Here are few new tips regarding updated ADA resources and interesting questions that have arisen as we continue to learn more about the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design:

ADA Guidelines Website

The United States Access Board has improved its ADA Guidelines website to be more intuitive and user-friendly: Click here for the ADA standards website.

Click here to view Chapter 2, Section 216 of the ADA Standards for signage scoping requirements.

Click here to view Chapter 7, Section 703 for the specific ADA guidelines pertaining to signage.

Instructional Text on ATMs

Some jobs have included a requirement to apply instructional text on ATMs, specifically instructions on how to access audio information. So, what are the text and Braille requirements for this type of application?

Section 707 of the ADA addresses guidelines for ATMs, specifically 707.8, which states that Braille instructions for initiating the speech mode shall be provided. Braille shall comply with 703.3. So, the same Braille guidelines that apply to Room ID signs would apply here. The interesting thing is that although accompanying instruction text is required, there are no specific ADA guidelines that govern the text itself in terms of size, raised characters, etc. So, the text portion of the instructions are required but designed from more of a practical, common sense, and legibility standpoint.

Parking Signs

On the topic of accompanying text on special types of signs, what about the text that may accompany the ISA pictogram on parking signs? In section 502.6, the ADA states that “Parking space identification signs shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.  Signs identifying van parking spaces shall contain the designation “van accessible.” Signs shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground surface measured to the bottom of the sign.” The ADA does not provide any instructions regarding the accompanying text, although if used then the text should be designed at least with practical and legibility considerations. Also note that your local code may have more stringent requirements on elements like parking sign height and text.

Andy Levine
Director of Corporate Education