2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: LayoutTactile Signs have been used consistently since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the early 1990’s. Advocates for the blind and low vision population have learned a great deal about what makes tactile signs legible. Guidelines have changed with regard to layout and sign placement and your next construction or renovation should take these changes into account. New construction or alterations on or after March 15th, 2012 will need to comply with these new standards.

Typestyles for Tactile and Visual Signs

Tactile signs have new guidelines requiring the use of block style characters with thin strokes and more space between each character. Research has shown these types of characters are easiest for those with vision impairments to read by touch. The most effective sign systems will take advantage of the new provision to separate the tactile from the visual message. The ‘visual text’ portion of the sign can use upper and lower case versions of most serif and sans serif typefaces commonly used in architectural signage.

Letter Height for Tactile Signs

The letter height for tactile signs is specified as no less than .625” and no greater than 2”. When separate visual characters with duplicate information are provided, the tactile characters can be as small as .5”.

Letter Height for Visual Signs

Visual signs must have a minimum character height of 2” provided you are able to approach within 15 feet of the sign.

Kerning Guidelines

ADA guidelines specify wide kerning with no less than 1/8” between the closest two points of adjacent tactile characters.

Rebecca WilliamsExecutive Assistant

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Tactile text

Visual text

ADA RegulationsResources & Support Files

When separate visual characters with duplicate

information are provided, the tactile characters can

be smaller than the regulation size (.5” minimum).

12’

2” letter height

Mounting Height

Signs are to be mounted so the baseline of the highest tactile portion is between 48 and 60 inches above the finished floor. This lowering of the sign placement is in concert with the other changes to accomodate those with short reaching distances such as people in wheelchairs. Signs may now be mounted on doors with closers that remain closed when the door is not in use.

Mounting Distance From the Door Frame

Signs containing tactile characters should be located so that a clear floor space of 18” minimum by 18” minimum, centered on the sign*, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.

*changed from “tactile characters” to “sign” - This change is approved as meeting the intent of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design per Sharon Toji (ADA Consultant at Access Communications and H Toji and Co)

ADA RegulationsResources & Support Files

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: MountingTactile Signs have been used consistently since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the early 1990’s. Advocates for the blind and low vision population have learned a great deal about what makes tactile signs legible. Guidelines have changed with regard to layout and sign placement and your next construction or renovation should take these changes into account. New construction or alterations on or after March 15th, 2012 will need to comply with these new standards.

60”

48”

18” Minimum

18” MinimumClearSpace

45º

Mounting Height: On the wall, 60” above floor level to the top of the signMounting Distance From the Door Frame: 9” to the center of the sign. The measurement from the door frame to the edge of the sign will vary depending on the width of the sign

ADA RegulationsResources & Support Files

ASG Standard ADA Mounting Guidelines

9”

18”

60”

6”

8”5”

9”

18”

60”

8”

6”6”

Location of Permanent Room ID SignsA. Permanent room signs are to be located at doorways.

This gives the visually impaired a location cue. The safety of the tactile reader is paramount. Signs mount on the strike side of the door most often, but there are exceptions. If there is no room for the sign on the strike side of the door, then it can be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs can mount to the door itself if: * The sign is mounted on the push side of the door (it swings inward). * The door automatically closes. * The door has no hold open devices. Examples include restrooms, hotel rooms & fire exits.

B. What if there are double doors?

If only one door opens, the sign should mount to inactive door. If both doors open, then the sign will mount to the right of the right hand door. If there is no room for the sign on the right side of the door, then it can be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.

C. What if the door opens outward?

To protect the tactile reader from an outward swinging door, the sign needs to be mounted outside of the arc of the door swing.