In 1995, it became mandatory due to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) for all public institutions to take responsible measures to ensure that they provide an accessible environment for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. Signage plays a crucial role in helping people with disabilities to navigate their way around buildings and public spaces.
It is important that you understand that DDA compliant signage isn’t simply about producing signage with a larger font size or dramatically contrasting colours. Instead, it must comprise of a range of elements that are designed to make signage understandable to people of all abilities. In this blog, we explain what DDA compliant signage is, and what is needed to ensure that your business is compliant.
What elements are needed to make signage DDA compliant?
When creating signage, there are a range of factors that you must consider. These include font size, font style, colour contrast, placement, and tactile features.
• Font size and style
The font size of your signage should be large enough to be legible from a reasonable distance. The minimum size recommended for text on signs is 16pt, although larger font sizes may be necessary depending on where the sign is displayed and the viewing distance between it and the viewer. The style of font used should also be simple and clear to read.
• Contrasting colours
Colour contrast is another factor that you should consider when designing and producing signage that is DDA compliant. The contrast between the text and background colour should be high enough to make it easy to read for people with visual impairments. Remember, you aren’t just limited to black and white, so there is still room for creativity, as well as the ability to coordinate with your branding where possible.
• Tactile features
Incorporating tactile features onto your signage is another way to become DDA compliant. Tactile signs are a form of signage which people can communicate with and understand through use of touch. Features include raised lettering and braille, which would be beneficial for those who are visually impaired or hard of hearing. It is important to remember that these should be placed in a consistent position on every sign so that they are easy to locate.
• Placement
Another factor to consider when it comes to making your signage DDA compliant is the placement. They should be displayed at a location where the height and angle are accessible and visible for people of all abilities, including those using mobility support. Remember, if your sign displays tactile features, it should also be placed within reach.
At Sign Makers UK, we can work with you through the entire process to design, produce and install bespoke signage, fit to a range of regulations. Get in touch by calling us on 0800 772 3977 or emailing us at hello@signmakersuk.com to see how we could help you.
