ADA signage does more than meet federal requirements. Businesses that prioritize accessibility see up to 28% higher annual revenue, double the net income, and 30% higher profit margins than those that don’t. Inclusive spaces invite more people in, build trust faster, and keep customers coming back. When your signage works for everyone, your business works better.
But compliance is just the beginning. Smart signage enhances your brand experience, signals professionalism, and builds public trust. When done right, it tells your customers: We thought about you.
That’s where ViewPoint Sign & Awning comes in. Our approach turns accessibility into an asset and regulations into opportunities for good design. In this blog, we’ll explore our unique approach to ADA signage and how to build something that lasts and welcomes everyone in.
What Is ADA Signage?
ADA signage refers to any sign that helps individuals with disabilities navigate a particular space. These signs are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on ability and mandates accessibility in public and commercial spaces.
That means ADA signage is designed to promote dignity, inclusion, and create a space that works for everyone who walks through the door.
What are the ADA requirements for signs? What every business needs to know.
Failing to follow these rules isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business risk. According to the U.S. Access Board, more than 60% of ADA violations cited during inspections involve improper signage.
And that’s not just a fine, it can lead to delays, re-fabrication costs, and even lawsuits.
With ADA codes updated regularly, playing guesswork with your signage puts your business at risk. At ViewPoint, we take the guesswork out of the process by making sure every sign you install meets both compliance and craftsmanship standards—right from the start.
Pro tip: ViewPoint solves this upfront. We audit your space, determine what signage needs to be ADA-compliant, and build designs that meet federal law and your visual identity.
Not every sign in your business needs to be ADA-compliant. But certain “permanent rooms and spaces” must have ADA signage. These typically include:
- Restrooms
- Stairwells and elevators
- Exits and emergency egress routes
- Room numbers and office names
- Directional and wayfinding signage
ADA Braille Signage Requirements: When, How, and Why
Only specific types of signage require tactile and Braille elements, but not all signs fall under ADA signage requirements. So how do you tell the difference?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Exempt from ADA Braille signage requirements:
- Temporary signs (posted for 7 days or less)
- Building addresses or directories
- Occupant names, company names, and logos
- Menu boards
- Seat or row designations in theaters or stadiums
- Signs in non-public areas of detention/correctional facilities.
These types of signs can still be branded and functional, but they don’t require tactile lettering or Braille to be legal.
When Braille is required, signs must follow federal guidelines for:
If your signage identifies a permanent room, space, or function—like restrooms, meeting rooms, storage areas, stairwells, or exits—it must include tactile lettering and Braille. And not just any Braille: the ADA requires specific formatting for clarity and consistency.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- Font size and style: Characters must be between 5/8 inch and 2 inches tall, in a simple sans serif typeface. No italics, no scripts, no decorative fonts.
- Contrast: Text and background must clearly contrast—light on dark, or dark on light—for easy visibility.
- Braille placement: Grade 2 Braille must be placed directly below the corresponding text, not off to the side or at a separate location.
- Mounting height: Signs must be installed so the tactile characters are located between 48 and 60 inches from the floor, within easy reach.
- Finish: The surface should have a non-glare, matte finish to ensure readability under different lighting conditions.
Pro Tip: At ViewPoint, we design signs that do double duty. Our team combines ADA-compliant Braille and tactile signage with premium materials, precision fabrication, and design that actually reflects your brand. Because accessible signs should feel like part of your identity, not an afterthought.
Thinking About the DIY Route? Here’s What You Need to Know
Going the DIY route—or hiring a budget vendor—might save a few dollars upfront, but it often costs more in the long run. From incorrect Braille spacing to noncompliant mounting heights, small mistakes can lead to failed inspections, project delays, and expensive rework.
In fact, according to Accessibility Checker, businesses can face fines of up to $75,000 for a single ADA violation, with subsequent violations reaching $150,000.
Pro tip: Our team catches common issues before they happen and ensures your signage is fully compliant the moment we step on-site. We know how ADA codes apply in real-world spaces, whether it’s a hospital, hotel, or retail location, and how poor signage can hurt your brand’s reputation and open you up to liability.
Why Accessible Design Means Better Business
Think accessibility is just about legal checkboxes? Think again. Inclusive design boosts customer satisfaction, widens your reach, and strengthens how people see your brand. According to a study by the National Organization on Disability, nearly two-thirds of customers with disabilities say they would frequent a business more often if it were more accessible.
Now imagine how many new customers your signage could be welcoming—just by making it easier for everyone to find their way in.
At ViewPoint Sign & Awning, we don’t stop at bare-minimum ADA signage. We build signage systems that merge form with function—accessible, attractive, and perfectly aligned with your brand. Because when your signs work for everyone, your business does too.
Designed for People. Built to Last
We integrate accessibility into your brand’s visual language, aligning each sign with your interior design, architectural details, and customer experience, because accessibility should never look like an afterthought..
That’s why businesses trust ViewPoint Sign & Awning for:
- Expert Permitting Support: We manage paperwork, presentations, and local compliance logistics so you don’t have to.
- Flawless Execution: We deliver on time, on budget, and with no surprises.
- Strategic Design: We offer solutions that meet code and elevate your brand.
- End-to-End Service: From concept to installation, we handle every step.
Before the pen hits the paper, our team researches local regulations and navigates town-specific codes to ensure approval. We’ve plenty of experience working with historical commissions, zoning boards, and building departments across New England, so we know how to avoid red tape before it slows your project down.
Plus, we use premium materials and durable finishes that stand the test of time, while still meeting ADA signage standards for contrast, tactile lettering, Braille placement, and typography.
What to Expect When You Work With ViewPoint
We start with a conversation. Our team listens to your goals, reviews your space, and translates complex ADA regulations into clear design decisions. From there, we run thorough code checks, develop compliant concepts, and present signage solutions aligned with your brand.
Then, we coordinate directly with architects, general contractors, and property managers to keep the project moving. Our project managers ensure every sign is correct, compliant, and on time.
Here’s what you can expect when working with us:
- Clear timelines and responsive communication
- Expert code interpretation and signage strategy
- Consistent integration
- Flawless fabrication and expert installation
Working with ViewPoint means fewer headaches, faster approvals, and ADA signage that makes a lasting impression for every person who walks through your doors.
At ViewPoint Sign & Awning, we believe that ADA signage shouldn’t look like an afterthought. It should look like your brand. Functional? Absolutely. But also beautiful, intentional, and aligned with everything you stand for.
Built with Designers, for Real People
Our team collaborates directly with architects, interior designers, and builders to make sure every ADA sign fits the space it’s in. Whether it’s a brushed aluminum finish that matches lobby furniture or a high-contrast acrylic panel that pops against the wall color—we make sure accessibility blends seamlessly with your brand identity.
We understand how to integrate ADA signage into complex design environments without compromising compliance. That’s what sets us apart.
ViewPoint: Where Compliance Meets Masterful Craftsmanship
1. Site Survey & Code Review
It starts with an on-site visit. We walk the space, assess the layout, and identify exactly where ADA-compliant signage is required. We conduct a full compliance audit based on ADA sign requirements, state building codes, and local regulations, so you’re covered from all angles.
Our team doesn’t just spot the obvious. We anticipate overlooked areas—restrooms, stairwells, elevators, accessible exits, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
2. Collaborative Design Phase
From there, our designers get to work blending form and function. We develop signage that checks every regulatory box—tactile lettering, contrast ratios, Braille spacing—while also aligning with your brand’s look and feel.
Want brushed aluminum? Backlit acrylic? Custom fonts or logo integration? We make it work. We don’t believe ADA compliance should sacrifice aesthetics, we believe it should enhance them.
3. Precision Fabrication
With designs approved, our in-house fabrication team brings them to life. Using high-quality, durable materials, we laser-cut and finish each sign with precision. The result? Long-lasting signage that looks sharp and stays compliant, year after year.
4. Expert Installation & Final Inspection
Our team installs each sign with exacting attention to detail—mounting height, Braille placement, spacing, and legibility are all double-checked on-site. We finish with a full walkthrough, ensuring every requirement is met and your space is ready to welcome everyone.
The Bottom Line
With ViewPoint, you don’t have to chase vendors, decode regulations, or worry about what you missed. We handle it—from code to completion—so you can focus on your business.
Built to Last, Designed to Comply—ADA Signage Perfected With ViewPoint
Good signage should open doors literally and figuratively. Every detail matters. When you invest in high-quality, ADA signage, you send a clear message: everyone belongs here. You show customers, visitors, and team members that your brand pays attention, prioritizes safety, and leads with purpose.
So don’t settle for generic. Build signage that invites, includes, and inspires. Contact ViewPoint Sign & Awning today to get started