Scoping [4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)]
Specifications for signage apply according to the type of sign provided. ADAAG does not require building signage except to identify certain accessible elements and spaces.
Tactile Signage
Raised and Braille characters are required on signs that "designate permanent rooms and spaces." This is intended to cover signs typically placed at doorways (i.e., room and exit labels) because doorways provide a tactile cue in locating signs. (Other types of signs that can be placed variously along circulation routes may not be easily found by people with little or no vision.) The requirement for raised and Braille characters also applies to signs labeling rooms whose function (and thus designation) is not likely to change over time. Examples include signs labeling restrooms, exits, rooms/floors by number or letter. Recommendation: Tactile signs are recommended for room names not likely to change.
Requirements for tactile signage apply to exterior sites but are not intended for building names (except at rail stations) or addresses.
Non-Tactile Signage
The legibility of printed characters is a function of the viewing distance, character height and proportion, font, and the color contrast between character and background, the finish, and the lighting. Specifications for character size and proportion and sign finish and contrast apply to signs providing information about a room or space ("Employees Only"), direction to rooms, spaces and building elements, labeling not required to be tactile of elements and rooms ("Service Entrance"), rules of conduct, and overhead signs.
| TACTILE | NON-TACTILE | |
| Character Proportion Font/ Style | raised characters: · sans or "simple" serif · upper case only |
· width-to-height ratios for character & stroke · lower case allowed |
| Character Height | · raised characters: 5/8" - 2" (raised 1/32" min.) |
· based on viewing distance · 3" min for overhead signs |
| Braille | · grade II required | N/A |
| Pictograms | where provided: · 6" min. field height · raised & Braille verbal description below (pictograms are not required to be raised) |
access symbols required by ADAAG: · specified content · color contrast (other types not covered) |
| Finish & Contrast | · light/dark contrast · non-glare finish |
· light/dark contrast · non-glare finish |
| Location | · 60" height to centerline on wall at latch side of doors | · 80" min. vertical clearance for overhead signs |
Temporary Signage
Temporary signs, which are exempt, include identification of tenancies, names and titles of room occupants, non-fixed signage and temporary postings ("Out of Service," "Under Renovation"), and other information subject to change (building directories, posted menus, hours of operation).
Pictogram
Pictograms can improve access for people with cognitive or learning disabilities, children, and others who may have a limited reading ability. ADAAG however requires the display of certain symbols to label various accessible spaces and features [4.30.7]. Requirements for tactile text apply to pictograms used to label "permanent" rooms and spaces (e.g., restrooms) where provided. Pictorial symbols used for other types of signs (e.g., no smoking, occupant logos) are not addressed by ADAAG.
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