ADA signs are an important part of any commercial space. These signs help people find their way and make buildings more accessible for everyone. They are required by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and they must follow specific design and installation rules.
At SignWorks, we have years of experience designing, fabricating, and installing ADA-compliant signage across the San Francisco Bay Area. From office buildings to public works projects, our team helps clients meet code requirements while creating clean, professional signage.
What Are ADA Signs?
ADA signs are designed to assist people with visual impairments. These signs use tactile (raised) lettering and braille so they can be read by touch as well as sight.
Common Features of ADA Signs:
- Raised characters (tactile text)
- Grade 2 braille
- High contrast between text and background
- Non-glare (matte) finishes
- Standard mounting heights and locations
These signs are typically used for:
- Restrooms
- Exit routes
- Room identification
- Stairwells and elevators
Different Ways ADA Signs Are Made
There are several fabrication methods used to create ADA signs. Each method offers different benefits depending on the project needs, durability, and budget.
- Photopolymer (Chemically Processed Signs)
Photopolymer signs are one of the most common ADA sign types.
How They’re Made:
- A light-sensitive material is exposed and hardened
- Raised letters and braille are formed through a chemical process
Benefits:
- Clean, detailed lettering
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ideal for large projects with many signs
- Bead (Raster) Braille
Bead braille uses small, inserted beads to create the braille dots.
How It Works:
- Holes are drilled into the sign surface
- Small acrylic beads are inserted to form braille
Benefits:
- Smooth and consistent braille dots
- Widely used and cost-effective
- Easy to produce for many sign types
- Chemically Welded or Embedded Braille
In this method, the braille dots are fused directly into the material.
How It Works:
- Braille is chemically bonded or embedded into the sign face
Benefits:
- Strong and vandal-resistant
- Long-lasting with no risk of beads falling out
- Ideal for schools and high-traffic areas
- Engraved and Embossed Signs
These signs use cutting or pressure to create raised elements.
How It Works:
- Engraving removes material to create depth
- Embossing raises the surface for tactile text
Benefits:
- Clean and simple design
- Durable for interior use
- Cost-effective for smaller projects
- Injection Molded Signs
Injection molded signs are created using pre-made molds.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable
- Consistent quality
- Often used in schools and public buildings
ADA Sign Projects by SignWorks
Over the years, SignWorks has worked on many ADA signage projects across different industries. Each project requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of local and federal guidelines.
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
Project Type: Interior ADA and tactile signage
Summary:
SignWorks created ADA signs that matched the building’s color scheme while meeting all code requirements. The signs were designed to blend into the environment while remaining easy to read and accessible.
75 Hawthorne Street – San Francisco, CA
Project Type: Office building ADA signage
Summary:
This project included a wide range of ADA-compliant room identification signs. A less common braille method was used, demonstrating flexibility in fabrication techniques while still meeting ADA standards.
Oakland Airport BART Connector (Turner Construction)
Project Type: Public transit ADA signage
Summary:
SignWorks worked with Turner Construction to provide ADA and braille signage for this large infrastructure project. The signs were designed for durability and high visibility in a busy public environment.
California Conservation Corps
Project Type: Facility ADA signage
Summary:
This project required multiple ADA signs across the facility. SignWorks ensured all signage followed proper guidelines for placement, contrast, and readability.
School and Public Facility Projects
SignWorks has also completed ADA signage for schools and public buildings where durability is especially important.
Common Features:
- Vandal-resistant materials
- Embedded or welded braille
- Long-lasting finishes
These projects highlight the need for strong, reliable signage in high-traffic environments.
Why ADA Compliance Matters
ADA signage is not just about following rules—it’s about creating spaces that are accessible and easy to use for everyone.
Key Benefits of ADA Signage:
- Helps people navigate buildings safely
- Ensures legal compliance
- Improves overall user experience
- Reflects a business’s commitment to accessibility
Failing to meet ADA requirements can lead to fines and delays, making it important to get signage right the first time.
Why Clients Choose SignWorks for ADA Projects
ADA signage requires accuracy, knowledge, and experience. SignWorks has built a strong reputation for delivering compliant and high-quality solutions.
What Sets SignWorks Apart:
- Deep understanding of ADA guidelines
- Experience with multiple fabrication methods
- Ability to match branding while staying compliant
- Full-service support from design to installation
We work closely with property managers, contractors, and business owners to ensure every sign meets both code and design expectations.
Final Thoughts
ADA signage is a critical part of any commercial or public space. With many different fabrication methods available—such as bead braille, chemically embedded braille, and photopolymer processes—there are solutions for every type of project.
With a strong track record across projects like Alameda County Mosquito Abatement, 75 Hawthorne, the Oakland Airport BART Connector, and more, SignWorks continues to provide ADA signage that is both compliant and visually appealing.
Need help with ADA signage for your property?
Contact SignWorks today to ensure your project meets all requirements while delivering a clean and professional look.