How to Design Accessible Signage

Ensuring that a building is designed with handicap accessibility in mind ensures that everyone that uses the building will be able to have their needs met. Offering handicap accessible entryways and facilities is important, but without the right signage, those that need the access may still have a difficult time locating the accessible areas. Signs need to be hung up to direct those seeking handicapped accessible areas, and they should be designed in such a way that they can easily be read.

Instructions

• 1

  Place the sign in an area where it can be easily seen, even at a distance. If your sign is difficult to locate, the individuals seeking the area the signs are pointing to may not be able to find the sign either.

• 2

  Avoid having any kind of clear object, such as glass or clear plastic, in front of the sign. Adding extra objects increases the likelihood of light hitting it, causing a glare.

• 3

  Use the universal logo for accessibility, as opposed to words, because it can be understood by people of all languages. The logo is an individual in a wheel chair, facing to the right.

• 4

  Use contrasting colors for the background, images and words on the sign. Contrast makes the sign easier to read.

• 5

  Couple the sign with other indicators to show specific areas of accessibility. For example, a sign with the universal logo for accessibility and a telephone or the universal logo of accessibility and a male or female restroom symbol would allow a visitor to know that an accessible phone or accessible bathroom is nearby.