Accessibility signage can help visitors, employees and customers identify accessible entrances, routes, toilets, parking spaces and other facilities around a building or site.

Rather than treating each sign as an isolated product, consider the complete journey someone needs to make through your premises.

Can they identify where to park, which entrance to use, how to reach the facility they need and where assistance is available?

Accessible Entrance Signs

Accessible entrances should be easy to identify.

Where the accessible entrance isn't the obvious or principal entrance, directional signage can help people find the correct route without having to ask for assistance.

Consider the journey from the site boundary or car park as well as the sign immediately beside the door.

If somebody reaches an inaccessible entrance before discovering that the accessible entrance is around the building, the wayfinding information has arrived too late.

Accessible Route & Ramp Signs

Directional accessibility signs can help people follow an accessible route through or around premises.

They can be useful where someone needs to find a ramp, alternative entrance, lift or another accessible route.

Position directional signs at the points where someone needs to decide which way to go, particularly at junctions and changes of direction.

Accessible & Disabled Toilet Signs

Accessible toilet signs help identify facilities quickly and clearly.

A door sign may be sufficient where the toilet is immediately visible, but larger buildings can also need directional signs along the route.

Consider whether a first-time visitor could find the accessible toilet without having to ask a member of staff.

Disabled & Accessible Parking Signs

Accessible parking signs can help drivers identify bays intended for disabled or Blue Badge holders.

Depending on the site, signage may be required at individual bays and at earlier decision points where drivers need directions towards accessible parking.

Also consider the route from the parking space to the accessible entrance.

Accessible Lift Signs

Where a lift forms part of an accessible route through a building, signs can help people locate it.

Directional arrows may be useful where the lift isn't immediately visible from the entrance, reception area or main circulation route.

Think about both identifying the lift itself and directing people towards it.

Hearing Loop & Assistance Signs

Accessibility isn't limited to wheelchair access.

Where hearing-assistance facilities such as an induction loop are available, appropriate signage can help visitors identify where they can use them.

Position signs where people are likely to need the information, such as reception desks, counters, meeting rooms or other relevant service points.

Accessible Refuge Signs

Refuge-point signs identify designated refuge locations provided as part of a building's emergency arrangements.

These signs have a different purpose from general accessibility wayfinding and should correspond with the building's actual fire and evacuation arrangements.

Don't use a refuge sign simply as a general wheelchair-access symbol.

Choosing Accessibility Signs

Start with the person using the building rather than the sign catalogue.

Ask:

Where will they arrive?

Can they identify accessible parking?

Can they find the accessible entrance?

Can they follow an accessible route?

Can they find the toilet or lift?

Can they identify available assistance?

Then choose signs that communicate the information at the point where it's needed.

Choosing the Right Size & Material

The appropriate sign depends on its location and viewing distance.

Small door signs may work well for identifying an accessible toilet or facility at close range. Outdoor directional signs may need to be considerably larger.

Also consider whether the sign will be installed indoors or outdoors, the mounting surface, lighting, surrounding visual clutter and how far away it needs to be recognised.

The Sign Shed offers accessibility signage in a range of materials and sizes for different locations.

Made in Britain Accessibility Signs

The Sign Shed manufactures disabled and accessibility signs in Britain for businesses, schools, workplaces, hospitality premises, healthcare environments and other organisations.

Choose signs for accessible entrances, toilets, routes, parking, ramps, lifts, hearing assistance and other facilities in a range of sizes and materials for indoor and outdoor locations.