ADA & Braille Signs

Our ADA signs are custom made to the unique needs of your brand and facility while following ADA standards and guidelines, including size, materials, contrast, typography and more.

Styles

Accessible acrylic women’s restroom sign with tactile lettering and braille

Back Painted Acrylic

ADA sign with office number and gap to insert a nameplate

Built-in Nameplate Holder

Brushed aluminum accessible room signs with braille for various locations

Brushed Aluminium

ADA acrylic sign with braille mounted with four aluminum standoffs

With Standoffs

ADA sign with tactile text, braille, and a clear opening for an insert

Window Inserts

Wood Laminate

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Insights

Uses

ADA and Braille signs are designed to make spaces accessible and easy to navigate foreveryone, including people with visual impairments. You’ll typically see them in offices,schools, hospitals, hotels, and public buildings, marking permanent rooms and areaslike restrooms, exits, stairwells, and offices. These signs follow standards set by theAmericans with Disabilities Act, which specify things like character height, spacing,contrast, and the use of Grade 2 Braille. The goal is consistency, so users can rely onthe same layout and tactile features wherever they go.

Benefits

The main benefit of ADA and Braille signage is accessibility, but it also helpsbusinesses stay compliant with legal requirements. Clear, readable signs improvenavigation for all visitors, not just those who rely on tactile elements. High-contrast textand simple layouts make information easier to process at a glance, which can reduceconfusion in busy or unfamiliar environments. There’s also a trust factor. When a spaceis clearly marked and inclusive, it feels more welcoming and professionally managed.

Installation

Installation matters because these signs need to be placed where people expect to findthem. ADA guidelines usually require mounting on the wall adjacent to the latch side ofa door, at a consistent height range so they can be easily reached and read by touch.The surface should be smooth and free from obstructions, allowing someone toapproach the sign closely. Proper alignment and spacing are important, especially inhallways with multiple rooms, so the signage system stays predictable and easy tofollow.

Care

Caring for ADA and Braille signs is relatively low effort, but consistency is key. Regularcleaning with a non-abrasive cloth and mild cleaner helps keep both the visual text andraised characters clear. It’s also important to check that the tactile elements remainintact and readable over time, especially in high-traffic areas where signs may getbumped or worn. If a room’s purpose changes, the sign should be updated promptly toavoid confusion. With basic upkeep, ADA and Braille signs will continue to serve theirpurpose reliably for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ADA Sign?

Short for the Americans With Disabilities Act, the ADA 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 the visually impaired or blind.
In 2010, the United States Department of Justice released revisions to the original ADA Code, including design standards for ADA Signage. These specifications outline requirements for raised elements, braille, and non-glare finishes.

Who needs to comply with ADA signage requirements?

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.

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When does one need ADA signs vs. flat acrylic?

A sign that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments. These signs often include tactile lettering, braille, and pictograms, and have specific requirements for contrast, size, and placement.
ADA signage is required for identification signs on permanent rooms or spaces, including restrooms, elevators, stairwells, and exits. Accessible doors and doorways must be marked with ADA signage, as well as areas of refuge.
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.

How are ADA signs made?

ADA signs are custom designed to fit the 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 laser or CNC Router is then used to cut out the final shape of the sign (typically 6″ x 6″). Signs can be mounted with very high bond (VHB) tape or fastened with standoffs.

What material options are there?

Elmark Sign Company has made ADA signs from a variety of different materials, with the most common being acrylic, engraving plastic, and cast metal.

Do ADA signs come in custom colors?

Yes, Elmark Sign Company can produce ADA signs in almost any color scheme to match any preferences. The most common colors of braille beads are clear, white, black, grey, and stainless steel.

Can an ADA sign include a slider window?

Yes, Elmark Sign Company's clients frequently request a non-glare “window” in office and conference room signs to provide for the addition of non-permanent text such as names, titles, or room names. The paper insert can easily be reprinted and replaced in the future as offices change and/or staff are promoted.

Is there an ADA standard regarding installation?

ADA sign installation requires mounting signs with braille and tactile characters at a height between 48 and 60 inches from the floor, measured from the baseline of the characters. The signs should be located on the latch side of the door, and a clear floor space of 18 inches by 18 inches must be centered on the tactile characters.

How much do custom ADA signs cost?

For custom ADA signs, like those made by Elmark Sign Company, product costs range from $50-$100 per sign on average. Some of the more elaborate, and labor-intensive designs can range well over one hundred dollars each.

How long does it take to make ADA signage?

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.
Expedited processing may be available upon request.