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Est.2015

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ADA Information

The basics of ADA signage: which signs need braille, where they go on the wall, and how we make sure yours pass inspection.

Parts of an ADA room sign: pictogram field, raised text, braille below the text RESTROOM 6" MIN Pictogram fieldat least 6" tall, textdescription below Raised characters1/32" raised, uppercase,sans serif, 5/8"–2" tall Grade 2 brailledirectly below the text NON-GLARE FINISH · HIGH CONTRAST
AParts of a room sign
Wall elevation: tactile characters between 48 inches and 60 inches above the floor, beside the latch side of the door TACTILE TEXT ZONE 48"–60" DOOR latch 48" minfloor to the baselineof the lowest text 60" maxto the highest text
BMounting height
Plan view: sign on the latch side of the door with an 18 by 18 inch clear floor space outside the door swing door swing latch side Sign 18" × 18" clear floor space,centered on the text,outside the door swing
CWhere the sign goes

Which signs need to be ADA compliant?

Signs that identify a permanent room or space need tactile characters and braille. That includes restrooms, room names and numbers, exit doors, and floor-level signs in stairwells.

Signs that give directions or information, like directional arrows or building directories, don’t need braille, but their text still has to meet visual requirements for size, contrast and finish.

The main requirements

These come from the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, section 703.

  • Raised characters: at least 1/32” raised, uppercase, in a simple sans-serif font, between 5/8” and 2” tall.
  • Braille: Grade 2 braille, placed directly below the text.
  • Finish and contrast: a non-glare finish, with characters that contrast strongly with the background.
  • Pictograms: symbols like the restroom figures need a 6” tall field, with the text description directly below.

Where the sign goes

  • Height: the baseline of the lowest tactile character at least 48” above the floor, and the highest no more than 60”.
  • Location: on the wall on the latch side of the door. For double doors with one active leaf, on the inactive leaf; with two active leaves, to the right of the right-hand door.
  • Clear floor space: an 18” × 18” clear space centered on the tactile characters, outside the door’s swing.

How we help

We know these requirements well and build them into every ADA sign we make, from the braille spacing to the mounting height on the install drawing. Send us your floor plan or room list and we’ll put together a sign schedule for your building.

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Florida projects follow the Florida Building Code, Accessibility, and local inspectors may have added requirements, so check with your architect or building official for your project.