ADA Braille Sign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About ADA Braille Signs, Tactile Signage & Accessibility Requirements

Understanding ADA braille sign requirements can be confusing. Which signs require braille? How high should an ADA sign be mounted? Do restroom signs need tactile lettering? Can ADA signs be any color? This FAQ section answers many of the most common questions about ADA compliant braille signs, tactile room identification signs, restroom signage, mounting requirements, sign colors, pictograms and accessibility standards.

The information below is intended as a general resource for building owners, contractors, architects, property managers, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, offices and others selecting accessible interior signage. Requirements can vary by location and application, so final compliance should always be confirmed with the appropriate local and/or state authority, building inspector, architect or code professional.

ADA Braille Sign Basics

1. What is an ADA braille sign?

An ADA braille sign is a sign designed to communicate identifying information to people who are blind, have low vision or have other visual or sight impairment disabilities. When tactile identification is required, ADA signs generally include raised tactile characters accompanied by contracted Grade 2 braille. They must also meet applicable ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) signage requirements for character design, size, proportion, spacing, finish, color contrast, braille, mounting height and placement.

2. What does ADA compliant mean for a braille sign?

ADA compliant signage is designed and installed according to applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. Section 703 addresses signage requirements. Depending on the type and purpose of the sign, requirements may differ but generally will address raised tactile characters, braille, character size and style, contrast, character spacing and proportion, non-glare finishes, pictograms, mounting height and sign location.

3. Does every ADA sign need braille?

No. Directional and instructional signs generally do not require braille. When braille is required so are raised tactile characters, particularly on signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces. Directional and informational signs still need to typically meet ADA visual character requirements but are not automatically required to include braille. The purpose of the sign determines which accessibility requirements apply.

4. What is a tactile sign?

A tactile sign contains characters that can be identified by touch. Under federal ADA standards, required raised characters project at least 1/32 inch above the sign background and are accompanied by braille when tactile identification is required. Tactile signage allows people who are blind or have low vision to identify permanent rooms and spaces independently.

5. Are ADA and braille signs the same thing?

Not exactly. ADA signage is a broad category that includes tactile signs, visual signs, directional signs, informational signs, accessibility symbols and other signage addressed by accessibility standards. Braille is one accessibility feature required on certain tactile signs. Therefore, many ADA signs contain braille, but not every sign covered by ADA requirements needs braille.

6. What is the difference between Grade1 and Grade 2 braille?

Braille is a tactile writing system of letters, numbers and characters using raised braille cells or raised dots allowing the blind or sight impaired to read. Invented by Louis Braille in 1824, this system is worldwide. Grade 1 Braille or sometimes called "uncontracted" braille, is where each letter of the alphabet is represented by its own unique variation of six dots. It is the most basic version of braille. Grade 2 braille, commonly called contracted braille or the "shorthand" version of Grade 1 braille, uses standardized contractions and shortened character combinations in addition to individual braille letters. The ADA Standards specify contracted Grade 2 braille for signs where braille is required.

Learn more: ADA Interior Sign Requirements

Which Signs Require Braille?

7. Which signs are required to have braille?

Signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces are among the primary signs required to be ADA compliant and therefore include raised tactile characters and braille. Common examples include restroom signs, room numbers, and room identification signs. Such signs might include signs for conference rooms, mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, exam rooms, janitor rooms, classrooms, hotel room numbers and other spaces whose room designation is permanent, and not expected to change frequently. ADA does not exempt ADA sign requirements based on building square footage, number of employees or occupants, or building function. ADA Sign Requirements are based on whether the space is open to the public or employees, whether the rooms and spaces are permanent and whether a business is covered under ADA Title III (as most are).

8. Do room number signs need braille?

Yes, when a room number sign identifies a permanent room or space it is subject to ADA signage requirements, and tactile characters with braille are generally required. This commonly applies to hotel rooms, apartment or unit identification where applicable, office room numbers, classrooms, exam rooms and other permanent numbered spaces. For hotel rooms, offices, condos, or other permanent rooms and numbered spaces see our ADA Room Number Signs Buying Guide.

Shop ADA Braille Room Number Signs ›

9. Do office signs need braille?

If a sign identifies a permanent space or room, tactile lettering and braille may be required. A permanent room designation such as OFFICE, BUSINESS OFFICE or OFFICE 204 is different from a changeable occupant name such as JOHN SMITH. The office will always be an office, but the occupant(s) may likely change. Therefore a person's name is not required to comply with ADA sign requirements. Occupant names are specifically treated differently under ADA signage provisions and are not automatically required to be tactile or have braille. A great way to identify and office is by using a window insert sign where a tactile room number designates the permanent aspect of the room with corresponding braille, and a window insert area accommodates a persons name.

10. Do conference room signs need braille and follow ADA rules?

Generally, yes when the sign identifies the permanent room or space. Conference rooms are specifically representative of the types of permanent room designations addressed by accessible signage requirements.

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11. Do restroom signs require braille?

Yes. A restroom is a permanent room or space, and will always remain a restroom. Therefore, a wall-mounted restroom identification sign is generally required following ADA sign regulations and should include compliant tactile characters and braille. Additional state requirements may also apply. California, for example, has separate requirements involving geometric restroom door signs (Circles and Triangles) in addition to accessible wall signage. In addition, ADA compliant restroom signs with international symbols such as a man or women symbol or pictogram, require the symbol to have a 6 inch field minimum. Characters and braille should not be located in this field.

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12. Do employee-only rooms require ADA braille signs?

Employee areas are not automatically excluded from ADA accessibility requirements. When a permanent interior room or space is identified by signage and falls within applicable ADA requirements, tactile identification may be required. Examples can include employee restrooms, break rooms, storage rooms and other permanently designated spaces.

13. Do mechanical, electrical and utility room signs need braille?

Permanent room designations such as MECHANICAL ROOM and ELECTRICAL ROOM are examples of common room identification signs that commonly require accessible tactile identification and need to be ADA compliant. Applicability can depend on the building and governing code, so project-specific requirements should be verified with the appropriate authority. Other related signs required to be ADA compliant with tactile text and braille include MAINTENANCE ROOM, ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT and SPRINKLER RISER ROOM signs.

14. Do directional signs need braille?

Not generally under the federal ADA Standards. Directional signs that tell people where to go typically follow visual character requirements rather than tactile and braille requirements. For example, a sign saying RESTROOM with an arrow may not require braille simply because the destination restroom itself requires a braille identification sign. It is sometimes common for directional signage that can be physically touched to have braille and tactile characters even though not required. This general practice shows "good intent" and provides additional assistance to the blind or sight impaired.

15. Do informational signs need braille?

Informational signs are generally subject to visual accessibility requirements rather than tactile braille requirements. Examples can include hours of operation, rules of conduct, occupant-load information and other information about interior spaces or facilities. Requirements depend on what the sign communicates rather than simply where the sign is located.

16. Do temporary signs need braille?

Federal ADA signage provisions include an exception for temporary signs used for seven days or less. Longer-term temporary or changeable signage should be evaluated based on its purpose, duration and applicable building requirements.

Braille, Tactile Lettering & ADA Sign Design

17. How tall must raised letters be on an ADA tactile sign?

Under the federal ADA Standards, raised characters are generally required to be at least 5/8 inch and no more than 2 inches high, measured using the uppercase letter “I.” These characters need to be all CAPS in an acceptable non-serif font. An exception permits smaller tactile characters when separate compliant visual characters displaying the same information are provided.

18. How far must tactile letters project from the sign?

Required raised tactile characters must project at least 1/32 inch above the sign background under the federal ADA Standards.

19. Do tactile letters have to be uppercase?

Yes. Characters intended to meet the ADA raised-character requirements are required to be uppercase. Visual-only characters are subject to different rules and may use uppercase, lowercase or a combination when otherwise compliant.

20. What fonts can be used on ADA braille signs and are there other text or character requirements?

Raised tactile characters must use sans-serif letterforms and cannot be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative or otherwise unusual in form. ADA standards also establish requirements for character proportions, stroke thickness and spacing. For example, characters shall be selected from fonts where the width of the upper case letter is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the upper case letter. Stroke thickness of the upper case letter "I" shall be 15% maximum of the height of the character.

21. Where does braille go on an ADA sign?

Braille is positioned below the corresponding tactile text. When the tactile message contains multiple lines, the braille is positioned below the complete text message. Federal standards also specify minimum separation between braille, tactile characters, raised borders and decorative elements.

22. How far below the tactile letters should braille be?

Under the ADA Standards, braille must be separated by at least 3/8 inch from other tactile characters and from raised borders or decorative elements, (1/2" spacing is common). Elevator car controls have a separate exception with different spacing provisions.

23. Can ADA signs be any color?

ADA regulations do not prescribe one specific sign color. Instead, characters and their background must contrast, using either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background. This allows considerable design flexibility while maintaining readability.

24. Do ADA signs have to be blue?

No. ADA compliant interior signs are not required to be blue. Many different background and character colors can be used as long as the sign satisfies applicable contrast, finish and other accessibility and ADA sign specification requirements. This makes it possible to coordinate accessible signage with a building's interior design and branding.

25. Do ADA signs need a non-glare finish?

Yes. Applicable ADA visual-sign requirements call for characters and backgrounds to have a non-glare finish. Reducing glare improves readability for people with low vision and is an important consideration when selecting sign materials and finishes.

26. Can an ADA braille sign have decorative elements?

Yes. ADA signs do not have to look institutional or utilitarian. Decorative backers, shapes, top or bottom accent pieces and coordinated colors can be incorporated into the overall sign design as long as the required tactile characters, braille, spacing, contrast, finish and other applicable accessibility requirements remain compliant. Often compatible and complimentary materials added to ADA braille signs include wood, metal, countertop laminates, and specialty acrylics.

27. Do pictograms on ADA signs have special requirements?

Yes. When a pictogram is used to designate a permanent room or space, federal ADA standards require a pictogram field at least 6 inches high. Required text descriptors are located below the pictogram field and must comply with applicable tactile, braille and mounting provisions. Pictograms and their fields must also meet finish and contrast requirements, and all raised text and braille must not fall within the 6 inch field.

ADA Sign Mounting & Placement

28. What height should an ADA braille sign be mounted?

For tactile signs covered by ADA Section 703.4, the baseline of the lowest tactile character must be at least 48 inches above the finished floor or ground, while the baseline of the highest tactile character can be no more than 60 inches above the finished floor or ground. The requirement applies to the tactile characters rather than simply measuring to the center or edge of the sign.

29. Which side of a door should an ADA braille sign be installed on?

At a typical single door, a tactile sign is generally installed on the wall alongside the latch side of the door. Different placement rules apply to double doors, doors without available latch-side wall space and certain other configurations.

30. Can an ADA braille sign be mounted directly on the door?

Tactile identification signs are generally located beside the door rather than on the moving door itself. Federal standards provide specific exceptions and rules for certain door configurations, including double doors and certain push-side installations. The installation location should always be evaluated before mounting the sign. California Title 24 requires geometric restroom door signs in addition to restroom wall signs.

31. Where does an ADA sign go when there is no wall space on the latch side?

When there is no available wall space at the required side of the door, federal standards allow the tactile sign to be located on the nearest adjacent wall. Door configuration and required clear floor space should also be considered when determining the final location.

For drawings and detailed placement information: View our ADA Sign Installation Guidelines

Restroom, Elevator & Specialty ADA Signs

32. Are California restroom sign requirements different from federal ADA requirements?

Yes. California has additional accessibility signage requirements under Title 24. Restrooms commonly require an accessible tactile and braille wall sign as well as a separate geometric restroom identification sign mounted on the door. Because California requirements can differ from federal standards, California projects should be reviewed specifically for Title 24 compliance. For more information related to restroom signs, see our ADA Restroom Signs Buying Guide.

Learn About California ADA & Title 24 Sign Requirements ›

33. Do elevator signs require braille?

Elevators have several specialized accessibility signage requirements based on ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and other code setting organizations. Depending on the location and function, required elevator signage can include tactile floor designations at hoist way entrances, raised characters and braille associated with controls, emergency communication information and other identification. Common elevator signage includes elevator cab braille buttons, elevator jamb plates, capacity plates and fire emergency signs. Elevator signage should be selected according to the specific application and applicable elevator and building codes.

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34. Do EXIT and stairwell signs require braille?

Certain exit doors are specifically required to be identified by tactile signage under the ADA Standards, including doors at exit passageways, exit discharge and exit stairways. Stairwell signage may also be governed by the International Building Code, International Fire Code, NFPA requirements as well as state and local codes. Requirements can therefore vary considerably depending on the building and stair enclosure. Therefore it is important to seek guidance and assistance from local and state authorities about specific stairwell and exit sign requirements.

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Ordering & ADA Sign Compliance Questions

35. Can ADA braille signs be customized to match a building's interior?

Yes. Accessible signage can offer considerable design flexibility. Sign shape, background colors, character colors, accent materials and overall architectural style can often be coordinated with the interior of an office, hotel, school, healthcare facility, apartment building or other commercial property while still meeting applicable ADA requirements. JustBrailleSigns offers multiple coordinated design series so room numbers, restroom signs, room identification signs, directional signs and other signage can share a consistent appearance and design motif throughout a facility. Each series features its own distinctive design characteristics across seven sign types with the ability to choose from many color options. Need help selecting color, logos or an architectural style see our Custom ADA & Braille Signs Buying Guide.

36. How do I know which ADA braille signs my building needs?

Start by identifying the permanent rooms and spaces within the facility, including restrooms, numbered rooms, offices, conference rooms, classrooms, utility rooms and other permanent destinations. Then identify directional, informational, elevator, stairwell, exit and specialty signage that may be required by the ADA, building code, fire code or state and local regulations. Because requirements vary by building type, jurisdiction and application, final sign schedules should be confirmed with the project's architect, code professional, building official or other authority having jurisdiction. Representative at JustBrailleSigns.com are also happy to provide assistance.