Among the many things to consider when planning your business’s signage is compliance with ADA sign design and construction standards. Your sign isn’t JUST about your brand and how it connects with your audience—ADA regulations contain hundreds of complex signage requirements. According to ADA.gov, “The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.”
Any sign that offers direction—such as way-finder signs or architectural signs—are included, as well as informational signs and all regulatory signage. Identification signs must also comply to ADA standards. Non-compliance of any ADA regulated sign can lead to federal fines and having to start over with your new signage.
What Are the Rules?
It’s complex, and there are multiple standards covering sign location, use, and visibility. It’s possible for any given ADA regulated sign to be affected by dozens of variables. The most basic ADA sign requirements include:
• Signs must be non-glare, except for reflective traffic signs.
• Images and backgrounds must have contrast and be identifiable.
• Signs must use simple non-decorative fonts that are easy to read.
• Signs must meet ADA sizing standards for typefaces, stroke of characters, distance from the ground, and more.
This is a limited list and isn’t meant to offer specific advice to meet ADA standards. The surest way to meet all regulations is to work with an experienced and reputable sign provider. Our expert staff would be happy to answer any of your ADA compliance questions.
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