In the UK, accessibility is a fundamental right. All businesses and public spaces must be designed to accommodate people of all abilities. Signage, as an important form of public communication, plays a significant role in ensuring that these spaces are inclusive to everyone.
Understanding Accessibility
Accessibility means that everyone, regardless of their disability, has equal access to goods, services and other everyday opportunities. This includes people with visual, hearing, physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities.
Did you know that according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are approximately 16 million disabled people in the UK? This represents as much as 24% of a business’s typical customer base.
The Role of Signage in Accessibility
Signage serves as a vital tool for informing, directing and influencing people. When designed with accessibility in mind, signage can help to:
Provide clear and concise information: Accessible signage should try to be as easy as possible to read and understand
Guide people through spaces: Signage can help people navigate unfamiliar environments, such as public buildings, transportation hubs and shops
Communicate important messages: Signage can be used to convey essential information, including important safety instructions or emergency procedures, for example, in case of evacuation after your fire alarm sounds
Key Principles of Accessible Signage
Visibility: Signs should be clearly visible from a distance and under different lighting conditions
Contrast: There should be sufficient contrast between the text and background to make it as easy as possible to read for those without great eyesight
Font size: The text should be large enough to be easily read from a distance
Simplicity: Avoid clutter and excess information. Instead keep the message clear and concise
Location: Signs should be placed in strategic locations where they will be easily seen and their relevance understood
Braille: You can look to add braille to your signs to engage with people with visual impairments
Audio descriptions: Audio descriptions can also be provided through audio beacons or mobile apps to help those who don’t see well
Tactile signage: Tactile signage is another great way of communicating you’re your visually impaired customers through their sense of touch
Accessibility Standards in the UK
The Equality Act 2010 sets out the legal framework for equality and discrimination in the UK. This Act requires businesses and public bodies to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that their services are accessible to disabled people.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) also publishes standards related to accessibility which can offer you guidance on accessible design.
Examples of Accessible Signage
Clear and concise wayfinding signs: These signs should provide clear directions and information, using simple language and symbols
Braille signage: Braille can be a great addition to signs in high footfall public places, such as train stations and airports
Audio beacons: Similarly these devices can be used to provide audio descriptions of signs for people with visual impairments
Tactile maps: Tactile maps can be used to help people with visual impairments navigate large and complex environments
Accessible signage for people with cognitive impairments: This can include your using simple language, avoiding jargon and providing clear visual cues.
Challenges and Best Practices
Cost: Implementing accessible signage can be costly, particularly for small businesses. However, there are government grants and funding available to help businesses make necessary adjustments. At FASTSIGNS Manchester we can help you get the signage you need to fit your budget
Training: Your staff need to be trained on how to use and maintain accessible signage
Regular reviews: Your signage should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains accessible and effective
Consultation: Don’t forget it’s really important to consult with disabled people during the design and implementation of signage to ensure that it meets their needs.
The Importance of Inclusive Design
Beyond signage, inclusive design encompasses a broader approach to creating environments that are accessible to everyone. This includes factors such as:
Physical access: Ensuring that the spaces you are attracting customers into are accessible to people with mobility impairments
Information access: Providing information in a variety of formats, including braille, audio and large print.
Communication access: Ensuring that your communication channels are accessible to people with hearing or speech impairments.
By prioritising inclusive design, businesses and public bodies can create more welcoming and inclusive environments that benefit everyone irrespective of their physical abilities.
The Future of Accessible Signage
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in making signage accessible. For example, digital signage can be used to provide real-time information and updates for your customers and can even be customised to meet the needs of different users. Augmented reality can also be used to provide additional information and context for people with visual impairments.
The Takeaway
Accessible signage is essential for creating inclusive environments, something we at FASTSIGNS Manchester wholeheartedly support. By following the principles outlined in this blog, businesses and public bodies can ensure that their signage meets the needs of all users, including people with a range of disabilities.
By investing in accessible signage and inclusive design, we can create a more equitable and welcoming society for everyone. Just what we all want to achieve!