Accessible Entrance Signs: Where Should They Be Displayed?

An accessible entrance isn't much help if visitors can't find it.

Accessible Entrance signs can help customers, employees and visitors identify an entrance that provides an accessible route into a building—and directional signs can guide people towards it when the entrance isn't immediately obvious.

But where should the signs actually be displayed?

The most useful answer is:

Display accessibility information before someone needs to decide which way to go.

That could mean a sign at the entrance itself, but it can also mean signs in the car park, at the main approach or at junctions along the accessible route.

Here's how to work out what your premises may need.

What Is an Accessible Entrance Sign?

An Accessible Entrance sign identifies or directs people towards an entrance that can be reached and used as part of an accessible route.

Signs commonly use the recognised wheelchair accessibility symbol together with wording, a directional arrow or both.

Depending on the premises, you might use signs such as:

Accessible Entrance

Accessible Entrance →

← Accessible Entrance

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access →

Ramp Access →

The correct sign depends on what you need to communicate and where the person viewing it needs to go.

Where Should an Accessible Entrance Sign Be Displayed?

Start by asking whether the accessible entrance is immediately obvious to somebody arriving for the first time.

If it is, identification at the entrance may be enough.

If it isn't, directions may be needed earlier in the journey.

Potential locations include:

• Site entrances

• Car parks

• Pedestrian approaches

• Main entrances

• Alternative entrance routes

• Junctions

• Ramps

• Gates

• Reception areas

• Routes between buildings

Don't choose locations simply because they're convenient places to mount a sign.

Put the information where the visitor actually needs it.

1. At the Accessible Entrance

The entrance itself should be clearly identifiable where signage is needed.

Position the sign where somebody approaching the door can see that they've reached the correct entrance.

Consider what happens during normal operation.

For example, if a sign is mounted on a door that spends much of the day held open, does the sign disappear from view?

A sign mounted beside the entrance may sometimes remain more visible.

Also consider:

• Mounting height

• Lighting

• Other signs around the doorway

• Direction of approach

• Obstructions

• Viewing distance

The objective is straightforward:

Someone reaching the entrance should be able to recognise it.

2. At the Main Entrance If It Isn't Accessible

This is one of the most important locations to consider.

If visitors naturally approach a principal entrance that isn't accessible, don't leave them to discover the alternative entrance themselves.

Provide clear information directing them towards the accessible entrance.

For example:

Accessible Entrance →

is much more useful than simply displaying the wheelchair accessibility symbol at another entrance around the building.

The visitor needs the information before starting down the wrong route .

3. At the Site Entrance

On larger premises, the accessible route may begin well before the building.

Consider a visitor entering:

• A business park

• A school

• A healthcare site

• A factory

• A hotel

• A leisure facility

• A large office complex

If there are several buildings, entrances or routes, directional accessibility signage may be useful from the point where visitors first need to make a choice.

This is particularly important where the accessible entrance isn't visible from the site entrance.

4. In the Car Park

For many visitors, the accessibility journey begins in the car park.

Stand beside the accessible parking bays and look towards the building.

Can you tell which entrance to use?

If not, additional directional signage may be useful.

Think about the sequence:

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

↓

Accessible Entrance →

↓

Accessible Route

↓

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE

The parking bay and entrance shouldn't be treated as unrelated facilities.

Consider the journey between them.

5. Where the Accessible Route Splits From the Main Route

Sometimes the obvious route towards a building includes steps or another feature that means an alternative accessible route is provided.

This is a critical decision point.

Don't put the first accessibility direction sign halfway along the alternative route.

Position information where someone needs to choose between the routes.

For example:

Main Entrance ↑

Accessible Entrance →

The exact wording will depend on the premises, but the principle remains the same:

Give directions before the decision—not after it.

6. At Ramps

Where a ramp provides the accessible route to an entrance, make it easy to locate.

A sign beside the ramp can identify it.

But if the ramp isn't visible from the normal approach, directional signs may be required earlier.

Consider:

Ramp Access →

or an appropriate accessible-route direction sign.

Again, don't wait until someone has found the ramp to tell them where the ramp is.

7. At Junctions & Changes of Direction

An accessible entrance may be around the side or rear of a building, particularly in older premises.

If the route changes direction several times, one sign at the beginning may not be enough.

Walk the route.

Every time you reach a junction, ask:

**“If I