Some signs stand out the most 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 need to accompany certain wayfinding messages. Pictograms and symbols can be confusing though, especially with how these Standards are currently outlined. We all know what these visual icons look like, but their actual function may not be as well-known. The following article from our team at HealthcareSigns.com will help to explain these differences and how they relates to your senior living, medical, and dental healthcare facilities.
Just like with all areas of tactile and visual requirements, different rules apply for each category. The sign’s purpose is what dictates which standards apply. Is the sign used to identify an individual permanent room or space (including exits)? If so, tactile rules apply. If not, visual rules apply.
When referencing a permanent room or space, the 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 point out the substantive, corresponding elements of tactile accessibility signs. According to the rules for pictogram, begin with a relevant pictorial image (e.g., bathroom, food service, etc.), placed within a 6″ field, and duplicate the meaning of the image in both raised text and braille.
Although the field has to be 6″, the pictorial image doesn’t. In fact, there are no specific sizing requirements in the Standards, and while raised pictograms are permitted, they aren’t required. According to the Standards, raised elements are required to be placed below the pictogram field, and they have to verbally duplicate the meaning of the image.
If the sign only deals with the use of a facility, particularly if its accessibility signage, then the only issue you need to worry about is color contrast. Contrast is vital to all accessibility signage, but when it comes to visual signs, no other rules apply, including anything involving raised text or braille is required.
The key to understanding the scope of ADA symbols is understanding the purpose of the Standards in their entirety. Since the ADA promotes standardized means of communication, it only outlines rules for those universal accessibility symbols. If it’s unrelated to accessibility, then the ADA does not apply. Still, technicalities do matter in regards to compliance. Pictograms have to meet all tactile rules, and symbols have to meet all visual rules. All symbols relating to the use of a facility need sufficient color contrast, with the ADA requiring equivalent facilitation for accessibility symbols. This means that any alternative solutions have to invoke substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.
With HealthcareSigns.com, you can rest assured that all of our hotel interior signs adhere to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. When you choose a sign color and sign type, our proprietary software automatically filters to show only contrasting graphic colors. Our website also auto-generates the correct braille on tactile signs, giving you an automatic preview of the sign prototype.
Each of these signs is backed by unparalleled guarantees, including Life of the Building and ADA Compliance. If you want to know anything else about visual and tactile signage/standards, please contact us at 877.714.6588 or hsi@healthcaresigns.com. We’re eager to hear from you.