Signify the Accessible Entrance

The first sign I come to has been located in a small fenced-in garden where ivy is growing abundantly. The name Smithsonian Information Center caught my eye, but I can barely make out the international symbol for accessibility, and the arrow pointing in the direction of the Center is covered by ivy. The sign needs to be higher. That's a better solution than expecting maintenance staff to keep the ivy pruned. Considering the sign itself, there is good color contrast between text and background, and text size and choice of a sans-serif font make it easy to read. And as this example demonstrates, light type reversed out of a dark field is often desirable in outdoor settings to offset glare. The international symbol for accessibility catches my eye and there's an arrow telling me which direction to continue.

Next I come to a kiosk in front of the Castle-you can see a bit of the Washington Mall in the background. The kiosk is four-sided and stands about eight feet tall. On two sides, an arrow points in the direction of the Castle's accessible entrance. This means that no matter the approach, visitors who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids are likely to see the information they need. Also, by making directional and informational signage the same color and consistently using the international symbol for accessibility, visitors start looking for similar signage.

My friends have met me at the Castle's accessible entrance. The new ramp from sidewalk to door blends in well with this historic building.

Finally, the entrance door with a button I can use to open the power-assisted doors. Good, I'm hungry.

Read Others' Experiences for more ideas and please Share Your Own.

• Determine which building entrances are accessible whether used by visitors, staff, or volunteers.
  
• Starting at public transportation stops, visitor and employee accessible parking, and drop off areas, determine the accessible route to each accessible entrance.
  
• Make a map of these accessible routes. Mark places where information is needed, as in a change of direction.
  
• Based on your notes, make temporary signs and test them with someone unfamiliar with the routes. Ask these questions: Are signs in the best locations? Are they easy to see and easy to read? Is the information correct and helpful? Do they follow the guidelines for accessibility?
  
• Make the necessary changes and test again. You are now ready for permanent signs.

• Review guidelines for accessible entrance signage in the ADA Standards
  for Accessible Design and in your state code.
• Published by the Department of Justice, the ADA Guide for Small Businesses has photos and information regarding accessible entrances.
  

  Review pages 6 & 7 in the ADA Guidelines for Small Businesses. (You must have Adobe Reader to download this file. Visit ASTC's website for more information on PDF Files.)

• Read the guidelines for Label Design and Text in the Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design (Section III).
• Contact your Regional ADA Information Center for free technical assistance and to order publications: 1-800-949-4232 v/tty; or visit their web pages.
  
• Go to the Access Board for the International Symbol of Accessibility. Right click on figure 703.7.2.1 and select "Save Picture As..." Save to a convenient folder. Open with any photo editor and crop to eliminate extra lines.