Staying compliant with the regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) isn’t difficult but you have to know the regulations to stay compliant. Staying compliant with these regulations is often the last thing on a business owner’s mind when trying to plan out their business signs but it should be at the top of the list.
These regulations are to ensure every person has the opportunity to read the information available on these signs, which ought to be a top priority for business owners. However, if that isn’t enough, there are steep fines that come with noncompliance.
Braille: Incorrectly Done or Missing Completely
There are specific guidelines to properly manufacture Braille signs that regulate the spacing, placement and structure of each dot. There are a few different methods to achieve the proper look but a good rule of thumb is to stick with Grade II Braille. This is the most commonly accepted form of the language.
Incorrect Character Spacing
Also known as kerning, the space between characters matters just as much as having the right Braille lettering. Under the ADA, there must be a minimum of an eighth of an inch between the two closest points in any tactile characters. This can be difficult as some pairs of letters are naturally close together.
Placement of Signs
Depending on the exact type of sign, requirements stipulate that a sign is anywhere from four to five feet from the floor. At All Star Signs, we understand the regulations for each sign. Don’t guess what height will be best for your signs; consult a team that already has the answers.
Font Selection
To be ADA compliant, lettering must be in a sans serif typeface with Helvetica as the most popular choice. This is to create a better contrast to help the visually impaired better read your signs.
Character Size
For single signage, the tactile characters must be 5/8” to 2” deep. When there isn’t enough space for the tactile characters and the Braille lettering, it is acceptable to have a dual message sign or use more than one sign. However, it is important both signs consider the visual impairments of some visitors. If you are unsure how to get everything to fit on one sign, contact us today. We have worked with ADA compliant signage and can put together a simple yet effective solution for you.