ADA Signage Basics: What to Know Before You Order
ADA signage refers to interior and exterior signs designed to meet accessibility standards for elements such as tactile lettering, Braille, contrast, mounting height, and symbol use. This guide covers the general concepts business owners should understand before ordering. It is educational information, not legal or compliance advice; exact requirements depend on your building, jurisdiction, and use, and should be confirmed with an architect, code official, or accessibility consultant familiar with your specific project.
Common Elements of ADA-Style Signage
- Raised tactile characters: Lettering that can be read by touch, commonly required on permanent room identification signs such as restrooms and exit stairs.
- Braille: Grade 2 Braille is typically paired with tactile lettering on the same sign.
- Contrast: Strong contrast between the text or symbols and the background improves readability for people with low vision.
- Non-glare finish: A matte or non-glare surface reduces reflection that can interfere with legibility.
- Mounting height and location: Standards typically specify a height range and a consistent side of the door for mounting so signage can be found predictably.
- Pictograms: Standardized symbols for restrooms, accessible routes, and similar functions.
Where ADA-Style Signage Is Commonly Used
- Restroom identification
- Room and suite numbers
- Stairwell and exit identification
- Accessible parking and route signage
- Directories and wayfinding in larger buildings
Permanent vs. Temporary Rooms
Signs for rooms whose function will not change, such as a permanent restroom, generally follow the strictest tactile and Braille requirements. Directories and signs for spaces that change use over time, such as a directory listing tenant names, are typically treated differently since their content changes. This distinction affects what type of sign is appropriate; confirm which category applies to your specific signs with your code official or architect.
Design and Material Considerations
ADA-style signs are commonly produced in acrylic, metal, or photopolymer with raised characters and separately applied Braille dots. Color and finish should be selected to maintain strong contrast rather than purely for brand matching, since brand colors are sometimes too close in value to meet contrast expectations.
Working with Your Sign Provider
A sign shop can produce compliant-style signage to a specification, but confirming which exact standard applies to your building and which rooms require which sign types is the responsibility of the property owner, architect, or code official for the project. If you already have a specification, such as required character height, Braille grade, or mounting height, provide it when ordering so the sign is produced to that exact standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sign shop confirm my building is ADA compliant?
A sign shop can produce signage to a given specification, but a full compliance determination for your building should come from an architect, code official, or accessibility consultant.
Do all interior signs need Braille?
Not necessarily. Requirements vary by sign type and function. Confirm which of your specific signs require Braille with a qualified professional.
Can ADA-style signs match our brand colors?
Often yes, within the contrast requirements for the specific sign type. Confirm color contrast expectations before finalizing brand-matched artwork.
Bottom line: Understand the general elements of ADA-style signage, then confirm the exact specification for your building with a qualified professional before ordering. Visit the North State Signs business and interior signage page or contact the shop to discuss your project.