The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses to identify specific aspects of their property with accessible signage. This ensures that these parts of the property are easily recognizable to all members of the public. Here are three important things that all business owners should know about ADA signs.

What You Need to Know About ADA Signs

1. They Need to Be Posted at All Permanently Designated Rooms

According to the ADA, any room or space that is a permanent fixture of a business and unlikely to change is to be identified with an accessible sign. Restrooms are the most obvious example; other spaces that typically need signs include meeting and conference rooms, classrooms, elevator locations, and vending machine areas. Also, floors and rooms need to have compliant signage that clearly displays their numbers.

2. Font Must Be Easily Readable

The whole point of ADA-compliant signage is easy readability. This is why font selection is so crucial. The ADA encourages you to use a sans serif font that is clear, legible, and understandable. Avoid any lettering or flourishes that are overly decorative, like cursive fonts or italics, as these can adversely impact readability. Also, the font and background must stand out for maximum lettering visibility, so choose two different colors that have at least a 70 percent visual contrast. A nonglare finish to the sign, like eggshell or matte, is needed to reduce glare and enhance decipherability.

3. Don't Forget Tactile Characters

Blind and low-vision folks need to make out your business signs, too. The ADA stipulates that the majority of visual signs include raised characters, which allows the lettering to be read by touch by those who may not be fluent in Braille. Braille itself is also required on signs that identify a permanent space, whether it's used by the public or by employees. Braille should be printed under the last line of text, on a separate line.

Signs PDQ, Inc., will help you design the ADA signs your business needs to meet legal requirements. Since 2002, we have been serving clients in Eastlake, OH, and throughout the United States. We manufacture custom wholesale interior and environmental signs, vehicle wraps, and wall graphics. Call (440) 951-6651 or email (quote@signspdq.com) to request a quote or visit us online to explore our services.