ADA PRINTING REQUIREMENTS EASILY HANDLED
Braille, Disability & General ADA Signage
As your local Phoenix printer, we can help you with ADA signage printing to ensure it complies with local and national building codes as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act. Once your design and construction professionals specify the correct ADA signage for your project, contact PRI Graphics. We will make sure you get them printed and installed correctly.
Your printer for ADA signs must have specialized print and sign equipment to handle the job and at PRI Graphics & Signs, we have that equipment in-house. This allows us to get your job done quickly and at a reasonable cost.
Need help with your ADA signage requirements? We can help. Please email or call our print professionals at (602) 393-3131 or toll-free at (877) 409-8889.
ADA Signage Requirements
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has strict rules about ADA-accessible signage in public buildings such as office buildings, government buildings, and schools. The rules apply to ADA restaurant signs and ADA hotel signs. The objective of these standards is to ensure easy access, consistency, and a positive interactive experience for all persons with disabilities, regardless of what type of public building they visit.
Whether you need wayfinding signage or ADA signage printing for your building’s entrance, elevator, bathroom, or other location, the requirements are quite specific for:
- Braille
- Text Sizing
- Signage Material
- Sing Location
- Mounting & Installation
At PRI Graphics, we specialize in printing all types of signage and understand the ADA requirements. We can ensure that your ADA printing will be completely compliant.
Important Rules to Think About
Below, we cover the basics so you can have a better understanding of what is required in ADA sign printing:
- ADA signs must have a non-glare finish.
- Colors must be contrasting.
- Fonts and Text Characters must be in UPPERCASE.
- You must use a San Serif font.
- Condensing or Italics are not permitted.
- Pictograms & ISA symbols (ie – wheelchair access) must be included where applicable.
- Both employee and public areas require the proper accessible signage.
- There are exact sizing and spacing standards for Braille.
- You must know the difference between raised characters, letter-for-letter, and Grade 2 Braille, and when to use each of them.
Please email or call us at (602) 393-3131 or toll-free at (877) 409-8889 to learn more about ADA signage printing and the necessary ADA graphics requirements.
ADA Signage FAQ
Voice search queries are becoming increasingly popular as people use voice-activated assistants (like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant) to find information quickly.
Below, PRI Graphics & Signs has provided some of the most common voice search FAQs related to ADA signage, which are tailored for users looking for quick, conversational answers. This updated list reflects current trends and questions being asked about ADA signage, including changes in digital signage and new standards for universal design.
What is ADA signage?
ADA signage refers to signs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. The regulations ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to and are able to navigate public spaces. These signs are designed to be easily understood by people with various disabilities, including visual impairments and mobility challenges.
When was the ADA signed into law?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush. It prohibits discrimination based on disability and mandates accessibility requirements in public spaces, including signage.
Where are ADA signs required?
ADA signs are required in all public and commercial spaces that are open to the public, including Restrooms, Elevators, Accessible Parking Spaces, Room identification (offices, conference rooms, etc.), Directional signage (to help people navigate buildings), and Exit Signs and emergency routes.
What makes a sign ADA compliant?
ADA compliance for signage requires several key features including:
• Readable Text - Clear, high-contrast text that is easy to read.
• Braille - Braille for individuals with visual impairments.
• Non-Glare Surfaces - No reflective or glossy finishes.
• Accessible Placement - Signs must be positioned typically between 48 and 60 inches above the floor.
• Pictograms or Symbols - Easily recognizable symbols that convey the message visually, in addition to text.
What is the ADA height for signage?
The standard height for ADA-compliant signage is between 48 and 60 inches above the floor for wall-mounted signs. Signs with Braille should be placed with the centerline of the sign between 60 and 62 inches above the ground, depending on the application.
What does ADA stand for in signs?
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that sets the standards for accessibility in public spaces, including signage.
How do you make an ADA sign?
To make an ADA-compliant sign, the following steps should be followed:
• Use High-Contrast Text (e.g., black text on a white or light-colored background).
• Include Braille where necessary (Grade 2 Braille is the standard).
• Use clear, easy-to-understand pictograms or symbols.
• Ensure the size and placement comply with ADA standards (e.g., appropriate height and spacing).
• Use non-glare, matte materials for readability.
• If required, include tactile characters (raised text) that are easy to feel by touch.
What are the new updates to ADA signage guidelines?
1. Recent ADA updates emphasize the need for clearer emergency signage, such as exit signs with high contrast and improved tactile features.
2. The use of touch-activated signage (such as digital kiosks) must still comply with ADA standards for accessibility, including audio and tactile feedback.
3. Enhanced standards for universal design, such as additional color contrast for people with color blindness or low vision, have become a focus in new guidelines.
4. There is a growing emphasis on ensuring that digital signage (such as screens and monitors) is accessible, with features like adjustable font sizes, audio descriptions, and Braille.
Are there exceptions to ADA signage requirements?
Yes, exceptions exist under specific circumstances. For example, signage in private areas not open to the public or areas with no accessible route may not require ADA compliance. Additionally, there are specific exemptions related to small buildings or spaces with limited occupancy, but these situations are rare and typically determined by local building codes.
Can ADA signs be digital or electronic?
Yes, digital, and electronic signs can be ADA compliant, but they must still adhere to guidelines for visibility, readability, and accessibility. For example, they should include accessible features like high-contrast text, the ability to adjust font size, audio descriptions for visual content, and tactile feedback when necessary.