Managing ADA accessibility is important to consider not only when implementing a standard architectural signage solution, but it is also important to consider for digital signage solutions as well. Thanks to technological advances, there are numerous assistive technologies available on the market today that facilitate ADA-compliant digital signage solutions.

 QR Codes: More Than a Marketing Tool

QR codes are specially designed barcodes that can encode a great deal more information than regular bar codes, including textual information that could conceivably be converted to audio. Visually impaired people could use hand-held devices and smart phones to scan a QR code displayed on a digital sign. Earlier in the year, we featured an application that allows Spanish as first language people to scan and translate English language signs. Either technology could deliver auditory information to help the visually impaired with wayfinding and orientation at a given facility.

Voice-Responsive Technology and IR Sensors

For people who are blind or visually impaired, voice-responsive technology can be integrated into a digital signage solution. Because ADA guidelines mandate that raised character information has to be displayed at a certain height, it is easy to place a simple push button that would activate a voice-response system. In addition, infrared sensors can be mounted nearby the digital signage display and integrated into a voice-response technology. People approaching the digital display would activate the voice-response system simply by approaching the display and breaking the IR stream. The voice-response system would function in the same manner as an interactive touch screen digital sign for sighted people. The voice-responsive enabled digital signage would be able to give blind or visually impaired people auditory cues regarding how to find their way to destinations based on simple “yes/no” answers to automated questions.