ADA signs are a necessary component of any school sign system. They help make sure all students, staff, and visitors can navigate campus safely and easily. When designing a new sign system for a school or updating an existing one, here are some things to keep in mind to make sure it's compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act..jpg)
Visibility and Contrast
All ADA signs must be highly visible and easy to read. The text should be large enough to be seen from a distance, and the contrast between the text and background should be high enough to make the text stand out. For example, black text on a white background is usually the easiest to read. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there is a 70% contrast between the text and background colors.
Mounting Height
ADA signs must be mounted at a specific height, so they are visible to everyone. For wall-mounted signs, the center of the sign should be 48 inches above the finished floor. For freestanding signs, the bottom of the sign should be at least 24 inches above the ground.
Size and Shape
ADA signs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size and shape of the sign should be appropriate for the message it's conveying and where the sign is being mounted. For example, a large informational sign may need to be rectangular, while a smaller sign might be round or square.
Reflectivity
ADA signs must be made with reflective materials so they can be seen at night and in low-light conditions. The amount of reflectivity required depends on the size and location of the sign. Smaller signs placed far away may only need to be semi-reflective, while larger signs should be highly reflective.
Braille and Raised Lettering
In addition to being visible from a distance, the signs must be legible up close. The letters should be raised at least 1/32 of an inch, and the spacing between them should be at least 1/16 of an inch.
Pictograms and Symbols
ADA signs can include pictograms and symbols to convey information. These are helpful for people who are not be able to read English or who have difficulty reading. These should be placed above the text and at least six inches high. The symbol for a handicap-accessible restroom, for example, is a universally recognized pictogram which needs no explanation.
Illumination
ADA signs located in areas which are not well-lit must be illuminated. This is especially important for exit signs, which must be visible in emergencies. There are various ways to illuminate signs, including battery-operated LEDs and solar-powered lights.
To start with your ADA-compliant school sign system, contact us, FASTSIGNS® of Mesa, AZ. We look forward to helping you.