You recognize the significance of workplace accessibility as an HR expert; providing adjustments for people with disabilities is not only moral but also required by law.
Signage is one part of accessibility that may not immediately come to mind. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signage is critical to ensure all employees and visitors can easily navigate your business. This article will examine what HR professionals need to know about creating ADA-compliant signs.
Understanding the ADA Signage Standards
Before you can start designing ADA-compliant signage, you must first comprehend the ADA’s rules. These criteria govern everything from lettering font and size to sign placement and height. These are a few crucial points to remember:
Size Does Matter
The minimum and maximum heights of raised characters on signs are 5/8 inch and 2 inches, respectively. The raised character has a minimum width of 3/8 inches and a maximum width of 2 inches. This guarantees that visually impaired people can read the words on the sign.
The Importance of Contrast
The sign and the characters must have great contrast. This indicates that legibility requires dark characters on a light backdrop or light characters on a dark background.
The Importance of Placement
ADA signs must be installed between 48 and 60 inches above the finished floor. This ensures that both standing and seated people can see the sign.
Creating ADA Compliant Signage
Once you’ve grasped the guidelines, you may begin developing ADA-compliant signs. Here are some crucial points to remember:
Choose the Appropriate Font
It is crucial to choose an easy-to-read typeface. Since they are clean and easy to see, sans-serif typefaces such as Arial or Helvetica are widely employed in ADA-compliant signage.
Use Braille
Braille characters are required on all ADA-compliant signs. Braille must be placed behind the relevant text, between 3/8 and 2 inches below the raised characters.
Consider Personalized Stencils
While numerous pre-made ADA-compliant signage is available, custom stencils may sometimes be required.
A custom stencil, for example, may be necessary if your office has a unique room name or number. In this scenario, it is critical to ensure that the stencil complies with all ADA rules.
Consider Color and Contrast
The sign’s colour and contrast are also important. Colours that contrast effectively and provide high visibility are essential.
Colours with high contrast, such as black and white, are great but may be difficult for people with Dyslexia to read. Consider using contrasts such as orange on black, or a dark colour on a cream background instead.
Get Feedback from Workers and Visitors
Finally, soliciting feedback from staff and tourists is usually a smart idea. Get input on your signage’s location, visibility, and readability. This will assist you in identifying any areas for improvement.
Conclusion
ADA-compliant signage may appear to be a little detail, but it may make a significant difference in the lives of employees and visitors with disabilities. You may build an accessible workplace by following the ADA rules and considering aspects such as font, colour, and placement. The ultimate goal is to make your business accessible to everyone, and creating ADA-compliant signage is merely one way to do so.
