Association of Science-Technology Centers - Read Others' Experiences: Signify the Accessible Entrance

Signify the Accessible Entrance

Illustration of accessible entrance sign. I found this sign in an ADA publication. I like the way
the text and arrow provide the same information.
Lynn, Virginia.

Photos of four accessible entrance signs. Since working with Beth on this EXCHANGE, I've been much more conscious of accessible entrance signage -- its placement, wording, use of arrows, and so on. I have found some really good examples and some really poor ones. I decided to take some photos. I'll share them here and you be the judge of which are most effective.
Sally, Washington.

I've found that a good way to get a sense of what barriers wheelchair users encounter is to push a baby carriage or pull a suitcase with wheels (fill it with heavy books). The experience is helpful whether it's accessible entrances I am considering, placement of curb cuts, choices of surface material, or angle of slopes and ramps. There are guidelines for each of these, but for people like myself who don't use a wheelchair, there's nothing quite like experiencing some of the frustration wheelchair users have when guidelines aren't followed or when guidelines are followed but there are better design choices. Bouncing on brick sidewalks and slogging through carpeting has been a helpful experience.
K, Boston.