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    ADA Signage Glossary

    Definitions and explanations for building code and accessibility terminology.

    A

    ADA 2010 Standards

    The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the current federal accessibility requirements for public accommodations.

    C

    California Title 24

    California Building Standards Code accessibility requirements, specifically Chapter 11B for accessibility.

    California Geometric Symbols

    12-inch raised shapes (triangle for men, circle for women) required on California restroom doors per Title 24.

    California AB 1732

    California law requiring single-user restrooms to be identified as all-gender, effective March 2017.

    D

    Domed Braille

    Braille dots that are rounded/domed rather than flat, as required by ADA for readability.

    G

    Grade 2 Braille

    Contracted Braille using abbreviations and contractions to reduce space, required by ADA for all tactile signs.

    I

    IBC 2026

    The 2026 edition of the International Building Code, adopted by most U.S. jurisdictions for building requirements.

    ISA Symbol

    The International Symbol of Accessibility, a white figure in a wheelchair on blue background, identifying accessible features.

    L

    Latch Side

    The side of a door where the latch/handle is located, where tactile signs must be mounted.

    M

    Mounting Height

    The vertical distance from floor to sign, specified as 48-60 inches AFF to character baseline for tactile signs.

    P

    Photoluminescent

    Material that absorbs ambient light and glows in darkness, used for egress signs visible during power outages.

    T

    Tactile Characters

    Raised text that can be read by touch, required on permanent room identification signs per ADA.