(The following information was provided by the Intl. Sign Assn.)
A new standard, that would have required American with Disabilities Act (ADA) signage to have a visual contrast of 70% between foreground and background, has been defeated, with the combined efforts of the Intl. Sign Assn. (ISA) and the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD). ISA states, "The mandate would have created tremendous difficulties in enforcement without any proof that it would benefit those it was designed to assist."
ISA participated in the process for developing ANSI’s 2014 Edition of the Model Code for Accessible and Usable Buildings Facilities. The ANSI Standards are used in the International Building Code, which serves as the basis for the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Therefore, ANSI codes carry significant impact.
“We are in favor of developing a standard that manufacturers and code officials understand support and comply with willingly,” said Teresa Cox, president of APCO Sign Systems and an ISA member. Cox represented ISA in the ANSI process. “Site conditions, particularly the type and intensity of lighting, have great impact on perceived contrast. Following that formula without considering site conditions would allow combinations that do not have enough contrast, and prohibit others that are perfectly legibly when appropriate lighting is provided.”
For more information on the ANSI ruling, contact design@signs.org.