Proper communication is critical when it comes to conveying information about a business. Signage is a way to continually explain areas of a building that those passing through are unfamiliar with. Beyond guiding them throughout an unfamiliar environment, signs help customers and staff evacuate the building quickly and safely during an emergency. This is especially the case with staff and even customers who are blind or visually impaired. According to the National Braille Press, over a quarter of the blind or visually impaired individuals with jobs can read Braille. Therefore, installing the proper Braille signage will ensure that your business not only complies with the law, but also stays accessible to those with different visual abilities.
How Do the SfAD and ADA Affect Your Signage?
Building codes, fire codes, and other legal rules define language and specifications for signs, but most of them concern emergency egresses. Interior signage, on the other hand, is not as clearly defined, so the most critical aspect in signage communication is merging the technical specifications of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (SfAD) with a Logical Communication Plan (LCP). The SfAD covers the scope and technical requirements for buildings, with specific sign rules found in chapter seven, beginning at section 703. After the how of building signs is explained, the question remains, “what and where?” This is answered through the four primary categories of an LCP: technical specifications, type of sign, installation of sign, and sign message.
The SfAD aims to abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and this means, first and foremost, crafting signage that’s accessible to those who are blind or have very low vision. If the visually impaired cannot rely on proper signage to find their way around a facility, it’s a violation of federal regulations. With that said, there must be a set of design limitations for accessibility signage. This is where the totality of section 703 comes into play within the Standards, governing everything from text height and color contrast, to raised elements and installation. For example, tactile signs have a fixed minimum and maximum text height, whether numerical or alphabetical, and that message is duplicated in braille.
Tactile Signs vs. Visual Signs
Speaking of which, there are two types of signs under the SfAD: Tactile and Visual. Tactile signs are specifically for the blind and those with vision impairments, incorporating raised elements such as text and braille. In the case of visual signs, there are also minimum required features. Tactile and visual specifications can be either separate or combined, with a merged sign fulfilling the accessibility needs of both types. The incorporation of tactile elements into visual signage is unnecessary, however. Tactile signs are required at the entry point to permanent rooms and spaces, while visual signs are placed throughout the building to help make navigation easier. This is why building codes, fire codes, and all other signage laws fall within the scope of the ADA, and why every sign within the building must be accessible.
In order to provide accessibility to the visually impaired, your ADA signage must be installed in the proper locations. Installation, next to messaging, is the most important aspect of providing access. If a sign is unreadable, either through touch or sight, it’s not serving the purpose for which it is required. As stated, tactile signs must be installed at permanent room and spaces, but installation height, direction of the door swing, and nearby decorations are also important elements to factor in. While neither type of sign can be obstructed, the purpose of tactile signs makes accessibility even more critical. Wall mounted visual signs must have a minimum text height of 5/8” text or greater, and should be installed with the baseline of the lowest visual character at least 40” above the finished floor. Overhead mounted signs are typically installed over 70” above the finished floor at 2” text height.
Beyond signage placement, the type of sign, the technical specifications, and the messaging of the signs is also important. The most vital elements that make for great signage messaging include substance, brevity, and a consecutive pattern. This means that signs shouldn’t be confusing, providing information clearly and quickly in order to provide free and confident flow through a facility. Furthermore, a consecutive pattern within a signage program allows for blind or low vision guest to orient themselves properly to the layout of the building. Despite the fact that these guests cannot see, they actually can “see” if your signage operates in a hyper-logical manner. For instance, only label sleeping rooms numerically and label common areas by actual purpose (e.g. “fitness center,” “community room,” etc.). This communicates to guests that all numerically numbered spaces are guest or residential rooms, enabling them to move on and find what they are looking for more efficiently. Looking at a signage project from the perspective of the blind will actually make for better communication to all guests. Keep in mind that many online businesses optimize their webpages for those with visual disabilities, so doing the same with a brick and mortar will further entice customers from all walks of life.
Now that you understand more about signage requirements, it’s time to order the signs that your facility and its guests need. If you need assistance figuring out exactly what signs you need and where to install them in your facility, reach out to signmojo.com to get started. Our dedicated customer service team will walk you through the whole process, ensuring that your signs are accessible, legible, and properly serving your clientele.