From the web page
http://www.afb.org/grg/adaagmem.html
American Foundation for the Blind
Outline of Major Revisions to Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines of Interest to People Who Are Blind or
Visually Impaired
This document provides a brief description of the proposed
changes to the (ADAAG) of particular interest to people who are
blind or visually impaired. The full text of the proposed
revision can be found at
http://www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/guidenprm.htm. Additionally,
the full text of the current ADAAG can be found at
http://www.access-board.gov/bfdg/adaag.htm.
**The deadline for comments on the proposed changes has been
extended to May 15**, and should be submitted to the Access
Board at:
Office of Technical and Information Services
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
1331 F Street, NW., suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004-1111
E-mail comments should be sent to [log in to unmask]
Comments sent by e-mail will be considered only if they include
the full name and address of the sender in the text. Comments
will be available for inspection at the above address from 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on regular business days.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (42 U.S.C.
12101 et seq.) recognizes and protects the civil rights of
people with disabilities and is modeled after earlier landmark
laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race and gender.
The ADA requires that buildings and facilities be accessible to
and usable by people with disabilities. The ADA establishes
accessibility requirements for new construction and alterations
of State and local government facilities under title II and
places of public accommodation and commercial facilities under
title III. The law requires that the Access Board issue minimum
guidelines to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the
Department of Transportation (DOT) in establishing accessibility
standards under titles II and III. These standards must be
consistent with the Access Board's guidelines.
Although there are a variety of issues of interest to people who
are blind or visually impaired in ADAAG, topics treated below
have been grouped into three major issue areas: Automatic Teller
Machines and Fare Machines; Detectible Warnings; and Signs. The
proposed ADAAG sections outlined below are of two types: ADA
Scoping requirements which define and describe what is and is
not covered by the rules; and ADA Technical Requirements which
describe in detail the methods and architectural specifications
to be used to meet the scoping requirements. Major
blindness-related ADAAG revisions to both scoping and technical
requirements are set forth below, along with questions that the
Access Board is asking commenters to specifically address. The
sections highlighted below make substantial use of cross
references both within each section and among sections, and
readers are encouraged to consult ADAAG directly via the web
addresses provided above. Commenters are also encouraged to
provide favorable comment to the Access Board regarding those
revisions appreciated by commenters, as well as critical
comments on provisions that commenters disfavor. Note that, in
several instances, ADAAG provisions are labeled "advisory",
meaning that they do not enjoy a mandatory status. Commenters
should refer specifically to these advisory provisions and
comment on whether such provisions should be made mandatory.
Sections labeled "NOTE" below are offered to provide further
suggestions for commenters.
Topic 1: Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines
ADA Scoping. Section 220. Automatic Teller Machines and Fare
Machines
Although this provision specifically requires automatic teller
machines to be accessible, this provision now addresses "fare
vending, collection, or adjustment machines," which have
heretofore only been addressed by ADAAG where they are provided
in transportation facilities. This revised section reads as
follows:
220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines
220.1 General. Where automatic teller machines or
self-service fare vending, collection, or adjustment
machines are provided, at least one machine of each
type at each location where such machines are provided
shall comply with 707. [omission]
NOTE: Commenters may wish to provide feedback regarding the
widening of this scoping requirement to include fare collection
and other machines. Additionally, commenters will want to give
attention to question 31 below.
ADA Technical Requirements. Section 707. Automatic Teller
Machines and Fare Machines
New specifications are provided so that access to input and
output devices is provided for people with vision impairments.
These requirements provide clearer guidance than ADAAG 4.34.5
which requires instructions and all information for use to be
"accessible to and independently usable by persons with vision
impairments." Arrangement and tactile qualities are standardized
for uniformity to facilitate use by people with little or no
vision. The revised section reads as follows:
707 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare Machines
707.1 General. Automatic teller machines and fare
machines required to be accessible shall comply with
707.
Advisory 707.1: If farecards have one tactually
distinctive corner they may be inserted with greater
ease. Token collection devices that are designed to
accommodate tokens which are perforated can allow a
person to distinguish more readily between tokens and
common coins. Place accessible gates and fare vending
machines in close proximity to other accessible
elements when feasible so the facility is easier to
use. [end of advisory]
[omission]
707.3 Operable Parts. Operable parts shall comply with
309. Each operable part shall be able to be
differentiated by sound or touch without activation.
EXCEPTION: Drive-up only automatic teller machines
shall not be required to comply with 309.2 and 309.3.
707.4 Input. Input devices shall comply with 707.4.
707.4.1 Privacy. The opportunity for the same degree
of privacy of input shall be available to all
individuals utilizing the equipment.
707.4.2 Key Surfaces. All keys used to operate a
machine shall be tactually discernible. Key surfaces
shall be raised above the surrounding surface by 1/25
inch (1 mm) minimum. The outer edge of key surfaces
shall have a radius of 1/50 inch (0.5 mm) maximum.
EXCEPTION: The touch areas of video display screens
shall not be required to be tactually discernible.
707.4.3 Separation Between Keys. Any key surface shall
be separated from other key surfaces by 1/8 inch (3.2
mm) minimum. Function keys shall be separated from
numeric keys by a distance that is not less than three
times greater the distance between the numeric keys.
707.4.4 Numeric Keys. Where provided, numeric keys
shall comply with 707.4.4.1 and 707.4.4.2.
707.4.4.1 Arrangement. Numeric keys shall be arranged
in a 12-key telephone keypad layout with the number
one key in the upper left hand corner.
707.4.4.2 Marking. The number five key shall have a
single raised dot.
707.4.5 Function Keys. Where provided, function keys
shall comply with 707.4.5.
707.4.5.1 Arrangement. Function keys shall be arranged
in the order of enter, clear, cancel, add value and
decrease value horizontally from left to right or
vertically from top to bottom. Where provided, add
value and decrease value function keys shall be
grouped with other function keys.
707.4.5.2 Marking. Function keys shall be marked with
tactile characters as follows: Enter or proceed key:
raised circle; Clear or correct key: raised vertical
line or bar; Cancel key: raised ex; Add value key:
raised plus sign; Decrease value key: raised minus
sign.
707.4.5.3 Color Coding. Where function keys are color
coded, they shall be colored as follows: Enter or
proceed key: green; Clear or correct key: black;
Cancel key: red; Add value key: blue; Decrease value
key: yellow.
707.5 Output. Output devices shall comply with 707.5.
Advisory 707.5: Speech output should be supplied for
all displayed text and labels. For information which
is presented in non-text form (e.g., a picture or
graphic), consider using a verbal description unless
the graphic is just decorative. When speech output is
utilized, allow for the spoken message to be repeated
if the message is very long. [end of advisory]
707.5.1 Privacy. The opportunity for the same degree
of privacy of output shall be available to all
individuals utilizing the equipment.
707.5.2 Transaction Prompts. All transaction prompts
within each operation shall be provided.
707.5.3 Input Verification. Verification of all user
inputs shall be provided.
Advisory 707.5.3: An audible beep may be used to
indicate that personal identification numbers have
been entered. [end of advisory]
707.5.4 Operating Instructions. Machines shall provide
visual and audible instructions for operation. Visual
and audible instructions shall include all information
required by 707.5.4.
707.5.4.1 Initiation. Instructions shall be able to be
initiated by the user of the machine.
707.5.4.2 Expedited Process. After initiation,
instructions shall be available for the experienced
user to expedite the transaction.
707.5.4.3 Orientation. Orientation and assistance for
unfamiliar users to the physical features of the
machine, operational options, and details for each
function shall be provided.
707.5.5 Audible Instruction. Audible instructions
shall be provided through a standard audio mini jack,
a telephone handset, a wireless transmission system or
another mechanism that is readily available to all
customers.
707.5.6 Video Display Screen. The video display screen
shall comply with 707.5.6.
Advisory 707.5.6: For video display screens required
to be accessible, the screen should be visible and
usable by persons standing and sitting. [end advisory]
707.5.6.1 Visibility. The screen shall be visible from
a point located 40 inches (1015 mm) above the center
of the clear floor space in front of the machine.
EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to
drive-up only automatic teller machines.
707.5.6.2 Characters. Characters displayed on the
screen shall be in a sans serif font. Characters shall
be 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum in height based on the
uppercase letter "I". Characters shall contrast with
their background with either light characters on a
dark background or dark characters on a light
background.
707.5.7 Dispensing of Bills. Machines that dispense
paper currency shall dispense the currency in
descending order with the lowest denomination on top.
707.5.8 Receipts and Verification. Where a receipt is
available and is requested, the following options
shall be provided: a printed receipt, audible
presentation of the transaction information provided
on the receipt, or both.
NOTE: Commenters may wish to provide input on the frequent
Advisory notes in section 707 above, especially 707.5 regarding
speech output. Additionally, commenters should address the
following question directly.
Question 31: While section 707 specifically addresses
"automatic teller machines" and "fare vending
machines," the Board is considering covering all types
of interactive transaction machines, such as
point-of-sale machines and information kiosks, among
others. Information is requested on any possible
design conflicts between the requirements of this
section and any specific types of interactive
transaction machines. The final rule may be modified
to specifically address unique characteristics of
certain types of interactive transaction machines.
NOTE: In addressing this question, commenters may wish to
provide comment on the Access Board's consideration of coverage
for this wide range of equipment.
NOTE: In addition, commenters may wish to provide the Access
Board with input on a related issue. Although other types of
interactive equipment, such as laundry equipment and vending
machines generally are covered by ADAAG and must be compliant
with reach range and other accessibility requirements, such
equipment is not similarly required to be made accessible to and
usable by people who are blind or visually impaired through the
use of tactile or differentiated controls and/or audible
prompts.
Question 34: The Board seeks comment on whether ATM
manufacturers or banks intend to provide customers who
need audio output receivers for accessing audible
output [as written]. In addition, the Board seeks to
know if customers would or currently do carry
receivers or if they view providing their own
receivers as an unreasonable expectation.
NOTE: This question addresses the responsibility to provide
headsets or other devices to be used with machines complying
with the new rules. Commenters may wish to address whether they
believe customers should bear this burden.
Topic 2: Detectible Warnings
ADA Technical Requirements Section 406, Curb Ramps
In 1996 the Access Board and the Departments of Justice and
Transportation extended the suspension of the detectable warning
requirements at intersections to July 26, 1998, to allow the
Board's ADAAG Review Advisory Committee to conduct its review of
ADAAG and to make recommendations for revising and updating the
document. The suspension has been extended to July 26, 2001. The
advisory committee recommended that the requirement for
detectable warnings at platform edges in transportation
facilities be retained.
ADA Technical Requirements Section 705, Detectable Warnings
The technical criteria for detectable warnings are consistent
with those in ADAAG 4.29 and those required on the boarding
platforms of transit stations in ADAAG 10.3.1(8). Provisions
have been added concerning boarding platforms that generally
recognize alternative tactile surfaces equally detectable
underfoot or other designs or technologies that provide equal or
superior drop-off warning. The revised section reads as follows:
705 Detectable Warnings
705.1 General. Detectable warnings required on
platform edges shall comply with 705.2, 705.3 or
705.4.
705.2 Truncated Domes. A 24-inch (610 mm) wide
truncated dome surface complying with 705.2 shall be
provided on the walking surface at the platform edge.
705.2.1 Dome Size. Domes shall have a diameter of 0.9
inch (23 mm), a height of 0.2 inch (5 mm) and a
center-to-center spacing of 2.35 inches (60 mm).
705.2.2 Contrast. The truncated dome surface shall
contrast visually with adjoining walking surfaces
either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material
used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of
the truncated dome surface.
705.2.3 Interior Locations. Detectable warnings in
interior locations shall differ from adjoining walking
surfaces in resiliency or sound-on-cane contact.
705.3 Equivalent Tactile Surface. A 24 inch (610 mm)
wide tactile surface shall be provided on the walking
surface at the platform edge. The tactile surface
shall provide equivalent detectability underfoot to
that provided by 705.2.1 and shall provide contrast in
accordance with 705.2.2.
705.4 Equivalent Detectability. Equivalent
detectability of the platform edge by other
construction, technology, or means that will ensure
equivalent or superior and reliable communication of
the impending change to pedestrians who are blind or
visually impaired shall be permitted. The information
to be communicated must include 24 inches (610 mm) of
advance warning of the platform edge and the precise
orientation of the platform edge in relation to the
pedestrian.
NOTE: Commenters may wish to offer their sense of the adequacy
of these provisions to ensure safety for blind and visually
impaired pedestrians.
Topic 3: Signs
ADA Scoping. Section 216. Signs
This provision retains the substance of scoping for exterior and
interior signs in ADAAG 4.1.2(7) and 4.1.3(16). Several
editorial changes are included for clarification. Scoping for
tactile signs is modified to apply to "permanent" room or space
designations in order to clarify coverage of signs that are not
likely to change. The Board has added an exception stating that
signs designating building addresses or names are not required
to meet requirements for tactile signs.
216.1 General. Signs shall be provided in accordance
with 216 and shall comply with 703.
EXCEPTION: In detention and correctional facilities,
signs not located in public use areas shall not be
required to comply.
216.2 Permanent Designations. Where exterior signs are
provided as permanent designations of permanent
interior rooms and spaces at the door to the space
they serve, the signs shall be tactile and shall
comply with 703.2. Where interior signs are provided
as permanent designations of permanent interior rooms
and spaces, the signs shall be tactile and shall
comply with 703.2. Where pictograms are provided as
permanent designations of permanent interior rooms and
spaces, the pictograms shall comply with 703.6 and
shall have tactile text descriptors complying with
703.2.
Advisory 216.2: "Permanent designations" label
interior rooms or spaces where the designation is not
likely to change over time. Examples include, interior
signs labeling restrooms, room and floor numbers or
letters, and room names. Tactile text descriptors are
required for pictograms that are provided to label or
identify a permanent room or space. Pictograms that
provide information about a room or space, such as "no
smoking," occupant logos, and accessibility
designations, are not required to have text
descriptors. [end advisory]
EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to signs
used to designate building addresses or building or
facility names.
216.3 Directional and Informational Signs. Signs that
provide direction to or information about permanent
interior spaces and facilities of the site shall
comply with 703.4.
Advisory 216.3: Information about a permanent room or
space includes rules of conduct, occupant load, and
similar signs. Signs providing direction to permanent
rooms or spaces include those that identify egress
routes. [end advisory]
EXCEPTION: Building directories, menus, and temporary
signs are not required to comply with 703.4.
216.4 Exit Doors. Exit doors shall be identified by
tactile signs complying with 703.2. ADA Technical
Requirements Section 703, Signs.
NOTE: Commenters may want to address the advisory section 216.2
above in that, for the first time, the requirements for sign
accessibility would be extended to signs bearing room names.
Based upon an old opinion letter issued by the Department of
Justice, only signs bearing room numbers were deemed to be
required to be accessible. This advisory provision, if made
mandatory, would change the effect of that opinion and provide
greater access.
ADA Technical Requirements. Section 703. Signs
703.1 General. Signs required to be accessible shall
comply with 703.
703.2 Characters that are Both Tactile and Visual.
Characters required to be tactile shall comply with
703.2. Tactile characters shall be duplicated in
Braille complying with 703.5.
EXCEPTION: Tactile characters shall be permitted to
comply with 703.3, where separate visual characters
complying with 703.4 provide the same information.
703.2.1 Finish and Contrast. Characters and their
background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters
shall contrast with their background with either light
characters on a dark background or dark characters on
a light background.
703.2.2 Tactile Characters. Tactile characters shall
be raised 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their
background. Raised borders and decorative elements
that are not required shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5
mm) minimum from tactile characters.
703.2.3 Character Forms. Fonts shall have characters
complying with 703.2.3.
703.2.3.1 Case. Characters shall be uppercase.
703.2.3.2 Style. Characters shall be sans serif.
Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script,
highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.
703.2.3.3 Width. Character width shall be 55 percent
minimum and 110 percent maximum the height of the
character with the width based on the uppercase letter
"O" and the height based on the uppercase letter "I".
703.2.3.4 Height. Character height measured vertically
from the baseline of the character shall be 5/8 inch
(16 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum based on
the uppercase letter "I".
703.2.3.5 Stroke Thickness. For characters with
rectangular cross sections, the stroke thickness of
the uppercase letter "I" shall be 10 percent minimum
and 15 percent maximum of the height of the character.
For characters with other cross sections, the stroke
thickness of the uppercase letter "I" shall be 10
percent minimum and 30 percent maximum of the height
of the character measured at the base of the cross
section. Stroke thickness at the top of the cross
section shall be 15 percent maximum of the height of
the character.
703.2.4 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be
measured between the two closest points of adjacent
characters within a message, excluding word spaces.
Where characters have rectangular cross sections,
spacing between individual characters shall be 1/8
inch (3 mm) minimum to 3/8 inch (10 mm) maximum. Where
characters have other cross sections, spacing between
individual characters shall be 1/16 inch (2 mm)
minimum to 3/8 inch (10 mm) maximum at the base of the
cross sections and 1/8 inch (3 mm) to 3/8 inch (10 mm)
maximum at the top of the cross sections.
703.2.5 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of
separate lines of characters in a sentence or
paragraph shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent
maximum of the character height.
703.2.6 Mounting Height. Characters shall be located
48 inches (1220 mm) minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm)
maximum above the adjacent floor or ground surface
measured from the baseline of the characters.
EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to
elevator car controls.
703.2.7 Mounting Location. Where a sign containing
tactile characters is provided at a door, the sign
shall be located alongside the door at the latch side.
Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors, the
sign shall be located to the right of the right hand
door. Where there is no wall space at the latch side
of a single door or to the right side of double doors,
signs shall be located on the nearest adjacent wall.
Signs containing tactile characters shall be located
so that a clear floor space of 18 inches (455 mm)
minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum, centered on the
sign, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing
between the closed position and 45 degree open
position.
EXCEPTION: Signs shall be permitted on the push side
of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.
703.3 Tactile Characters. Where tactile characters are
required and separate tactile and visual characters
with the same information are provided, tactile
characters shall comply with 703.3 and visual
characters shall comply with 703.4. Tactile characters
shall be duplicated in Braille complying with 703.5.
703.3.1 Tactile Characters. Tactile characters shall
be raised 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their
background. Raised borders and decorative elements
that are not required shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5
mm) minimum from tactile characters.
703.3.2 Character Forms. Fonts shall have characters
complying with 703.3.2.
703.3.2.1 Case. Characters shall be uppercase.
703.3.2.2 Style. Characters shall be sans serif.
Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script,
highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.
703.3.2.3 Width. Character width shall be 55 percent
minimum and 110 percent maximum the height of the
character with the width based on the uppercase letter
"O" and the height based on the uppercase letter "I".
703.3.2.4 Height. Character height measured vertically
from the baseline of the character shall be 1/2 inch
(13 mm) minimum and 3/4 inch (19 mm) maximum based on
the height of the uppercase letter "I".
703.3.2.5 Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the
uppercase letter "I" shall be 15 percent maximum of
the height of the character.
703.3.3 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be
measured between the two closest points of adjacent
character within a message, excluding word spaces.
Spacing between individual characters shall be 1/8
inch (3 mm) minimum to 1/4 inch (6 mm) maximum.
703.3.4 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of
separate lines of characters within a message shall be
135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the
character height.
703.3.5 Mounting Height. Characters shall be located
48 inches (1220 mm) minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm)
maximum above the adjacent floor or ground surface,
measured from the baseline of the characters.
EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to
elevator car controls.
703.3.6 Mounting Location. Where a tactile sign is
provided at a door, the sign shall be located
alongside the door at the latch side. Where a tactile
sign is provided at double doors, the sign shall be
located to the right of the right hand door. Where
there is no wall space at the latch side of a single
door or to the right side of double doors, signs shall
be located on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs
containing tactile characters shall be located so that
a clear floor space of 18 inches (455 mm) by 18 inches
(455 mm) minimum, centered on the sign, is provided
beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed
position and 45 degree open position.
EXCEPTION: Signs shall be permitted on the push side
of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.
703.4 Visual Characters. Visual characters required to
be accessible shall comply with 703.4.
703.4.1 Finish and Contrast. Characters and their
background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters
shall contrast with their background with either light
characters on a dark background or dark characters on
a light background.
Advisory 703.4.1: Signs are more legible for persons
with low vision when characters contrast with their
background by approximately 70 percent. Contrast in
percent can be determined by: contrast =[(B1-B2)/B1] x
100 where B1=light reflectance value (LRV) of the
lighter area and B2=light reflectance value (LRV) of
the darker area. Note: in any application both white
and black are never absolute; thus B1 never equals 100
and B2 is always greater than zero. [end advisory]
703.4.2 Character Forms. Fonts shall have characters
complying with 703.4.2.
703.4.2.1 Case. Characters shall be uppercase or
lowercase or a combination of both.
703.4.2.2 Style. Characters shall be conventional in
form. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script,
highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.
703.4.2.3 Width. Character width shall be 55 percent
minimum and 110 percent maximum the height of the
character with the width based on the uppercase letter
"O" and the height based on the uppercase letter "I".
703.4.2.4 Height. Minimum character height measured
from the baseline of the character shall comply with
Table 703.4.2.4 based on the height of the characters
above the finished floor of the viewing location and
the minimum viewing distance. Character height shall
be based on the uppercase letter "I". Minimum viewing
distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance
where an obstruction prevents further approach towards
the sign.
Table 703.4.2.4 Visual Character Dimensions
* Height of Floor to Baseline of Character: Minimum
Viewing Distance; Minimum Character Height
* Less than 40 inches (100 mm)(not permitted except
in elevators)
* 40 inches (100 mm) to less than or equal to 70
inches (1780 mm): less than 6 feet (1830 mm); 5/8
inch (16 mm)
* 40 inches (100 mm) to less than or equal to 70
inches (1780 mm): 6 feet (1830 mm) and greater;
5/8 inch (16 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot
(305 mm) of viewing distance above 6 feet (1830
mm)
* 70 inches (1780 mm) to less than or equal to 120
inches (3050 mm): less than 15 feet (4570 mm); 2
inches (51 mm)
* 70 inches (1780 mm) to less than or equal to 120
inches (3050 mm): 15 feet (4570 mm) and greater; 2
inches (51 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot
(305 mm) of viewing distance above 15 feet (4570
mm).
* Greater than 120 inches (3050 mm); less than 21
feet (6400 mm): 3 inches (75 mm)
* Greater than 120 inches (3050 mm); 21 feet (6400
mm) and greater: 3 inches (75 mm), plus 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance
above 21 feet (6400 mm). (End of Table 703.4.2.4)
703.4.2.5 Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the
uppercase letter "I" shall be 10 percent minimum and
30 percent maximum of the height of the character.
703.4.3 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be
measured between the two closest points of adjacent
characters, excluding word spaces. Spacing between
individual characters shall be 10 percent minimum and
35 percent maximum of character height.
703.4.4 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of
separate lines of characters shall be 135 percent
minimum and 170 percent maximum of the character
height.
703.4.5 Mounting Height. Visual characters shall be
located 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum above the floor of
the viewing position. Mounting heights shall comply
with Table 703.4.2.4 based on the size of the
characters on the sign.
703.5 Braille. Tactile characters shall be accompanied
by Grade II Braille complying with Table 703.5 and
703.5. Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded
shape.
Table 703.5 Braille Dimensions
* Measurement Range: Minimum in Inches; Maximum in
Inches
* Dot base diameter: 0.059 (1.5 mm); 0.063 (1.6 mm)
* Distance between two dots in the same cell
(measured center to center): 0.090 (2.3 mm); 0.100
(2.5 mm)
* Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent
cells (not permitted except in elevators): 0.241
(6.1 mm); 0.300 (7.6 mm)
* Dot height: 0.025 (0.6 mm); 0.037 (0.9 mm)
* Distance between corresponding dots from one cell
directly below (not permitted except in
elevators): 0.395 (10 mm); 0.400 (10.2 mm) (End
Table 703.5)
703.5.1 Location. Braille shall be located below the
corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, Braille
shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall
be separated 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) minimum from any other
tactile characters.
EXCEPTION: Braille provided on elevator car controls
shall be separated 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum and
shall be located either directly below or adjacent to
the corresponding tactile characters or symbols.
703.5.2 Raised Borders and Decorative Elements. Raised
borders and decorative elements that are not required,
shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from
Braille.
703.5.3 Height. Braille shall be located 40 inches
(1015 mm) minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum
above the floor measured from the baseline of the
Braille cells.
EXCEPTION: This requirement shall not apply to
elevator car controls.
703.6 Pictograms. Where pictograms are required to be
accessible, they shall comply with 703.6.
703.6.1 Pictogram Field. Pictograms shall have a field
height of 6 inches (150 mm) minimum. Characters or
Braille shall not be located in the pictogram field.
703.6.2 Finish and Contrast. Pictograms and their
field shall have a non-glare finish. Pictograms shall
contrast with their field with either a light
pictogram on a dark field or a dark pictogram on a
light field.
703.6.3 Text Descriptors. Where text descriptors for
pictograms are required, they shall located directly
below or adjacent to the pictogram and shall comply
with 703.2.
NOTE: Section 703.5 above provides specific criteria for
Braille. In the current ADAAG, the criteria for Braille is
located in the appendix which is only advisory in nature.
Commenters may wish to address the inclusion of these
specifications here. Additionally, the mounting height for signs
containing Braille has been changed from 60 inches off the
finished floor to the center line of the sign to 40 to 60 inches
off the finished floor to the baseline of the Braille cells on
the sign, providing greater flexibility and wider range for the
placement of accessible signs.
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End of Document
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