ADA Signage Requirements

Brief Summary

Temporary signs do not need to conform to ADA guidelines.

Permanent Signs:  Those designating permanent rooms & spaces.

  • Characters:

    • must be between 5/8” & 2” in height.

    • are to be raised a minimum of 1/32”.

  • Background & characters are to be matte or non-glare finish with substantial color contrast.

  • Grade 2 Braille is required.

  • Text is to be sans serif or simple serif type & upper case only.

  • Pictograms, when used:

    • may or may not be raised.

    • are to be alone within a 6” x 6” field.

    • should be accompanied by a written description

  • Signs are to be mounted on the latch side of the door 60” from center line of sign to floor.

Directional or informational signs

  • Characters & background are to be matte or non glare finish with substantial contrast.

  • Characters can be upper & lower case & should be sized for viewing distance (appx. 1” for every 50’ of distance).

  • Raised copy nor Braille are required for these signs.

Overhead signage

  • Characters & background are to be matte or non glare finish with substantial contrast.

  • Characters are to be a minimum of 3" in height.

  • Must be a minimum of 80" clearance between the sign and the floor.

 

NOTE:  This document represents a brief summary of a complex law and set of regulations and interpretations and is provided as a courtesy to customers of WayFinder Sign Systems.  Additional detailed information is available upon request in the form of the “Americans with Disabilities Act Handbook” published jointly by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.  WayFinder Sign Systems assumes no liability, either expressed or implied, for errors, omissions or any damages resulting from the use and/or interpretation of this material.