Sacramento, CA - Arden-Arcade Companies: Compliance with Custom ADA Signs

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) details the requirements for businesses to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities. There are many different types of ADA signs, each with its own specific purpose.

• Identification signs provide information on specific rooms, regions, and zones. Most public signs are made up of various identification signs, which are an essential element to reaching ADA's standards. "Restrooms," "HR Department," and "Information Desk" are all examples of identification signs.
• Directional signs tell people where to go and how to get there. These signs must be visible from walking surfaces; doors and other objects should never obstruct them. "Exit," "Stairway," and "Handicap Parking" are all examples of directional signs.
• Informational signs provide people with details needed to use a product or service safely. "Warning," "Caution," and "Do Not Enter" are all examples of informational signs.
• Overhead signs are hung from the ceiling or mounted on the wall above visitors and staff. They should be installed where they are visible from walking surfaces with no obstructions. "Fire Exit," "Emergency Exit," and "First Aid" are all examples of overhead signs.

Ensuring Your Signs Comply

• Location: Signs must be placed so they are visible from walking surfaces; and doors or other objects should never obstruct them.
• Size: The size of ADA signs is determined by the height of the letters and symbols on the sign. The minimum height for ADA signs is 4 inches, but the size will vary depending on the distance from which the sign needs to be seen and how much text is on the sign.
• Text: All text on ADA signs must be in plain English, and it must be a clearly legible font. The text should also be large enough to be easily seen and read.
• Contrast: ADA signs must have a high contrast between the background and the text. The text should be dark against a light background, or vice versa. This contrast makes signs easier to see and read.
• Braille: ADA signs must also be available in Braille for people who are blind or have poor vision. The text on braille signs should be raised so it is easily felt, and the sign should be big enough to read easily. The ADA only requires Braille letters, and tactile text on identification signs. However, the ADA strongly recommends all sign types — identification, informational, directional, and sometimes even overhead — include Braille characters.
• Visibility: All ADA signs must be highly visible. This means they should be well-lit and placed in an area where they are easy to see.