Some signs stand out because of their use of visual pictograms and symbols (e.g., restroom, stairs, and exit).
According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, pictorial symbols have to accompany specific wayfinding messages. However, the world of pictograms and symbols is many times confusing, especially as far as the Standards are concerned. Everyone knows what these visual icons look like, but they might not be as familiar with what they mean. In the following blog, our team at intersign.com hopes to explain these differences and how they relate to your building.
With tactile and visual requirements, different rules apply for each category. The sign’s purpose will lay out which standards apply. Does the sign identify an individual permanent room or space (including exits)? If so, tactile rules apply, but if not, visual rules apply.
If the sign is for a permanent room or space, symbols have to go before ADA-compliant raised characters and braille. Section 703.6.3 of the Standards references sections 703.2, 703.3, and 703.4, which detail the different elements of tactile accessibility signs. According to the pictogram rules, these signs begin with a relevant pictorial image (e.g., bathroom, food service, etc.), placed within a six-inch field, and duplicate the image’s meaning in raised text and braille.
The field is six inches, but the pictorial image doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are no specific sizing requirements in the Standards or for raised pictograms, though the latter are permitted. According to the Standards, raised elements should be placed below the pictogram field, and verbally duplicates the meaning of the image.
If you’re only making a sign concerning the use of a facility, particularly accessibility signage, the only issue you need to pay attention to is color contrast. Contrast is important with all accessibility signage, but with visual signs, no other rules apply., including the need for raised text or braille.
The key to understanding the scope of ADA symbols, is understanding the purpose of the Standards as a whole. Since the ADA promotes a standardized means of communication, it only outlines rules for universal accessibility symbols. If it doesn’t involve accessibility, then the ADA is irrelevant. Technicalities do matter in regards to compliance, however, and pictograms have to meet all tactile rules, while symbols must meet all visual rules. All symbols relating to facility usage need sufficient color contrast, and the ADA requires equivalent facilitation for accessibility symbols. This means that any alternate solutions should lead to substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.
With Intersign.com, rest assured that all the interior signs for your church/religious house of worship, school/university, business, or apartment complex adheres to the most current ADA Standards for Accessible Design. When you choose a sign color and sign type, our software automatically reveals only contrasting graphic colors. Our website also auto-generates the correct braille on tactile signs, giving you an automatic preview of the sign prototype.
All of our signs is covered by unparalleled guarantees, including Life of the Building and ADA Compliance. If you have any questions about visual and tactile signage/standards, please contact us at 800.322.8426 or contactus@intersign.com. We’re eager to hear from you.