We all want to feel comfortable in public spaces. However, unfortunately, for many individuals, this might be a luxurious possibility because of their physical disabilities. Luckily, there is a certain set of regulations that make sure public spaces are inclusive. This document is called the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at how this paper regulates the use of interior doors and wall signs.
Types of ADA Signs
- Wayfinding signs: ADA accessible signs for wayfinding or directional signs are special plaques that help individuals choose the proper direction inside the building when they need to get to a certain area. It’s important that wayfinding signs comply with the ADA requirements as they often help to locate entry and exit points as well as evacuation routes.
- Room nameplates/numbers: Not all nameplates have to comply with the ADA regulations because these rules are relevant only to permanent areas. Restrooms, for example, fit into this category, so they should be marked with door signs that can be readable by disabled individuals.
- Handicap restroom signs: A handicap restroom is a special washroom designed in a way to ensure it can be used by people with physical impairments. Such restrooms need to have appropriate wheelchair signs affixed to doors.
Places Where ADA Signs Are Necessary
It’s easy to define spaces that have to be equipped with ADA-accessible signs in one sentence — these have to be public spaces. The use of signs in your private house or apartment isn’t regulated by law. However, when it comes to the provision of services in public areas, you need to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all groups of individuals, regardless of their disabilities.
It’s important to mention that not all signs within a building, like an office center, hotel, or supermarket, have to comply with ADA requirements. The rules are relevant for permanent areas, entry and exit points, and elevators and staircases.
Key Things to Consider When Purchasing ADA Accessible Signs
- Colors: Colors play a crucial role in visibility and contrast, aiding those with visual impairments in identifying and distinguishing signage. If the colors of letters and background plates blend, people with vision disabilities won’t be able to distinguish them.
- Height of placement: The height of placement is vital to ensure signage is within reach for wheelchair users and individuals of varying heights, promoting ease of reading and tactile interaction.
- Tactility: Additionally, tactility, such as raised characters, enhances accessibility for those with vision impairments, providing essential information through touch. By prioritizing these features, ADA door signs can effectively convey information to all individuals, fostering inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards.
Extra Features to Make ADA Signs More Efficient
Last but not least, the ADA doesn’t make it obligatory to use braille fonts for ADA-compliant door signage. Raised characters would be enough to simply comply with the necessary regulations. However, if you want to provide the best possible experience to all your visitors, including ones suffering from complete vision loss, we suggest that you add writing in braille as well. Not all sign manufacturers provide such services, so look for brands that can create custom-made items.
