What Makes a Sign ADA Compliant?

By Mike Shabluk | September 5, 2023

Table of contents


Unless you’ve done extensive research, chances are you don’t know what makes a sign ADA compliant. But you’re not alone. Many people—business owners and sign professionals alike—are in the same boat. There are a lot of misconceptions about signs that adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). So, separating fact from fiction can be challenging.

That’s why we’ve put together a brief list to make things easier for you. It’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with all ADA sign specifications and regulations to be safe. However, this is a good place to start. By having a basic understanding of the most critical aspects of ADA signage, you’ll be in a better position to order compliant signs for your business or a client.

5 Elements That Make a Sign ADA Compliant

When you think of ADA signage, what comes to mind?.

If you’re like most people, you probably picture a sign with braille. And you’re not wrong per se, but that’s not what makes a sign ADA compliant. Yes, braille is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of an ADA-compliant sign. But it’s just one of many. There are several other rules dictating what constitutes compliance with the law in terms of signage. Additionally, braille is only required in some cases.

With that said, here are 5 elements that make a sign ADA compliant…

1) A Non-Glare Finish

Why it’s important: People who have visual impairments are not able to process glare or reflection very well. That’s why one of the requirements for ADA signage is a non-glare finish. It ensures that everyone who visits a public building can read important signage with ease.

What’s required: For a sign to be considered ADA compliant, it must have a background and characters that do not create any glare. Usually, this is accomplished by using a matte, eggshell, or other type of non-glare finish. Without this kind of finish, the sign doesn’t meet one of the most basic requirements for ADA signage.

It’s worth noting that this rule is specific to indoor signs. Outdoor signs for parking and traffic aren’t required to follow this rule.

2) A High Level of Contrast

Why it’s important: Like the non-glare finish feature, a high level of contrast on interior ADA signage is key to readability. When characters seem to blend into a sign’s background, it can be hard to read the text. But when characters contrast with the background, those with visual impairments can understand the information on the sign.

What’s required: To meet ADA sign requirements, a display must have high contrast between the characters and background. Although a specific amount of contrast isn’t outlined in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 70% is usually recommended. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring the characters and background are different enough that the characters stand out.

The way you achieve contrast on a sign is also flexible. Colors are not extremely important—just as long as there is a stark contrast. This is why you typically see white characters on a black or other dark background, or black characters on a white background. Either way creates a very high contrast.

3) Specific Font and Character Properties

Why it’s important: A big part of what makes a sign ADA compliant is that it can be read and understood by anyone, including those with visual impairments. That way, those attempting to read the sign aren’t forced to squint or move around just to figure out what the display says. Ultimately, it’s about preventing frustration, which is why typefaces should be easy to read.

What’s required: To adhere to ADA guidelines, a sign should use an ADA-compliant font—specifically a sans serif font that’s as plain as possible. Typefaces should be easy to read. Examples of acceptable sans serif fonts include Verdana, Helvetica, and Futura. Additionally, characters on the sign should not be italic, script, oblique, highly decorative, or in any other unusual form.

Here are some other font and character properties that factor into sign designs:

Case

  • Uppercase and lowercase rules must be followed.

    • Per ADA guidelines, raised characters should be in uppercase. However, the rules get more complicated depending on the type of sign. For example, informational and directional signs can use both upper and lowercase letters..

    Size

  • Letters should be an appropriate size.

    • The size of the letters on a sign is determined based on the distance of the sign from where the sign reader is expected to be positioned. The height of characters measured vertically from their base should be between 5/8 inch and 2 inches (51 mm) based on the height of an uppercase “I.” But when there are raised and visual characters providing the same information, the height of the tactile characters can be reduced to ½ inch minimum.

    Spacing

  • Characters should have adequate spacing.

    • There should be enough space between both letters and words. Character spacing is measured between the two closest points of adjacent raised characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Where characters have rectangular cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters should be at least 1/8 inch and at most four times the raised character stroke width. Where characters have other cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters should be at least 1/16 inch and at most four times the raised character stroke width at the base of the cross sections, and at least 1/8 inch and at most four times the raised character stroke-width at the top of the cross sections.

    Characters must also be separated from raised borders and decorative elements by at least 3/8 inch.

    Stroke Thickness

  • Characters must have a specific stroke thickness.

    • According to ADA guidelines, the stroke thickness of the uppercase letter “I” should be, at most, 15% of the character height.

    4) Corresponding Braille Text

    Why it’s important: Having braille text on ADA signage lets those who are blind or have reduced vision navigate a building easily. It provides them with important information, such as the location of restrooms. Individuals can use the braille to confirm they’re where they’re meant to be. Plus, the use of braille on displays helps foster a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

    What’s required: What’s required: Per ADA guidelines, any sign identifying a permanent room or space must have braille text. In those cases, Grade 2 braille should be used. The braille dots must have a domed or rounded shape and be within the following dimensions:

    It’s worth noting that this rule is specific to indoor signs. Outdoor signs for parking and traffic aren’t required to follow this rule.

    • Dot base diameter: The diameter should be between 0.059 and 0.063 inches.
    • Distance between two dots in the same cell: Dots should be between 0.090 to 0.100 inches away from each other, measured from center to center.
    • Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells: Dots must be between 0.241 and 0.300 inches away from each other, measured from center to center.
    • Dot height: Dots should be between 0.025 and 0.037 inches in height.
    • Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below: Braille dots in this case should be between 0.395 and 0.400 inches away from each other, measured from center to center.

      • Note that California has its own requirements for braille that are slightly different from those at the federal level. A braille sign in this state should have dot spacing in these dimensions:

    • Distance between two dots in the same cell: 0.100 inches
    • Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells: 0.300 inches (Additional information about the state’s braille guidelines can be found in California access compliance reference materials.)

    5) Proper Mounting

    Why it’s important: Although the characteristics of the sign itself are essential, the way it’s mounted also plays a role. Room-identifying signs should be placed appropriately. Otherwise, it’s difficult for people to read. The goal is to hang each ADA sign in a convenient spot.

    What’s required: Any signs identifying a room or space should be placed adjacent to the door they are marking so they can be more easily located by people who are deemed “functionally blind.” This is because functionally blind people expect to see a sign next to the door to tell them where it leads. Specifically, ADA guidelines require signs to be installed a minimum of 48 inches and a maximum of 60 inches above the finish floor or ground surface.

    Why Knowing What Makes a Sign ADA Compliant Is Important

    Understanding what makes a sign ADA compliant ensures you get the signage you need. Armed with this knowledge, you can confirm the signs you order from a fabricator meet all the necessary requirements. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting signs that don’t meet ADA guidelines.

    Why does this matter?

    Failure to have ADA-compliant signs in place can lead to fines or lawsuits for either you or your client. Plus, it can result in negative press. And that’s something no business wants!

    Takeaway

    With the information above, you should have a pretty good understanding of what makes a sign ADA compliant. Of course, there are more detailed rules affecting individual types of signs and circumstances. However, these general rules cover most ADA sign cases.

    And that means you can order ADA signs feeling confident you’ll receive the signs you need—as long as you choose the right fabricator.

    If you’re interested in seeing additional examples of ADA signs or ordering some for a facility, check out our predesigned sign packages. With 7 styles to choose from, you can find a set of ADA-compliant displays that fit any space. Plus, they can be customized to need your or your client’s needs.