Specific Standards for Braille in ADA Compliant Signs
There are a wide variety of ways to manufacture Braille signs with all of the most common fabrication methods. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has some specific standards for Braille in ADA compliant signs, including how the dots are structured, spaced and placed.
The language is very specific regarding the shape of braille in particular, but does not include or exclude any types of signage materials.
According to Section 703.3.1, Dimensions and Capitalization, Braille dots “shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1.” This table appears as follows
In the United States, signs are also required to make use of Grade II Braille, which uses 189 contractions and short-form words. The condensed nature of Grade II Braille is perfect for the limited space often available on most types of interior signs.
If you are in California, however, you have slightly different rules in accordance with state law. California Braille makes use of Grade II Braille, but has a little bit wider spacing between each Braille cell. The Braille in California is also placed slightly differently. While both the ADA and California’s Title 24 require Braille to be at least 3/8” below its corresponding text, California’s law sets a maximum distance of ½”.
Usually an uppercase indicator before Braille is not required, but it is often used anyway because many people are somewhat unsure as to when it should be used.
This is a general rundown of the rules governing how Braille is used to be compliant with ADA standards. For more information, contact our team at Erie Custom Signs today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.
