Do I Really Need Braille Signs If My Building or Business Is Small?

Many small business owners often assume ADA braille signage requirements only apply to large office buildings, apartment complexes, hospitals, or government facilities. If your space is small, maybe just a few rooms, it’s easy to think braille signs aren’t necessary.

Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to failed inspections, costly replacements, or ADA complaints.

So, do small buildings really need braille signs? The answer is often, yes.

ADA Requirements Are Based on Use — Not Size

The ADA does not exempt businesses based on square footage, number of employees, or how “small” a building is.

Instead, ADA braille signage requirements are based on:

• Whether the space is open to the public or employees

• Whether rooms and spaces are permanent

• Whether the building is covered under ADA Title III (as most businesses are)

If your business falls under ADA guidelines, the size of your space does not remove the obligation to comply.

Small Businesses That Commonly Require ADA Compliant Braille Signs

Even very small spaces often require ADA-compliant braille signage, including:

• Medical, Chiropractic, Counseling and Dental offices

• Law firms and professional offices

• Retail stores

• Restaurants and Cafés

• Churches and places of worship

• Daycares and schools

• Small apartments and condo buildings

If your business has permanent interior rooms, braille signage with raised text meeting ADA sign requirements is likely required.

What are Some Areas that Require ADA Compliant Braille Signs with Raised Text in Small Buildings?

In smaller buildings, braille signage is typically required for:

✔ Restrooms

Single-user restrooms are not exempt. If there is a permanent restroom, it needs an ADA-compliant restroom braille sign.

✔ Offices and Meeting Rooms

Private offices, consultation rooms, and conference rooms require tactile braille signage.

✔ Permanent Rooms (Room ID Signs)

Examples include:

• Break rooms, Conference Rooms, Hotel Rooms, Apartment/Condo Units

• Storage rooms, IT Rooms, Laundry Room, Fitness Rooms

• Electrical or Mechanical rooms, Elevator Rooms

• Janitor closets, Trash Rooms

If the room has a fixed purpose and permanent walls, it generally requires a braille sign. These signs can easily be ordered at JustBrailleSigns by providing your custom text you desire on a simple economical custom text sign.

What Doesn’t Require Braille Signs in Small Spaces?

Some areas are commonly misunderstood and do NOT require braille signage:

• Directional signs (e.g., “Restrooms →”) & Instructional Signs

• Temporary rooms or spaces

• Open areas without permanent walls

• Cubicles and workstations

Understanding this distinction helps small businesses stay compliant without overspending.

“No One Who Reads Braille Visits My Business” — Does That Matter?

This is a common misconception. ADA compliance is not based on whether you expect someone with a visual impairment to visit your business. The law exists to ensure equal access for anyone who may enter the space, now or in the future.

Note that:

• ADA complaints can be filed by anyone

• Inspections don’t depend on customer demographics

• Non-compliance can still result in enforcement actions

Why Small Businesses Are Often at Higher Risk

Smaller buildings are frequently flagged because:

• ADA Compliant braille signage is overlooked during build-outs

• Owners assume exemptions that don’t exist

• Signs are installed incorrectly or omitted entirely

Fixing signage issues after an inspection is almost always more expensive than doing it correctly the first time.

The Cost of Compliance Is Usually Lower Than the Cost of Fixing It Later

For most small businesses, ADA braille signage:

• Requires only a limited number of signs

• Is a one-time purchase

• Helps avoid future compliance issues

Compared to reordering signs, delaying openings, or responding to complaints, proper braille signage is a small upfront investment.

When Small Businesses Should Double-Check Requirements

You should confirm braille signage requirements if you are:

• Opening a new business

• Renovating or remodeling

• Moving into a new leased space

• Changing room functions

Any of these can trigger updated ADA sign compliance expectations.

Compliance Brings Clarity and Confidence

ADA-compliant braille signage isn’t about building size—it’s about accessibility, safety, and responsibility. Whether your business occupies 500 square feet or 90,000, properly installed ADA compliant braille signs help ensure your space is welcoming and compliant.

When in doubt, working with an ADA signage specialist at JustBrailleSigns can help you identify exactly what’s required.

What are some typical types of signs required in and around USA elevators?

Within the United States, elevator signage is regulated by a mix of federal, state, and local building codes, along with fire and accessibility standards. The number of elevator signs used around and in elevators is astonishing. Following is an informal review of typical signage found in today’s elevators in the USA:

1. Elevator Capacity and Inspection/Certification Signs

Maximum Capacity  - Located inside the elevator cab, maximum capacity signs require the maximum number of people or weight the elevator can carry.

Inspection Certificates – Many jurisdictions require inspection certificates posted in elevators. Sometimes a notice is acceptable indicating where the certificate is posted elsewhere (i.e. - “Inspection Certificate is located on 1^st floor reception area.)

*Governing Codes for above include ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and local jurisdictional codes

2. Cab Braille (COP) Plates

Cab braille signs or braille buttons are the directional aid for the visually impaired located on the panel inside the elevator to the left of the buttons. These tactile plates consists of raised characters/symbols with braille that specify floor designations. Main egress floors are marked with a “star” in front of the number.

*Governing Codes for above include ANSI A117.1-2016/CSA B44-16

3. Jamb Braille Signs (Jamb Plates)

Jamb braille plates serve as a directional aid for the visually impaired located on the door jambs outside the elevator, one on each side. These tactile signs consists of raised characters/symbols with braille and specific floor designations. The main or egress floor is identified with a “star” in front of the floor number.

*Governing Codes for above include ANSI A117.1-2016/CSA B44-16 and 2016 CBC 703.3

4. Directional Signs

Normally located outside and away from the elevators themselves, these directional signs direct occupants and patrons to accessible elevators. Such signs are normally designed around ADA (Americans with Disabilities) regulations which in this case would typically require a minimum of 5/8” tall tactile text in all CAPS in a non serif compliant font.

5. Fire Safety & Emergency Signs

ICOF Signs - Outside the elevator landing atop the elevator call buttons an “In Case of Fire, Use Stairs” sign is generally required with a pictogram of a man using stairs.

Firefighters Operation Instructions – These signs are typically mounted inside elevators and are for firefighter’s use, which would include basic operation instructions.

*Governing Codes for above include PHASE II ANSI 1993, 1996, 1998, 2000, NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code and IBC

6. Emergency and Alarm Instructions

Alarm button labeling - Clear labeling of the emergency/alarm button inside the cab.

Emergency Communication Signage - Often includes language like “In case of emergency, press and hold button. Assistance will be provided.”

7. Elevator ID Signs

It’s important to label and identify your elevators. This type of signage usually sits above the elevator as a flat panel or projecting wall sign (i.e. - “Elevator 1” “CAR 2” “5” etc...)

8. Elevator Maintenance / Out of Service Signage (Temporary)

Required when an elevator is under maintenance or inspection, these signs inform others that the elevator in temporarily out of service.

9. Elevator Data Tags

Elevator data tags and plates provide essential and visible information about an elevator's specifications, safety compliance, maintenance, and operational limits for inspectors, technicians, and emergency responders. These tags contain key details like manufacturer, model and serial numbers, rated load capacity, speed, and emergency procedures, ensuring the elevator meets regulatory standards, such as ASME A17.1 safety code.

No doubt, it can be confusing which signs might be required for your elevator(s). It’s important to note that specific signage requirements may vary by state or city. For example:

• New York City has more strict fire signage rules.

• California may require seismic zone notifications.

• Chicago has unique inspection posting standards.

If you have questions about what signage you require, it’s important that you personally contact your local state and city authorities and inspectors.




What is Grade 2 Braille?

What is Grade 2 Braille?

Braille is a tactile writing system of letters, numbers and characters using raised braille cells or raised dots. It allows the sight impaired or blind to read and write. Invented by Louis Braille in 1824, this system is worldwide and required on all signage marking permanent rooms and spaces in the United States, as specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA). Specifically, ADA requires Grade 2 Braille on all ADA braille signs.

So what’s the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille? Grade 1 braille, or sometimes called “uncontracted braille” is where each letter of the alphabet is represented by one individual braille cell or symbol. A braille cell is composed of six dots, and each letter is composed of its own unique variation of these six dots, (see diagram A). So if a word has 7 letters, it will also have seven braille cell characters or symbols in Grade 1. This is the most basic type of braille.

Grade 2 braille can be considered a “short hand” version of Grade 1. Grade 2 braille sticks with the same numbers, punctuation and letter symbols as Grade 1 but uses contractions to represent common words and groups of letters. For example the letters “ing” can be found in many words, (working, biking, playing, etc.) Grade 1 braille would use three separate cells or symbols to represent “ing” however Grade 2 would only use one 6 dot cell or symbol represent “ing.” See diagram B showing the difference between Grade 1 & 2 Braille for the word “women” Here you can see the “en” is contracted in Grade 2.




As you might guess, Grade 2 braille is used by more experienced braille readers and has its advantages. Grade 2 braille is more efficient, can be read faster and takes up less space. This is why it’s the preferred and required braille format for most braille you see in public spaces, including ADA braille signs, ATM's, control panels, elevator signage, etc.

When and Where to use Photoluminescent Signs

 

When and Where to use Photoluminescent Signs

Since 911 “glow-in-the-dark” luminous signage has become more and more prevalent. If your job is to sign a building, or replace existing signage, you may be wondering whether or not you need these types of signs. When you should utilize photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs varies depending on the building type, jurisdiction and applicable building and fire safety regulations and codes. Luminous (glow in the Dark) signage is critical in emergency and low light conditions. Following are some common scenarios where photoluminescent signs may be required:

1. Buildings noted as “High Rise”

In high rise buildings, such as apartments or office buildings, photoluminescent signs and path markings is often required based on fire codes like the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, or IBC (International Building Code.) Standards set forth in the International Fire Code (IFC) may also mandate the use of luminous signage. Such signage allows patrons and building occupants to safely exit buildings during emergencies where no light or low light conditions exist.

2. Emergency Exit (Egress) Routes

Stairwells can often be mandated to have photoluminescent markings. This may include photoluminescent tapes or luminous markings on handrails, stairs, door handles and floor perimeters. Luminous “running man” directional exit signs, stairwell, elevator and fire extinguisher signs may also be required.

3. Facilities that are Below Ground

Often in underground facilities, you will see the use of photoluminescent signs. This would include basements, tunnels, park garages, subways, etc. Such signage is ideal in emergency situations to assist occupants during evacuation when power is out and no natural light is prominent.

4. Industrial / Commerce

Workplace safety requirements such as those associated with OSHA may require luminous glow in the dark signs in business or industrial settings to assure safety and safe evacuation in workplace settings.

5. New York

As stated earlier, since "911" New York has mandated photoluminescent egress path markings in stairwells and is required in high rise buildings, (Local Law 26) This law establishes many fire safety requirements for buildings of specific heights including adding sprinkler systems, backup power supplies and safety signage.

6. Elevators

It is common to exhibit photoluminescent fire emergency evacuation maps outside elevators to assist with building evacuation in emergency and light compromised situations, and to ensure the elevator is not used. These building map signs with “you are here” notations are commonly found throughout office buildings, schools, hospitals and public facilities indicating exit routes and points of evacuation.

It is important that when purchasing photoluminescent signs of any type, that you check codes and mandates for the standards set for the actual signs required. Such standards may include meeting UL924 standards, the use of proper symbols and letter heights, and/or performance standards for lumination (i.e. - a specific amount of luminance after a certain period of time.)

Finally, and most importantly, to determine the exact requirements for photoluminescent (glow in the dark) signs in your building or facility, you should refer to local/state/federal building codes, fire safety regulations, and/or specific industry standards, as well as consult with your local/state building inspector(s) and fire marshal.

JustBrailleSigns offers a full line of photoluminescent signs and marking tapes to help keep you compliant.

Making ADA Braille Signs Uniquely Designed and custom

 

Interior ADA Sign’s Don’t Have to be Boring

Are you wondering how you can add a little flare and pizazz to your ADA Braille signs? Well, it’s official, SCS Sign now has the capabilities of large format digital printing using modern and heat curing technologies. Our environmentally friendly latex inks have ideal adhesion to acrylic allowing for unique customized 2^nd surface (subsurface) acrylic braille signs. We can take clear non-glare acrylic in various thicknesses, and manufacture custom ADA signs with vibrant colors and uniquely designed back printed “encapsulated” patterns and prints. For sign companies, designers and architects, this opens up many possibilities when it comes to adding aesthetic appeal to your ADA signage design. Add multiple material layers in varying colors with unique shapes, combined with custom printed logos, patterns, and designs, and the aesthetic appeal of your ADA signs can be enhanced tremendously.

Large format latex printing also has other advantages:

Versatility in Media Handling – We can handle a wide range of substrates and media including .010 velveteen lexan film, vinyl, metals, paper and more. Such versatility allows us to print on various materials for multiple applications.

Outdoor Durability – Latex inks are known for outdoor durability and resistance to scratching and fading making them ideal for outdoor applications.

Environmentally Friendly – These water based inks have very low levels of VOC’s making them more eco-friendly compared to solvent inks common in today’s sign industry. These inks are also odorless which is often needed for indoor signage. Such inks are UL-ECOGLOW certified for reduced environmental impact.

Wide Color Range - Latex ink technology covers a wide range of accurate color reproduction capabilities. This is imperative where color accuracy is required in branding and corporate graphics and signage.

Our Latex Printer allows JustBrailleSigns.com to provide you highly customized, appealing and unique ADA braille signage. Give us a call, and remember…..”ADA Signs Don’t Have to be Boring!”

For Help or Assistance please be sure to visit our contact us page

Are your room number signs ADA compliant?

ADA ROOM NUMBER SIGNS

The most common sign requiring ADA compliance is the typical room number sign. Interior ADA room number signs are prevalent in all sorts of buildings including hotels, apartment buildings, condos, office buildings, and student housing.

Generally, a compliant ADA room number signs will have the following features:

1. Numbers shall be in a simple serif non-condensed non-italic medium weight font, tactile and raised 1/32” minimum, and a minimum of 5/8” in height. Spacing between individual characters shall be 10 percent minimum and 35 percent maximum of character height, (generally a minimum of 1/8”.)

2. Grade 2 domed braille should be located under the numbers. Braille shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other tactile characters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements.

3. Background color of the sign face shall be non-glare, and sharply contrast with the number/text color.

4. Although state guidelines may differ, When installing an ADA compliant braille sign, the braille and tactile characters of the sign must fall between 48" and 60" from the floor. Remember the baseline (or bottom) of the highest line can be no higher than 60", and the bottom text, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character, can be no lower than 48". The sign shall be located alongside the door at the latch side.

Decorative accent pieces, unusual shapes, logos, and multiple colors are generally acceptable sign additions that can make a boring ADA room number sign into a visually stunning piece. JustBrailleSigns.com offers eight design series options that allow you to choose braille ADA room numbers signs in a variety of design formats to be used for hotel room number signs, apartments room numbers signs, etc..

Still unsure about what you need or require. Contact us at customerservice@scssign.com or 1-888-462-5008

ADA SIGN INSTALLATION GUIDELINES: HOW AND WHERE DO I INSTALL MY ADA BRAILLE SIGNS?

We at JustBrailleSigns.com often get asked where and how to install ADA braille signs: What is the ADA sign height requirements? How about the ADA bathroom sign height?

The "how" to install ADA signs is pretty simple; use double faced adhesive tape and 100% silicone adhesive with a level. Where to install your signs is a little more complicated!  The following the ADA installation guidelines below should work for most situations, (Be aware that some states and municipalities may have different installation requirements.)   

Evacuation "You Are Here" Sign Maps

EVACUATION AND "YOU ARE HERE" SIGNS 

Depending on local fire or state and city codes, buildings are required to have an evacuation or directional maps. These signs typically are located by elevators or other strategic wayfinding locations. We usually recommend a UV digital print on rigid colored acrylic to be the most effective means of making these specialty signs, in sizes usually around 10"wide x 12" high.  "Glow in the dark" maps can also be manufactured using our specialty photoluminescent materials.

A common requirement in today's facilities, especially hotel and lodging rooms, are evacuation plan signs. These plans, often mounted inside of room doors, indicate the specific room on the plan as well as exit paths to stairs or other egress points. With the advancement in personal printer technology, often times we recommend the purchase of a simple clear plastic piece of acrylic folded over to accommodate an 8-1/2" x 11" paper printed floor plan. This is often the least expensive way to provide important fire exit information.

California requires similar evacuation maps at elevators, outside of enclosed stairwells, and at main entrances to office buildings, hotels and lodges. The regulations for these maps is very specific and they require notation of stairways, exits, fire alarm pulls, and a "you are here" designation. In addition, these signs require of identification of the alarm system's sound and appearance along with an emergency number. All text is required to be 5/8" minimum.

California's requirements may seem like overkill, but we cannot overstate enough the importance of how such signage can potentially save lives and reduce liabilities. Justbraillesigns.com has expertise in the manufacturing of evacuation map signs, and our investment in direct to substrate technology allows us to print complex maps and instructions on almost any substrate resulting in amazing detail and color. Call us with any inquiries at 888-462-5008, or refer to our contact information at www.justbraillesigns.com

Your Stairwell and Effective Stairwell Signage

 EFFECTIVE STAIRWELL SIGNS

We are often asked about what proper stairwell signage is required in conventional building stairwells. This is often a difficult question, because it depends on your state's version of the International Building Code they are enforcing. Add to this the fact that many local municipalities have their own requirements for stairwell signage, and things can get confusing. The bottom line is to always check with your state and local building inspectors and Fire Marshal to assure your stairwell signs are compliant. That being said, when you combine NFPA and IFC/IBC guidelines, we can come up with a common stairwell sign with the following characteristics.

SIZE:

IFC 1023.9.1 indicates signs shall be a minimum of 18” x 12”

TEXT: (PER ADA, IFC/IBC and NFPA 7.2.2.5.4.1)

- The top text should designate stairway identification and charcaters should be 1-1/2” tall minimum.

- Text designating NO ROOF ACCESS (character height - 1” minimum)

- Floor level number shall be a minimum of 5” tall (Note that Mezzanine levels should be marked with “M” and basement levels with “B” or something else appropriate.

CBC 1023.9 requires a five pointed star next to the level number if this level is a point of discharge.)

- Sign text should also include the lower and upper terminus of the stairwell in (character height - 1” minimum.)

- Text should spell out the level, and direction to, exiting the building (character height – 1” minimum.)

- Tactile letters shows good intent and coincides with ADA

MATERIALS:

Generally speaking the letters of the stairwell ID sign should contrast well with the background color, (i.e. - dark background with light letters or vice versa.) Letters and background ideally should have a non-glare finish.

BRAILLE:

Depending on state or local codes, this may or may not be a requirement, but it is always best to include braille and show good intent.

PHOTOLUMINESCENT:

Again, depending on state or local codes, glow in the dark stairwell signs may or may not be a requirement. For example, New York City local law 26 requires photoluminescent signage in many instances.

Given the above characteristics and requirements, your stairwell signage would look something like this…

Note that besides the standard stairwell sign (type A.1 and A.2 pictured above), you would also require some additional signage:

1. A floor level sign meeting ADA sign requirements with tactile letters and braille meeting ICC A117.1 requirements should be installed inside the stairwell, and located at each floor level landing next to the door leading from the stairwell into the corridor, (see Sign C above.)

2. If there is an exit door from the stairwell leading to the outside or to the level of exit discharge for the building, there should be an “EXIT” sign with raised characters and braille installed adjacent to this door on the latch side, (Sign B.) Doors leading to an exit door would require and "EXIT ROUTE sign (Sign E.)

3. Corridor and hallway doors leading INTO stairwells require tactile and braille signs designating “STAIRS” or the stairwell identification, (i.e. - “Stair B” "NORTH STAIR" etc..) See sign D above.

Effective Stairwell Signage will not only keep your facility code compliant but more importantly keep your patrons, customers, residence and visitors safe and informed. Visit www.JustBrailleSigns.com for all your stairwell signage needs, or call us with questions. We are here to help!

ADA Signage Requirements

 

SIX Reasons Your Signs may NOT be ADA Compliant

It's not just an arbitrary set of rules. ADA sign compliance is about removing unnecessary barriers for your patrons, employees and customers. A specific set of requirements exists for your interior wall signs as set forth by the Department of Justice’s Americans with Disabilities Act and their approval of the 2010 ADA/ABA Accessabilty Guidelines. Here are the top 6 reasons why your interior signs may not be ADA compliant:

1. Letter Height. Are characters too big or small? From the 2010 Standard for Accessible Design:

703.2.5 Character Height. Character height measured vertically from the baseline of the character shall be 5/8 inch (16 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum based on the height of the uppercase letter “I”.

Simply put, interior ADA compliant wall signs should have characters no smaller than 5/8” and no bigger than 2”. It’s also important that these characters are all CAPS, a sans-serif font, and not too bold or condensed.

703.2.2 Case. Characters shall be uppercase.

703.2.3 Style. Characters shall be sans serif. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.2.4 Character Proportions. Characters shall be selected from fonts where the width of the uppercase letter “O” is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I”.

2. Character Spacing. Do the letters seem to all run together? Often overlooked when making signs, there needs to be a minimum of 1/8” between the two closest points of adjacent tactile characters, excluding word spaces. What this usually involves when making a compliant sign is spacing characters out a little more than normal, keeping close attention to some character combinations that may graphically be closer than others.

703.2.7 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent raised characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Where characters have rectangular cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters shall be 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum.

3. Line Spacing. Spacing between baselines of separate lines of raised characters should be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the raised character height. Often when designing signs, the interline spacing is decreased to allow more lines of text to fit within the sign space. Doing so may be non-compliant if the lines are too close together, and do not fall within the specified 135-170 percent range.

703.2.8 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of raised characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the raised character height.

4. Pictograms and a 6” Field. Pictograms should have a field height of 6 inches. Signage with symbols such as the man or women symbol on restroom signs require a six inch high background field where characters and braille do NOT exist. Other pictograms in question tend to be those related to signs that are used to designate various rooms and spaces. Pictograms such as those for maps and plans do not need to comply.

703.6.1 Pictogram Field. Pictograms shall have a field height of 6 inches (150 mm) minimum. Characters and braille shall not be located in the pictogram field.

5. Finish and Contrast. This requirements is straightforward stating that interior ADA compliant wall signs need to have a non-glare finish, and symbols of accessibility shall contrast with their background, meaning either a light colored symbol on a dark background or vice-versa. Signs are more legible for those with vision disabilities when characters contrast as much as possible with their background, and surface glare is minimized.

6. Compliant Braille. All sorts of rules apply to the braille that accompanies raised text including position, dot height, spacing, etc. Currently, Grade 2 contracted braille is required, which is a condensed version of braille using 189 contractions and shortened forms of words. Common braille mistakes in ADA signage include using Grade 1 braille where words are spelled out letter-for-letter instead of the contracted Grade 2 braille. Other errors include not locating braille at least 3/8” minimum from raised text, and limiting capitalization only to the first word of sentences, proper nouns/names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials and acronyms.

Ultimately design and manufacturing of ADA compliant interior signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces as required by ADA can be challenging if manufactures are not up-to-date on the rules and regulations. That is why all of us at JustBrailleSigns.com pride ourselves on knowing these intricate regulations and codes for ADA Signage. That being the case... let us know if we can help, and rest assured, your signs are made right at justbraillesigns.com.