ADA compliant signs are any form of signage that follows the guidelines enacted by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These signs serve to create a safer, more efficient, and more inclusive world.
You probably seen examples of ADA compliant signs multiple times a day in your regular life.
Those stick figure signs of a man and woman on a restroom door? That’s a perfect example. But what makes it ADA compliant? The sign must have a braille component so that blind or visually-impaired patrons or visitors of the facility can quickly identify the location of the bathroom.
The sign should also have a matte or eggshell finish to avoid glare. Any images or text on the sign should contrast starkly, with a contrast level of about 70%. This also helps visually impaired folks locate the sign in a timely fashion.
In order for a sign such as a restroom sign to be ADA compliant, it also must be permanently mounted to the wall. It should also be placed on the wall in such a way that anyone within 3 inches of the sign will not bump into objects or a door. All of these regulations serve to prevent injuries and accidents and to make facilities accessible for anyone who may visit.
