ADA

Symbols of Accessibility

International Symbol of Accessibility

Facilities and elements required to be identified as accessible shall use the international symbol of accessibility.

Text Telephones

Text telephones required shall be identified by the international TDD symbol. In addition, if a facility has a public text telephone, directional signage indicating the location of the nearest text telephone shall be placed adjacent to all banks of telephones that do not contain a text telephone. Such directional signage shall include the international TDD symbol.

If a facility has no banks of telephones, the directional signage shall be provided at the entrance (e.g., in a building directory).

Assistive Listening Systems

In assembly areas where permanently installed assistive listening systems are required, the availability of such systems shall be identified with signage that includes the international symbol of access for hearing impaired.

Volume Control Telephones

Telephones required to have volume control shall be identified by a sign containing a depiction of a telephone handset radiating sound waves.

Permanent Signs

Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces whose function will not change must comply with the highest standards, including tactile and Braille lettering. System 2/90's modular system allows for the application of ADA guidelines to the permanent aspect of these signs while providing interchangeability for the temporary aspects(see "210" sign below).

Temporary Signs

Building directories, menus and all other signs which provide temporary information about rooms and spaces, such as the current occupant's name, are not required to comply with ADA guidelines.

Overhead Signs

Signs which are projected or suspended overhead must meet requirements for clearance, character proportion and height, sign finish and contrast.

Directional and Information Signs

Wall mounted signs that provide direction to or information about functional spaces are not required to have tactile and Braille lettering. However, they must meet requirements for character proportion and height, sign finish and contrast.

Exterior Signage

If all of the entrances to the building are not accessible, then inaccessible entrances should be so labeled with directions to the nearest accessible entrance and the accessible entrances should be designated with the international symbol.

Parking Spaces

Accessible parking spaces shall be designated as reserved by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility. Such signs shall be located so that they cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.

Mounting Location

The sign shall be installed on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including at double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Mounting location shall be so that a person may approach within 3" of signage without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of a door.