Sign Designs May Change to Accommodate Visually Impaired
Significant changes may come to signage as part of the ANSI 2015 model code process, a standard which often is incorporated into building codes. To better improve these standards, without creating confusion for sign designers and inspecting bodies, ISA and members have advocated for evidence-based decisions. ISA’s position recognizes the importance of legibility and readability for those with vision impairment. Four revisions are currently under consideration:
- It establishes British Standard (BS) 8493:2008 + A1: 2010 as the method of test to determine light reflectance value (LRV) of surfaces.
- It mandates that contrast between the LRVs of adjacent surfaces be determined by a contrast formula identical to that found in the 1991 ADAAG’s Appendix, Sec. A4.30.5 – Finish and Contrast.
- It mandates contrast of 70 percent minimum between visual characters and their background and a minimum LRV of 45 for the lighter surface.
- It mandates contrast of 70 percent minimum between surfaces and a minimum LRV of 45 for the lighter surface of elements such as detectable warning surfaces and visual warning striping at stair treads.
Three advocates spoke on behalf of ISA’s position at the recent ANSI meeting. To read the text of their remarks, click here. The preliminary action of the committee was to disapprove the 70 percent contrast mandate—a victory for ISA’s work towards evidence-based standards.
Because the meeting did not complete the committee’s agenda, the meeting continues to July 14-16. This means that individual decisions may be reconsidered at that time.
ISA will continue to participate in the ANSI process, advocating for decisions that are based on evidence while ensuring accessibility for those with disabilities.
If you have questions about the results or impact of the ANSI committee meetings, please email ISA’s Sapna Budev.
