ADAAG Manual

Symbols of Accessibility [4.30.7]

ADAAG requires several types of access symbols. Color contrast between symbols and background is required but the color or size is not specified. Recommendations: Consider using:

• light-on-dark, which is considered more effective than dark-on-light

• contrast of at least 70 % (light reflectance value)

• non-glare finishes

• system-wide uniformity

The International Symbol of Accessibility is used to label accessible:

• parking spaces

• check-out aisles [7.3]

• areas of rescue assistance (and directional signage at inaccessible exits and on routes to areas of rescue assistance)

and, unless all are accessible:

• passenger loading zones

• public entrances (and directional signage at inaccessible entrances)

• toilet and bathing facilities (and directional signage at inaccessible locations)

Other required symbols include:

used to identify the location of text telephones (TTYs), including on directional signs required at banks of telephones without TTYs

used to identify phones equipped with volume control

used to indicate the availability of assistive listening systems in assembly areas (can also be used to provide notice of other auxiliary aids and services such as real time captioning, sign language/oral interpretive services)