ADA Requirements

Below is a general outline of ADA compliancy.

Typeface: Must be sans serif and not italic, script, or decorative.

Case: All uppercase letters for tactile (raised) characters.

Proportions: Character width must be between 55% and 110% of the height.

Character Height: Visual-only signs: Height depends on the viewing distance. Tactile characters: 5/8 inch to 2 inches.

Text: Must be raised at least 1/32 inch above the background. Must be accompanied by Braille directly below the text.

Braille must be Contracted (Grade 2) and positioned correctly under corresponding text.

Characters and background must contrast (light-on-dark or dark-on-light).

Finish must be non-glare for both background and characters.

These ADA rules apply primarily to permanent room signs, like:

Signs that are informational or directional (like arrows or schedules) must still meet visual-only requirements like:

Proper character size based on viewing distance

High contrast

Non-glare finish

Height: Baseline of the lowest tactile character must be 48 inches minimum, and the highest 60 inches maximum from the floor.

Location: Signs should be mounted on the latch side of the door.

There must be clear floor space at the sign’s location.

If there’s no wall space on the latch side, it should be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.