Braille doesn’t have to be boring

ADA Signs are specific sign types, required by the United States Department of Justice to accommodate the visually impaired.

ADA is short for the Americans With Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. The law created, among other things, a set of standards for “public space” signage to accommodate for the visually impaired or blind.

In 2010, the United States Department of Justice released revisions to the original ADA Code and included design standards for ADA Signage. The standards outline requirements for raised elements, braille, and non glare finishes.

ADA signs are custom designed to fit your decor. CAD (Computer aided design) software is used to ensure compliance with the text height, spacing, and braille  requirements of the ADA.

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is used to create insertion points for the braille beads, and to cut out the raised elements. A CNC Router is then used to cut out the final shape of the sign (typically 6″ x 6″). Signs can be mounted with VHB (Very high bond) tape or fastened with standoffs.

A Business that provides “Goods and Services” to the public is considered a “Public Accommodation” and shall comply with the ADA. Specifically, US DOJ guidance lists the following categories for public accommodation, which must comply:

• • Retail stores
  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Service establishments
  • Theaters
  • Hotels
  • Recreational facilities
  • Private museums and schools
  • Doctor & Dentist offices
  • Shopping malls

The businesses listed above are required to comply with the ADA regardless of the size of the business, or age of the property.

• • ADA Room number signs should be placed at all permanent rooms
  • Restrooms 
  • Exits
  • Stairwells (Listing floor number, exit levels, and roof access)

No, not all signs need to meet the ADA requirements. Directories, logos, menus, and room occupant names are not required to comply with the raised element and braille requirements for ADA signage. Overhead hanging signs, similar to those seen in airports and hospitals also do not need to comply. 

For custom ADA signs, like those made by Elmark, you can expect to pay $40-$60/ea on average. Some of the more elaborate, and labor intensive designs can range be as high $90/ea.

Yes, absolutely. By selecting a standard color, you’ll not only save money but time as well. 

Yes! We can paint any sign to match your brand’s PMS color. Easy peazy lemon squeezy.

The size and complexity of the order will, in large part, determine the lead time. Expect an average of 1-2 weeks for standard color signs, and 2-3 weeks for painted signs.