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Signage
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This is an example of a sign giving street name information with both raised print and Braille on a traffic light pole.This is an example of a sign giving street name information with both raised print and Braille on a traffic light pole.

This is an example of a sign that has poor contrast with its background as the information is not easily seen.This is an example of a sign that has poor contrast with its background as the information is not easily seen.

This is an example of a sign that can be easily read due to the non-reflective material used to make the sign.This is an example of a sign that can be easily read due to the non-reflective material used to make the sign.

This is an example of a sign giving directional information using raised print, Braille and raised symbols.This is an example of a sign giving directional information using raised print, Braille and raised symbols.

This is an example of a street sign with clear fonts.This is an example of a street sign with clear fonts.

This is a example of a well contrasted sign as it is easy to read the informationThis is a example of a well contrasted sign as it is easy to read the information.

“Because of bad signage, I have accidentally found myself in the wrong toilets before now. Most embarrassing!! It is so much easier to just place a hand on a sign, feel the symbol and know that you are in the right place. Much better than to have to ask a total stranger where the toilets are. This can be dangerous if you are out late at night or in an unfamiliar place”.

- Guide Dogs Client

Many people who suffer impaired vision have some residual vision - some are able to read print signage, however many are not. It is necessary, therefore, to provide alternatives to ensure effective communication. These may include tactile symbols, verbal announcements or one-on-one assistance for locating a specific location.

Some examples of providing printed information in alternate formats include:

  • train arrival/departure/destination information provided in both print and audio formats
  • audio-tactile traffic signals
  • A person seeking assistance from a help point or from another person.

Signage currently falls into two basic categories for people with vision impairment. Print signs that are useful for people with residual vision and tactile and Braille signs that are useful for people unable to read print.

So how do you choose the correct sign? The following factors might assist your choice.

  • Tactile and Braille
  • Print
  • Font/Writing Style
  • Symbols
  • Colour
  • Positioning
  • Lighting

Tactile and Braille Signage

Tactile signs consist of raised shapes, for example the raised shape of a woman on a toilet door. As not all people with vision impairment read Braille, it is important to provide both Braille and tactile signage. Braille uses raised writing in the form of a cell of 6 dots which is read by touch. Different combinations of raised dots within a cell signify different letters, abbreviations and words.

Print Signage

All print signs should conform to the relevant Australian Standard which outlines the requirements for font size, purpose, location, and illumination. These are minimum standards based on the viewing distance for a person with normal vision. People with vision impairment usually require larger print than these specified sizes. Please refer to Australian Standards for more specific information on print signage standards.

Font/Writing Style

A sign's readability is highly affected by its font and print case. Though there are currently no standards for print type, Blind Citizens Australia currently recommends the use of Sans Serif font types. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT does not recommend the use of upper case lettering, for example “FIRE ESCAPE”.

Symbols

Simple lettering, distinctive logos and symbols can help convey information effectively where print may be difficult to use e.g. male and female symbols for toilets are instantly recognisable. Many symbols are internationally recognised, such as the wheelchair sign to indicate facilities for people with a disability.

Colour

Low contrast signage can be difficult to locate and read clearly.  Printed information should contrast with the sign’s background surface. See more on Luminance Contrast.

A sign should also contrast with the background against which it is viewed. A sign placed against a surface with insufficient contrast should be increased in size. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT recommends an increase in both signage and font size for low contrast signs.

Positioning Signs

Signs should be positioned so that they are clearly visible from both seated and standing positions.

When positioning signage, important considerations include:

  • distance at which a person with vision impairment must stand to see the sign
  • length of time required to read the sign by a person with vision impairment
  • consistent placement of signs
  • placement of overhead signs at least 2000mm above the ground level but preferably 2400mm above the ground level (Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice, Part 13)

As a practical example, consider signage outside a room. Signage is best placed on the wall beside the door in a position where a person with vision impairment can read it without blocking the path of other pedestrians. Within a building, all signs should be placed in the same position and at the same height beside each door where information is required.

Lighting of signs

When positioning and lighting signage, important considerations include:

  • Direct and indirect lighting levels throughout the day e.g. afternoon sun may cause glare, making signage unreadable
  • Readability in both natural and artificial light
  • Use of non-reflective materials for signage and viewing background.

For more information, see more on Lighting.