 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ADA and Other Codes Signage in public areas of all buildings is subject compliance with federal, state and local code requirements, requiring the use of certain symbols, messages and graphic standards. To provide adequate signing for all users, including persons with disabilities, the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), first published in the Federal Register on July 26, 1991 describes specific requirements for the use of typestyles, minimum type sizes, message contrast, symbols, Braille characters, tactile messages, sign background gloss and sign placement. A summation of the ADA as it applies to signage can be found in the Society for Environmental Graphic Design “White Paper”, available through the SEGD, 401 F Street N. W., Suite 333, Washington, D.C. 20001. State and local sign codes vary considerably, such as symbol signs for toilet room doors required in Florida. The accessibility requirements for informational signs, such as, building directories can seem confusing. Since the ADA does not specifically address informational signs, many people think that they are exempt from the regulations. This is not the case. This type of sign must comply with the general requirements for sign finish, contrast and character proportion under the signage section of the ADA. Informational signs do not require Braille or tactile characters and symbols, but other signage requirements do apply: Building Directories mounted behind glass must use non-glare glass. Character proportions must meet the proper width to height ratio. Characters and backgrounds of signs must be of an eggshell, matte or other non-glare finish. Characters and symbols must contrast with their background (light background with dark letters or dark background with light letters). Directories can be installed either as a projecting unit or integrated into a wall surface. Projecting units, however, must provide a skirt or “cane strike” to meet ADA requirements. Meeting these requirements will make informational signage easier to read for everyone. To determine sign requirements for state and local codes, contact us for more information. ADA SIGN REQUIREMENTS Minimum requirements: Tactile Characters Raised 1/32" Accompanied by Grade 2 braille _____________________________________________________________ Typestyles Upper case & sans serif Width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 Stroke width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10 _____________________________________________________________ Character height Tactile ADA characters at least 5/8" high, but no higher than 2" Minimum 3" high Sized to viewing distance _____________________________________________________________ Pictograms Text equivalent directly below Text outside of background area Background area 6" high _____________________________________________________________ Finish/Contrast of Characters/Background: Eggshell, or matte non-glare finish 70% contrast between backgrounds _____________________________________________________________ Placement On wall next to latch side of door Avoids swinging doors Avoids protruding objects 60" from floor to sign centerline Minimum 80" clearance from floor |
| Copyright (c) 2010 Jeffcoat Signs. All rights reserved. |
| Contact us toll free 1-877-377-4248 or email us at info@jeffcoatsigns.com |
| 1611 South Main Street Gainesville, Florida 32601 Phone 352.377.2322 Fax 352.377.4249 |
| North Central Florida's Premier Full Service Sign Company |
| 352-377-2322 |