The Importance of ADA Compliance in Interior Signage

Have you ever considered how something as simple as a sign can affect someone’s ability to experience the world? The truth is, most businesses don’t ask themselves these questions until it’s too late. 

Imagine a potential customer saying, “I don’t know what your business is about, I can’t see your logo!” For individuals with disabilities, these seemingly minor details can make it difficult—if not impossible—to make them customers. 

In fact, non-compliance with accessibility standards can cost your business hundreds of thousands in fines. For example, did you know that something as simple as mounting your interior signage below the recommended height could result in a $75,000 fine? 

In this blog, we’ll explore what ADA-compliant signage is, the four key steps to ensure your interior signage meets these standards, and how Metro Sign can help your business avoid costly mistakes while improving accessibility for all.

What Is an ADA-Compliant Signage?

According to the ADA National Network, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that everyone has the same rights and opportunities in every aspect of their lives. This includes equal access to private places of public accommodation, requiring businesses to take the necessary steps to communicate with customers who have vision, hearing, or speech impairments.

In short, your business’s interior design must ensure that everyone can navigate commercial spaces with ease, providing equal access to your brand information. To achieve this, you should:

• Use tactile letters and braille for readability.
• Apply high-contrast colors and non-glare finishes for visibility.
• Have the correct signage height and placement for accessibility.

Failing to comply leads to serious consequences, including:

• Civil penalties up to $75,000 for a first-time violation and up to $150,000 for subsequent violations. 
• Frustrated customers—over 70 million Americans live with some form of disability. If your interior signage is not ADA-compliant, your business could be losing 1 in 4 potential customers who may choose a competitor with ADA-compliant signage instead. 
• Lost revenue opportunities as the disability community represents over $490 billion in annual disposable income. 

Having a compliant ADA interior design not only reflects your commitment to inclusivity but also improves your reputation. Customers notice when businesses prioritize accessibility, and they reward that effort with loyalty and positive word-of-mouth opinions.

4 Easy Steps to Ensure ADA Compliance in Your Business Interior Signage

1. Audit Your Current Signage

Check out the following elements in your interior signage to identify any major compliance gaps: 

• Ensure all required signs include Grade 2 Braille, which is the standard for ADA compliance.
• Look out for the position of directional and informational signs along pathways.  
• Avoid using light colors on light backgrounds or dark-on-dark themes that make text difficult to look at. 
• Symbols such as the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) must be included where necessary, such as restrooms, exits, and parking. 
• Ensure your hallway, lobby, and entrance signs provide clear guidance to any key areas your commercial building may have. 

2. Focus on Improving These Key 4 Features 

• Tactile lettering & braille: Raised characters and braille removes barriers for visually impaired individuals to navigate through spaces like offices, hotels, hospitals, and retail stores. ADA guidelines require these characters to be at least 1/32 inch (0.8mm) raised and in an easy-to-read, sans-serif font.
• High-contrast colors: Contrast plays a critical role in readability for about 12 million Americans with vision impairment. ADA regulations recommend a 70% contrast ratio between text and background for better readability.
• Non-glare finishes: ADA interior designs must have matte, eggshell, or other non-glare coatings to reduce reflections and improve visibility for low-vision individuals.
• Proper placement: ADA guidelines require room identification signs to be mounted 48 to 60 inches from the floor so they are clearly visible to everyone.

3. Stay Up-to-Date

According to Acquia, 3 out of 4 customers with disabilities say they would switch to a competitor if they encountered accessibility barriers. Remember to stay up to date with any changes in ADA guidelines, as outdated signage can quickly become non-compliant. Regularly update your signs as needed, and provide ongoing staff training to ensure accessibility.  

4. Partner with Experts—How MSA Can Help You Be ADA-Compliant 

We get it, having to constantly be on the look for regulations updates and ensure every aspect of your interior signage is ADA-compliant can be too much. That’s why working with professionals can save you time, reduce stress, and prevent costly fees down the line. 

Our design and engineering team will ensure every sign meets ADA regulations without sacrificing aesthetics. We handle compliance, so you don’t have to. With us, you’ll always have a design that is effective, attractive, and meets all zoning requirements,

Using premium materials and precision manufacturing, we build signs to last. Our weather-resistant and wear-resistant finishes ensure your signage remains compliant and professional-looking for years. 

Finally, our expert installation team guarantees the correct height for every sign, with the right contrast and tactile elements. With us, ADA-compliant interior designs are assured from the start, serving you promptly and professionally.

Ready to Take the Next Steps for An ADA-Compliant Interior Signage?

Don’t let ADA compliance become a challenge, let us handle it for you. Get signage that meets regulations while improving your commercial building and customer experience. Schedule a consultation today.