelines. Common mistakes include:

• Skipping Raised Characters: Signs lacking tactile elements fail to meet ADA standards.
• Improper Placement: Mounting signs too high or too low makes them inaccessible to some users.
• Neglecting Color Contrast: Poor color combinations or failing to use non-glare finishes can render signs difficult to read.
• Inadequate Braille Cells: Braille that does not meet spacing guidelines is harder to interpret, diminishing its functionality.

Installation and Enforcement

Mounting and Installation

ADA signs must be installed in a way that is accessible and visible to individuals with disabilities. Signs should be mounted between 48 and 60 inches from the floor to accommodate a wide range of users, including those in wheelchairs. Additionally, signs should be placed on the latch side of doors to ensure they are easy to locate and use.

Enforcement and Compliance

The ADA regulations for signage are enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice, and non-compliance can result in fines and penalties.

How Excel Lighting & Signs Can Help

At Excel Lighting & Signs, we take the guesswork out of ADA signage compliance by crafting high-quality, accessible signage. Our team combines a deep understanding of ADA accessibility guidelines with the skills needed to produce attractive and functional signs, and we work with businesses and organizations throughout the U.S on ADA sign design.

• We stay current with ADA signage requirements so you don’t have to.
• Our signs blend accessibility and aesthetics to stay on-brand (looking great!) while meeting legal requirements.

Make Your Space Accessible With an ADA Sign Package From Excel

At Excel Lighting & Signs, we’re committed to delivering ADA-compliant signs that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. We’ve worked on everything from local municipal buildings to resorts, and everything in between.

Get in touch today to begin the conversation and talk through your next signage project. Let us help you create accessible features that truly make a difference.