Signage is an important part of every business. Most often, these are great marketing tools that allow you to reach out to your target customers and get them engaged. However, there are sign types that are necessary for every San Jose business to have. ADA signs are at the top of that list. 

What is ADA Signage?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. The basic premise of this law is to afford everyone equal access to resources and facilities. Part of this legislation requires businesses to have ADA-compliant signs within their establishment.

ADA signs follow specific guidelines set by law. This includes the type of font, height, color contrasts, and the inclusion of braille.

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Types of ADA Signs

Uses of ADA Signs

The ADA of 1990 has mapped out the purpose behind ADA signs. However, businesses can find a lot of value out of using these signs in their facility in San Jose.

One, signs that are ADA compliant help make your clients more comfortable while within your business space. For example, custom braille door signs allow people with visual impairment to freely find their way around your facility.

Two, ADA signs open your business up to a wider range of clients. Not having accessible signage can discourage people from visiting your business.

Three, these signs make sure that people are safe within your San Jose establishment. ADA signs can help mark hazardous rooms and rooms restricted by authorization or employment. They also point towards fire exits. These ensure that every customer remains safe and protects your business from any liabilities.

Lastly, custom ADA signs are a great opportunity for you to build brand awareness. Since these are signs that people often look at, incorporating your brand on the design builds more familiarity for your business.

Whichever way these signs are used, the benefits and opportunities outweigh the cost of ADA signs.

Top Makers of ADA Signs Near Me

Are you a startup looking to add the right business signs or an existing enterprise planning to revamp your signage? Signs Unlimited is your top choice for high-quality signs in San Jose. We offer ADA signs that not only make your business accessible but also create more awareness for your brand. 

Our team is well-versed in ADA regulations and will make sure your business signs are compliant. Contact us today for a free consultation on ADA signs!

Frequently Asked Questions

As listed in Section §703.4 of the Standards for Accessible Design, ADA signs are typically required at each doorway of every permanent space within a residential, commercial, institutional, or governmental facility. ADA signs should be placed at the handle or opening side of doors, and if braille lettering is included, the tactile signage should be 9″ from the edge of the door frame.

ADA signs should be hung at a height between 48″ to 60″ (use the lowest allowable height for facilities that feature children occupants) so that all ADA signage will be visually consistent.

No, ADA signs do not require a blue background, but the background should contrast the signs’ lettering and should contrast the color of the door or wall it is hung on. Some states have explicitly detailed white lettering on a blue background which corresponds to the International Symbol of Access (ISA), also known as the (International) Wheelchair Symbol, which shows a white, stylized image of a person in a wheelchair on a blue background.

President George H.W. Bush made The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) a Federal law in 1999. It was a part of sweeping legislation to increase the civil rights of differently-abled individuals by providing complete access to buildings and some residential structures. The goal of ADA signs and regulations is to increase the opportunities for disabled persons to gain employment and increase community involvement.

Room, level, or other area signed identifying interior spaces, stairwells, exit patterns, and elevators should be ADA-compliant. This includes tactile (or raised characters) and braille on a darker background or in contrasting colors. ADA signs should feature a non-glare finish, and the pictograms, if required, should be at least six inches tall.

ADA exit signs must be placed at all exit doors and exit stairs, along with the passageways or corridors that will discharge to these exits. Not only should the exit signs be of high contrast, but they must also include raised characters and braille lettering to provide both tactile and visual communication. The visual signage and tactile lettering can be two separate signs near each other.

ADA-compliant doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters. The minimum ADA door width requirement is 32″ clear. This total width is measured from the door face and the frame stop when the door is completely open at 90 degrees. If the doors are double doors, then only one of the door panels must completely open to clear 32″. Also, the door’s height must clear 80″.

ADA bathroom signs must give a clear indication of male and female restrooms along with signage that indicates the bathroom is ADA accessible. ADA bathroom signs must have tactile or raised letter text along with braille lettering. These signs must be mounted in specific locations on the door’s latch side and between 48″ and 60″ above the finished floor.

ADA sign rules and requirements dictate the locations of ADA signage along with the specific mounting details, the type and look of the signage, and what type of information must be included. ADA sign rules and requirements have been detailed to provide consistent and correct information to those that may be visually, cognitively, or otherwise impaired that would limit the person’s access to maneuver within public, private, and institutional facilities.

ADA signs must be large enough to accommodate pictograms that are at least 6 inches high and text that is between 5/8 to 2 inches high. All ADA signs must leave a minimum of 3/8 inch clearance on all sides.

Visit Signs Unlimited online to view and order a large variety of ADA-compliant signage.