SignWorks has worked with several clients and architectural firms to deliver Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signs for a variety of facilities. In the early days complying with ADA regulations around making a building accessibility to those with disabilities, was often interrupted as blue and white braille beaded signs that complied with regulations. However, given that the rules ask, among many other things, for contrasting colors, it means that there are many color choices! There must be sufficient contrast between the background color and raised tactile (raised text and symbols) and the braille. And, many architects are getting more creative in designing the male, female and disabled pictograms.
Depending on where the signs are being mounted and the specifications given, we are often working with one of three preferred vendors. For most schools, the preference is for signs that are “chemically welded and materially embedded.” This is because they are more prone to vandalism so a special chemical bonding agent is used to fuse the braille beads and tactile characters to the backer. In highly trafficked places, like BART stations and schools, the likelihood of vandalism is much greater. In other less public places or where staff is on hand to monitor behavior, regular photopolymer braille/tactile signs work just fine.
One of our venders, Identity Group, uses a custom injection molding process to fabricate ADA and Evacuation Map signage. Cast acrylic is used during their process and the result is that the tactile and braille elements are an integral part of the finished sign and not two separate elements that are fused together. As you can see from the photograph this creates an elegant, upscale finished look.
If you are looking for simple inexpensive photopolymer ADA compliant signs or the more custom molded high end look, then SignWorks is the right sign company for you. Just give us a call us at (510) 357-2000. Our team members can help you with material selection, design, fabrication and more. To read about our recent projects, or to get more information about who we are and what we do, simply visit our website and view our blog posts and photographs. We look forward to working with you soon!