How do blind people know where to find the ADA signs in public places?

Exactly What Is an ADA Sign?

An ADA sign is not synonymous with a Braille sign. From Wikipedia, authored by Sharon Toji, The ADA Sign Lady

The term "ADA Signs" has come into common use in the architectural, construction and signage industries with the advent of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, it's a misunderstood term. Most people think it's synonymous with braille signs. Certainly, signs with braille and raised characters are the most visible manifestation of the law requiring access to the built environment, but the sign standards in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, or ADAAG, require much more than just braille and raised characters on some signs.

Imagine walking down a hall blindfolded, like during a fire emergency. Instinctively, you'd reach for the wall, using the "trailing" technique (holding out your arm with the back of your hand leading) taught in vision loss training centers. Trailing lets you find doorways and doorknobs easily as their heights are standardized.

For signs, those with low or no vision sweep the wall on either side of the door at around "eye height" (where signs usually are). If not there, the door center's checked. ADA signs is often at the bottom. Standards, like those in the Americans with Disabilities Act, matter. Once you learn the method through proper training and practice with a white cane or guide dog, it becomes second nature. I struggled at first with trailing, but now it's efficient, and my cane or guide dog helps me reach doors.

Blind people can find the ADA signs because they are always in the same place:
703.4.1 Height Above Finish Floor or Ground. Tactile characters on signs shall be located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the highest tactile character.
703.4.2 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 with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with two active leafs, 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 at 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 tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.

-ADA-ABA Guidelines (Applies to US only)

The set ADA-ABA Guidelines ensure predictability. The height and location stipulations mean blind individuals know where to look, be it along the latch side of single doors or specific spots on double doors, with the right clear floor space. This consistency, paired with tactile features like Braille and raised textures, empowers them to navigate public spaces, find doors, and access crucial signage independently.

American Made ADA Compliant Signs

ADA Signs are widely used in various fields. In public buildings such as hospitals, railway stations, and libraries, ADA Signs assist visually impaired people in accurately finding the places they need to go. For example, beside the elevator buttons in a hospital, the ADA Signs clearly indicate the floors, enabling visually impaired patients to reach the corresponding departments smoothly on their own.

The tactile paving on the street is also an important application of ADA Signs. It guides visually impaired people along a safe walking path, allowing them to travel freely in the city. Just imagine how crucial it is for visually impaired people to be able to reach their desired destinations relying on the tactile paving and the ADA Signs along the way. In shopping malls, ADA Signs are sometimes found on product labels, which enables visually impaired people to understand product information and have the right to make independent choices when shopping. Similarly, on the signboards in some public service places, ADA Signs are combined with ordinary text to ensure that visually impaired people can also obtain accurate information.

ADA Signs are not only a practical tool but also a manifestation of respect and care for visually impaired people. They reflect the inclusiveness and civilization level of society. Each of us should be aware of the importance of ADA Signs and refrain from randomly damaging or occupying facilities with ADA Signs such as tactile paving. Let's work together to further improve the application of ADA Signs and create a more convenient and friendly environment for visually impaired people. Let these small signs become the beacons in their lives, illuminating their way forward, enabling them to better integrate into society and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Caring for visually impaired people starts with attaching importance to ADA Signs.