Navigating a public space might be challenging if it is not equipped with special wayfinding tools. Wayfinding signs are our speechless guides that help to save time and effort in locating a certain room. However, not all people can freely benefit from this advantage. Disabled individuals often find it difficult to read interior wayfinding signs if they are not designed in a special way. The requirements for the design of wayfinding signs for disabled people are regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Key Features Of ADA-Compliant Signs
- Raised lettering and pictograms: ADA-compliant signs must be tactile. The purpose of this feature is to make sure that people with vision complications would be able to perceive the information in a different way. This effect becomes even stronger when raised characters are placed on a plate made in a contrasting color.
- Specific mounting and height requirements: Signs should be visible from a distance. If they are placed too high or too low, this requirement cannot be fulfilled. Improper height of placement creates the possibility that the sign will not be visible from a distance. That’s why it is stated in the ADA that signs must be hung between 48 and 60 inches. This is the optimal mounting height.
- Braille: Simply incorporating signs with tactile characters might not be enough. Individuals who suffer complete vision loss are accustomed to perceiving special fonts. That is why it is necessary to incorporate such signs with writing in Braille as well.
Types of ADA Signs
- Doorway exit signs: ADA exit signs are plaques that identify the exit doorway. Since the exit is permanent and usually its location does not change over a period of time, it must be equipped with ADA-compliant signs you can buy on Bsign store.
- Directional exit signs: As a rule, these are wall plates incorporated with directional arrows. The purpose of these arrows is to show the direction of the exit. Such signs are very important in terms of evacuation during emergencies. They might be placed on staircases, in corridors, next to elevators, etc.
- Wayfinding signs: Wayfinding signs might be different. They help to locate certain rooms, including cafeteria, meeting room, conference room, hall, lobby, lounge room, etc. Such signs should be ADA-compliant if they help to locate permanent areas.
- Nameplates: Nameplates are used to identify specific rooms. According to ADA, nameplates must be compliant only if they identify permanent areas, those that serve the same function for a long period of time. But if you want to make your space 100% inclusive, you can follow ADA requirements for all your nameplates.
- Restroom signs: Restrooms usually do not change their location. That is why all visitors, including disabled ones, should have the possibility to locate them quickly. Additionally, in public spaces, restrooms have to be designed in order to be comfortable for handicapped individuals. This information can be communicated through a restroom sign as well.
On the whole, the major aim of using ADA signs is to make a public space inclusive and comfortable for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities. We believe that this principle should be followed by all possible means.
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