Signage and Wayfinding

• Maps
  Maps should be provided in accessible formats, including large print, braille, and digital versions that can be accessed using assistive technologies. Maps should also be clearly displayed at key entry points and throughout the facility, enabling visitors to navigate independently. Maps should be designed with clear labels, high contrast, and low clutter.
• Informational Signs
  Informational signs should be simple and to the point, avoiding excessive text and using easy-to-read fonts. For accessibility, informational signs should also incorporate high-contrast colors, readable fonts (sans serif), tactile features like braille, and pictograms to aid comprehension.
• Directional Signs
  Directional signs should be placed at regular intervals and be easy to locate. The button of the sign should be no higher than 48” and should be large enough to be seen from a distance and should include both text and symbols or images when possible. It’s best to also include “you are here” information to help visitors orient themselves in the space.
• Exhibition and Artifact/Object Labels
  Labels should include large, clear fonts with high contrast and provide information in a manner that is both informative and easy to understand. For accessibility, these labels can be presented in braille (grade 1 level is recommended, visit the Braille page of the Hub to learn more) and provide sufficient space between the text and other elements to ensure readability.
• Viewing Distance for Signs
  Signs should be placed at an appropriate height and distance to be easily visible from multiple vantage points. This includes making sure signs are positioned for both seated and standing visitors, and are placed within sightlines at common entry points and turning areas. Signs should never be placed so a guest needs to lean into an exhibit or lean over a barrier.

• Ensure cognitive accessibility
  Ensure that signage is cognitively accessible by simplifying language, providing clear and recognizable visual cues and symbols, and offering multiple formats (such as digital versions, large print, or audio recordings).
• Provide multilingual signage
  Offer multilingual signage in key areas when possible. This helps people who may not speak the primary language of the institution, furthering the institution’s commitment to inclusivity.
• Use consistent design
  Use consistent symbols, fonts, and colors across all signs to create a cohesive and easy-to-navigate wayfinding system.
• Use standardized symbols of accessibility
  Universal Access Symbols use a set of widely recognized symbols to convey information quickly and without the need for words. These icons are essential for making spaces more accessible to people with disabilities. They should be incorporated into all signage, particularly for directional and informational signs, to assist visitors in navigating the space. These icons should adhere to international standards for legibility and usability. Refer to the Hub page on Access Symbols for more information.
• Incorporate best practices for accessible design
  Ensure your signs use easy to read fonts (such as sans serif) when possible, font size is legible from a distance, that they are high contrast, and that any images or symbols used are clear and understandable.
• Engage People with Disabilities
  Involve people with various types of disabilities in the design process to ensure the system is truly accessible and meets various needs.
• Ensure signage is regularly maintained
  Regularly check and maintain signage to ensure it remains clear, readable, and functional. This includes checking that braille remains legible, that signs are not obstructed by objects or foliage (if outdoors), and that all wayfinding elements are up to date.

Many signage and wayfinding features rely on sight. Services that can help blind/ low vision people navigate spaces include:

• Visual interpreting service apps
  Many blind and low vision people use apps such as “Aira” or “Be My Eyes” to receive verbal guidance as they navigate a space. Organizations such as museums can become Aira Access Partners and provide the service for free to their patrons.
• Sighted guides
  Cultural organizations can train members of their staff to be Sighted Guides that assist blind/low vision people to safely navigate through space, and provide verbal guidance and description of the path traveled and features of the space, such as stairs, obstacles, etc.
• Tactile maps
  Tactile maps provide blind or low vision users an opportunity to experience maps through touch via the use of raised lines, textures, and braille to diagrammatically represent areas or locations (e.g. cities, countries, neighborhoods, college campuses, museums). Tactile maps may include some visual information, like high-contrast color and large print text.
• Tactile markers/indicators
  Tactile markers or indicators provide high visual contrast and raised or textured elements that are built in or applied to flooring in circulation paths or other elements to warn people who are blind or low vision of hazards, changes in terrain, or changes to the circulation path or path of travel.