December 10, 2009
The following recommendations are intended to assist local health departments (LHDs) with displaying the pictogram signage for use at Points of Dispensing (PODs). These recommendations are based primarily on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and United States Access Board Design Guidelines. These recommendations are not mandated by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Rather, following these recommendations closely can enhance the effectiveness of the signage.
General Recommendations
- Sign Placement. All signs should be displayed prominently. Avoid placing signs in places where there is surrounding clutter that will diminish the message and impact of the signage.
- Sign Finish. The characters and background of signs should be a matte or non-glare finish. (Source: Title III, The Americans With Disabilities Act)
- Mounting Location/Height. Mounting height should be 48-60 inches above the finish floor to the baseline of characters on the sign. Mounting location for the signage should allow a person to approach within 3 inches of signage without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of a door. (Source: Title III, ADA and U.S. Access Board proposed new federal signage regulations)
- Design Elements. The pictogram signage has been developed to meet ADA requirements. Please do not adjust or change the size of the pictogram symbol or the accompanying text.
- Customized Signage. LHDs have the option to customize the signage by adding logos, colored borders or other design elements. The signage is available in a variety of file formats, including JPEG, PDF and PowerPoint, as well as a range of sizes and layouts (horizontal and vertical).
- Additional Languages. If an LHD plans to add more than two language translations to a sign, please add them on a separate sign and mount it according to the ADA’s height requirements. Any additional languages could clutter the sign and negatively impact comprehension and effectiveness. A sign template for additional languages is available in PowerPoint format in the signage files.
- Drive-Thru/Outdoor Signage. VDH recommends using a minimum 18”x 24” signage size for the drive-thru flu clinics. Larger signage is better for increased visibility, but requires considerations for using signage stands/display techniques that can withstand adverse weather conditions. According to the U.S. Access Board, there are no ADA requirements for the height of outdoor signage in drive-thru locations.
