What is ADA Signage?
ADA signage refers to the signs businesses use to locate rooms in their building. This signage is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1991 which prohibits the discrimination against disabled individuals. These signs are required for most public buildings and are often seen with textured icons and contrasting colors. These signs can help people with visual, hearing, and other physical impairments. All the details and requirements can be outlined under the Standards for Accessible Design (SAD), which was adopted for the ADA in 2010.
Types of ADA Signage Include:
- Restroom Signs
- Directional Signs
- Parking Signs
- Wheelchair Accessibility Signs
- Room Labels
- Elevator Signs
The CDC reports that 1 in 4 adults have a disability in the United States, which is approximately 61 million people. ADA signage ensures that individuals with impairments have access to the same resources as able-bodied people do. Inclusion is an important aspect for any successful business. Creating an accessible business builds the foundation for customer loyalty and enhanced brand recognition.
Brand Your Signage
One way to elevate your ADA signage would be to design them with your brand in mind. This can be achieved by utilizing your company’s brand or adding your logo on the sign. Branding all of your signage, including ADA signs, will help customers effectively navigate the building without it seeming out of place with the rest of your buildings décor.
Explore Materials
Here at Rainbow Sign, we offer a wide variety of materials and textures for you to choose from. If you are looking to elevate your ADA signage, we recommend using a mix of different materials to add contrast in
your design. SAD details that high contrast signs with little to no surface glare offer the optimal experience for persons with low vision. Whether you are wanting to add wood and earthy elements, or a sleek aluminum display for your ADA signage, we’ve got you covered.
Know Your Symbols
On most public buildings, we see ADA signage with symbols and icons that convey the same message. The International Symbol of Accessibility is the most recognized; this depicts a person in a wheelchair, but do you know the other common symbols?
Here are the 4 most common symbols we see in ADA signage, and what they mean.
The International Symbol of Accessibility –
This symbol indicates access for individuals with limited mobility such as wheelchair users. This sign may be present for wheelchair accessible bathrooms, ramped entrances, or lowered tables and pay-phones.
Access for Hearing Loss –
This symbol should be present for companies that offer hearing aids or headsets. Most companies that offer this accessibility offer portable devices that connect to screens and other digital signage.
Telephone Typewriter (TTY) –
Also known as text telephone (TT), or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD). This symbol indicates accessibility for deaf or hard of hearing individuals. While telephone typewriters aren’t as commonly used today, this symbol is still used to indicate access to captioned phones.
Volume Control Telephone –
This symbol indicates that there are phones available with higher or adjustable sound controls for those hard of hearing.
How Rainbow Can Help.
Whether its consulting, creating, or installing your ADA signage, Rainbow can help. Our signage will deliver clear and cohesive messages to everyone who walks through your space. We want to help your business build relationships and taking the time to add ADA signage in your building will help customers of different backgrounds feel accepted and wanting to visit again.
