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What are ADA signs used for?

ADA signs are designed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility in public and private spaces. They are commonly used for wayfinding, room identification, restrooms, exits, and safety signage.

What’s the difference between tactile and non-tactile ADA signs?
Tactile ADA signs include raised characters and Braille, designed for permanent room identification (e.g., restrooms, exits). Non-tactile ADA signs, like directional signs, only require visual contrast and non-glare finishes.

Are ADA signs required in Canada?
Not exactly. Canada doesn’t follow the ADA. Instead, accessibility signage must comply with the CSA B651-18 Accessible Design for the Built Environment standard, along with provincial accessibility legislation such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Here are the similarities of ADA and Canadian Accessibility

  1. Tactile Characters
    • Both require raised text/letters (minimum height and depth) for touch readability.
  2. Braille
    • Both require Braille under tactile text for permanent room/space identification signs.
    • Placement of Braille (directly below text) is consistent.
  3. Character Style
    • Sans serif, simple, easy-to-read fonts.
    • No italic, script, or decorative fonts allowed.
  4. Contrast
    • High contrast between characters/symbols and background (light on dark or dark on light).
  5. Finish
    • Non-glare, matte finish required to reduce reflections and improve readability.
  6. Pictograms
    • If used, pictograms must be accompanied by tactile text descriptors.
  7. Mounting Height & Location
    • Signs must be installed at accessible heights for both standing and wheelchair users.
    • Typically on the latch side of the door, consistent in both systems.
  8. Permanent Room Identification
    • Both standards apply to signs identifying permanent spaces (restrooms, exits, stairways, etc.).
  9. Accessibility Symbols
    • The International Symbol of Accessibility (wheelchair symbol) is recognized in both.