The accessibility of visual signs is crucial for ensuring that everyone can understand and navigate built environments. The A117.1 standard, developed by the International Code Council (ICC), provides guidelines for accessible design, and it's likely getting an update in 2025 with important changes to how visual contrast is addressed. Let's break down what this means for signage.
What is the A117.1 Standard?
The A117.1 standard offers comprehensive guidance on accessible design in buildings and facilities. It covers everything from wheelchair ramps and doorway widths to signage and wayfinding. The goal is to create environments that are usable by people with a wide range of disabilities.
The Current State of Contrast
Previous versions of the A117.1 standard recommended a 70% contrast ratio between the characters on a sign and its background. This guideline, however, wasn't always clearly defined or consistently enforced.
The 2025 Shift: 65% Contrast Ratio
The proposed changes for the 2025 A117.1 standard introduce a more concrete requirement: a 65% contrast ratio between the light reflective value (LRV) of the sign's text and its background. This change aims to improve legibility for people with low vision.
How is Contrast Measured?
LRV is a measure of how much light a color reflects. It's expressed as a percentage, from 0% (black) to 100% (white). To calculate the contrast ratio, you divide the higher LRV by the lower LRV.
What This Means for Property Managers and Building Owners
Increased Clarity: The 65% contrast ratio will make signs easier to read for people with visual impairments.
Standardized Measurement: The use of LRV provides a standardized and objective way to measure contrast.
Documentation: Manufacturers will likely need to provide documentation of the LRV values for their signs.
Compliance: Building owners and managers will need to ensure their signage meets the new contrast requirements.
What This Means for Sign Design in Multifamily, Hotels and Commercial Buildings
The updated A117.1 standard will significantly impact sign design for ADA signage in multifamily housing, hotels, and commercial buildings. Here's how:
Color Choice: Designers will need to carefully consider color combinations to meet the 65% contrast ratio. This may mean using bolder, more contrasting colors than in the past.
Font Selection: Clear, sans-serif fonts will be essential for legibility. Ornate or highly stylized fonts may be harder to read and fail to meet the contrast requirement.
Sign Placement: The placement of signs will also be important. Signs should be positioned to avoid glare and shadows, which can reduce contrast and make them difficult to read.
Materials: The materials used for the sign and its background can affect LRV and contrast. Non-glare finishes may be preferred to minimize reflections.
Exceptions to the Rule
The 2025 standard acknowledges that some sign types are difficult to measure with traditional methods. These include signs with:
Inserts behind a translucent lens
Subsurface graphics
CMYK or process printing
Maps
Color-coded information
These signs will still need to meet a "high contrast" standard but may not require the same strict LRV documentation.
Conclusion
These changes to the A117.1 standard are a positive step towards creating more inclusive and accessible spaces. By prioritizing visual contrast, we can ensure that everyone has the information they need to navigate the world around them.
As we navigate these upcoming changes, it's important to remember that you don't have to go it alone. We're here to help guide you through the transition to the 2025 A117.1 standard.
Our team is equipped with the knowledge and resources to assist building owners, general contractors, property managers, architects, and sign designers in adapting to the new requirements. From offering insights on the best color combinations and materials to ensuring compliance with the updated contrast ratios, we're committed to supporting your efforts in creating inclusive and accessible spaces.
We understand the challenges that can come with regulatory updates, and we're here to make the process as smooth and effective as possible.
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