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.