4 Leading ADA Sign Compliance Issues Today

ADA (Americans Disabilities Act) signage is among the most befuddling to work with. A mix of federal, state and local policies managing ADA sign compliance requires both careful planning and stakeholder management. IDS is a leader in interior wayfinding systems and has gained and integrated expertise in ADA signage into our service portfolio.

Here are four leading ADA sign issues we face in the field today.

#1. Height Consistency:

At one time ADA guidance had signs installed at 60” on center which created sign height inconsistencies. For the last two decades, the code focused on sign messaging with a range of 48” to 60” to the bottom of lowest tactile text, and 60” to the top.

This works for the most part. But, beyond the code, it is important to look at sign height consistency across multiple signs.

If an ADA sign changes in size, it is important to make sure that the alignment with the raised text and Braille stay as consistent as possible. If tactile signs use multiple lines of raised text, it is a good idea to keep the baseline of the lowest raised text around 54” (a common height standard) and then save room to adjust the height of the tactile lines above, or, maintain a standard height at the top of the sign and braille and deviate narrowly below.

This is not always possible with different styles of signs like restroom and other symbol signs. In these cases, it is important to minimize the different sizes and shapes of symbol signs and provide one consistent height standard for them.

#2. Symbols

Symbols require careful thought and a review of precedent and state and local review.

Some states, like California, have specific requirements for shapes (but no standard requirement of symbols to use in addition). In other places, it comes down to local standards and trends.

A few years back the Accessible Icon Project developed a new accessible symbol. The symbol was used in some local jurisdictions as an option but was not adopted as a national universal symbol. Therefore, it is important to review the local precedents before using the symbol.

A controversy today is the proper use of all-gender symbols for restroom signs, and again, why it is important to study local sign use and current trends before implementation.

#3. Tactile Technology

Ten years ago there were arguments about which ADA technologies were accessible or permissible. That debate is largely over. Photopolymer, raster, etched, thermoformed, and 3D-printed are all permissible and widely used.

That doesn’t mean that rounding on signs should be ignored. It is still important to ensure that all Braille signs are properly rounded or topped, no matter the method.

In addition, different material effects should be considered. We are often asked to use stainless steel or aluminum on ADA signs where it is usually better to use different coatings to achieve the same effect. On larger projects, we conduct an extensive prototype process with clients on the look and feel of signs across methodologies.

#4. Avoiding Obvious Mistakes: Glare, Edges and Braille

It is often the simplest and easiest aspects of the code that produce the easiest to make a mistake.

Ensuring signs are not as sharp as a knife seems obvious, but the chances of people getting cut on a sign are far higher than spotting a text height issue. Braille mistakes are deceptively hard to spot and often require a replacement and embarrassment.

At IDS, we focus attention on these small issues with extensive prototyping and field reviews. This adds to the cost early on but almost always saves time and cost later.

Choose ID Signsystems to design and build your next ADA-compliant sign project.

Connect with us for a consultation. Let’s discuss how we can help you ensure your ADA signage meets all compliance regulations and achieves the style you want.