Custom ADA Signs: Important Factors to Consider

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific requirements for ADA signs – which ensures uniformity and universal accessibility – but that doesn’t mean businesses cannot customize them. In fact, personalized ADA signs in Denver are a great way to differentiate your business.

Customizing ADA Signs in Denver

The ADA outlines clear requirements that ensure all ADA signs effectively support and communicate with over 42.5 million Americans who live with a disability. These requirements include font size, color contrast, installation height, and more. However, it stops short of prescribing exactly how signs should look. So, while white-on-blue signs are commonplace, you are allowed to be much more creative with them. In this blog, we’ll outline the seven things you need to consider when you’re investing in custom ADA signs.

7 Things to Consider When Personalizing ADA Signs

1. Pay Attention to Color and Contrast The ADA requires high contrast between the sign’s text, pictograms, and the background. This contrast helps visually impaired individuals to distinguish the sign’s content. Section 703.5 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design requires that signs must have light lettering on a dark background or dark lettering on a light background.
2. Ensure a Non-Glare Finish Section 703.5 also requires ADA signs near you to have a non-glare finish. Glare makes signs harder to read, especially for those with sight difficulties. Use matte or eggshell finishes that reflect less light to keep your sign compliant.
3. Make Sure Fonts Meet the Minimum Size The ADA mandates the use of sans-serif fonts, which are simple to read. They must also meet a minimum height based on the viewing distance. Section 703.2 specifies that characters and symbols should be between a minimum of 5/8 inch (16 mm) and 2 inches (51 mm) tall.
4. Incorporate Braille Lettering If your sign is going to be used to identify a permanent room or space, it must contain braille lettering. Section 703.3 requires Grade 2 Braille and has very specific requirements for how large the letters should be.
5. Ensure Adequate Height for ADA Sign Installation Near You Signs with tactile letters (braille) must be installed within a specified height range. This ranges between a minimum of 48 inches to a maximum of 60 inches from the floor to the bottom of the tactile letters. This custom signs are readable for those standing or using a wheelchair.
6. Use Internationally Recognized Symbols The ADA prescribes some internationally recognized symbols must be included in the sign. There are four symbols to be included, depending on where you will be installing the sign; these symbols are the international symbol of accessibility, the international symbol of TTY, a volume control telephone, and an assistive listening system. Speak with one of our sign specialists to understand which symbol is used in which instance.
7. Check Colorado’s Requirements In addition to the ADA, which is federal law, there are state and municipal laws to be aware of as well for ADA signs in Denver. For instance, Colorado requires a slightly different wheelchair symbol than the one prescribed by the ADA at government buildings. Denver, too, has slightly different requirements for parking lot ADA signs near you.

Create Custom ADA Signs with a Knowledgeable Team We are firm believers that all spaces should be accessible, and all spaces should represent the businesses that fill them. That’s why our team helps businesses personalize designs and assist with ADA sign installation near you. Talk to us about customized ADA-compliant signs near you and why they’re so beneficial for your business.