ADA SIGNAGE
Best Sign Systems, Inc. BEST's exclusive Graphic Blast® engraving process can carve nearly any black and white artwork and copy into most man-made materials (melamine plastics, Corian®, tile, stone panel, brick, Avonite®, glass, mirror, and fiberglass to name just a few), stone, and wood. Raised copy and braille is not available on metals. The process is ideal for tactile and braille signs requiring raised images. BEST has been manufacturing tactile and braille signage using the Graphic Blast® process since 1978, long before ADA became a reality. The Graphic Blast® process can be used to both engrave and raise lettering and braille on the same sign. It allows virtually unlimited graphics and text flexibility. For standard ADA signage, BEST recommends melamine plastics (“MP” plastic). The legibility, longevity, durability, and overall quality of melamine laminates are far superior to acrylics and photopolymers. Melamine plastics meet virtually all municipal, state and federal fire safety and building codes and are NEMA rated “self-extinguishing”. BEST “MP” plastic is available in 23 colors. BEST ADA sign choices - To learn more about each choice, go to profile titled: HC300 ADA System
Corner/border styles for ADA systems To specify optional corner/border styles, add style letters as suffix to module number: SS = Square corner/Square border
Photo Caption On our “MP” Plastic and most other materials, the braille dots are available in either our standard braille or in “domed” braille. Summary of ADA signage accessibility requirements Types of signs mentioned in the regulations are: “Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces” “Signs which are temporary” “Signs which provide direction to, or information about, functional spaces”
“Suspended or projected overhead” Other Regulations Referencing Signage: Elements and spaces of accessible facilities which must be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility are: a) parking spaces designated as reserved for
disabled,
Entrances and exits which are not accessible must have complying directional signage which indicates the location of the nearest accessible entrance or exit. Public telephones which are required to be accessible must have signage complying with applicable provisions, including identification with the international TDD symbol and/or international symbol for hearing loss. Each area of rescue assistance must be identified by a sign which states “AREA OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE” and displays the international symbol of accessibility. The sign must be illuminated only when exit sign illumination is required. Signage must also be installed at all inaccessible exits and where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the direction to areas of rescue assistance. Instructions on the use of the area must be posted. Parking and passenger loading zones - Accessible parking spaces must be designated by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility. Spaces complying with van accessibility must have additional “Van-Accessible” information mounted near the symbol of accessibility. The sign cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space, and, therefore should be high enough to be seen over a van. “Signs designating parking places for disabled can be seen from a driver's seat if the signs are mounted high enough above the ground and located at the front of a parking space.” Tactile characters and grade 2 braille are not required for these signs. Elevator entrances must have raised character and Braille floor designations provided on both jambs. The characters must be 2" high upper case and raised 1/32". All elevator control buttons must be designated by Braille and by raised standard alphabet characters for letters, arabic characters for numerals, or standard symbols as shown in the regulations and ASME A17.1-1990. Grade 2 Braille: Grade 2 (contracted) braille is specified in the signage section. Federal
regulators agree that the dot dimensions are approximate and should be close
to those approved by various blind associations. Dot height can be from .020"
(per blind foundation specs) to 1/32", the ADA required character height.
Grade 2 braille translator software is available from several sources. Regulation Recap: Temporary signs are not required to follow any regulation. Permanent room signs: Must have characters raised 1/32" Directional or informational signs: Characters must have a width-to-height ratio of between 3:5 and 1:1
Mixed permanent and informational signs: Permanent portion must meet permanent regulations; informational portion need meet only informational signage regulations, i.e., classroom sign with permanent room name and teacher's name on a changeable insert. Suspended or projected overhead signs: Characters must have a width-to-height ratio of between 3:5 and 1:1
Note: The above information is a brief summary of a complex law and set of regulations and interpretations and is provided as a courtesy to the customers of BEST. Additional detailed information should be obtained from the law and regulations. BEST assumes no liability, either expressed or implied, for errors, omissions or any damages resulting from the use and/or interpretation of this material. Visit the Best Sign Systems, Inc. WEB site.
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