|
Rules for Tactile Signs
Raised letters and numbers are provided on signs so that people who cannot read Braille, but who do have a clear image of the shapes of letters and numbers, can identify rooms. Only the identifying words or numbers need to be tactile. For instance, a dental office might have the number one hundred twenty and also have other information, such as the name of the dentist and the hours of operation. Only the number would need to be tactile.
|
The raised characters should be raised at least one thirty-second inch from the surface. They should be very simple in shape so they are easy to read by touch and all letters must be uppercase, or capital letters. The size must range from five eighths to two inches high.
|
For those who use their vision, the characters must not be shiny or reflective, and the background of the sign behind the text must also be non-glare. The characters must have a high contrast to the background, light on dark or dark on light. Although no specific value is mandated, one suggestion is a minimum contrast of 70 percent.
|
In the original set of ADA rules, the only requirement for the Braille translation was that it must be contracted (Grade 2) Braille. Because there were no other specifications for sign makers to follow, this resulted in Braille on signs which was sometimes very difficult to read and often located at awkward places on the sign in relationship to the raised characters. Now, the 2010 ADA rules are much more specific. The bralle dots and cells must be spaced a specific distance apart. They must be domed or rounded. They must be placed below the raised characters, either centered or flush left with the characters, and they must be separated by least 3/8 inch from the characters. They should not use capital letters for every word and letter. The complete set of rules are posted on the Access Board website, and can be received from the government in alternate formats.
|
Tactile signs must be mounted beside the door they identify. If possible, they should be mounted on the latch, or strike side of the door, so they will not be hidden if the door is open. The sign is to be mounted so that the highest raised characters are no more than sixty inches from the floor, or about average eye level, and the lowest line cannot be below 48 inches. The signs should be located so that you won't get hit by the door opening suddenly if you are standing very close to read the sign.
There is a new kind of sign allowed. One sign can have two different sections,or there can be two signs, one for people who read visually, which must have high contrast, and be non-glare, and have large, easy to read text. Upper and lower case can be used. The other sign section or sign has nothing but easy to read raised uppercase characters and braille. Everything can be the same color, and the glare does not matter, because it is just for touch readers.
Go to visual sign rules
|
Return to sign page |
|
|
