ADA SIGNS-Silver

Braille signs play a vital role in making buildings accessible, inclusive, and safe for everyone, especially for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These signs, which include raised letters and tactile Braille dots, allow people to independently navigate spaces, identify rooms, and confirm locations without needing assistance. The presence of Braille signage throughout a building ensures that occupants with visual impairments can move confidently and safely, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By providing information in a universally accessible format, building owners also demonstrate their commitment to equal access and thoughtful design.

One of the most important places to install Braille signs is at each floor landing, particularly near elevator doors and stairwells. Every floor should clearly display the floor number in both raised characters and Braille on both sides of the doorway. This allows individuals to confirm their location regardless of which direction they approach from, which is especially important in emergency situations or in unfamiliar buildings. When signs are properly positioned at ADA-compliant heights, users can easily locate and read them without confusion or delay.

In buildings with multiple stairwells, such as “Stair A” and “Stair B,” it is critical that Braille signs also identify which stairwell the occupant is near. This is not only a matter of accessibility, but also of life safety, as it allows both building occupants and emergency responders to know their exact location quickly. In emergencies such as fires, being able to identify the stairwell and floor accurately can save lives by guiding people to the nearest and safest exit route. Therefore, the inclusion of Braille signs with both the floor number and stairwell designation—installed on each side of the door at every landing—is an essential component of a building’s accessibility and emergency planning strategy.