FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 25 : Designing Interiors for the Hearing Handicapped

Signage

People with hearing impairments benefit from having information presented as visual displays. The location of signs is as important as the lettering.

For exterior areas, signs need to be:

• Located near the entrance between the ground and eye level
• Positioned where they will not cause injury and in an accessible place so a hearing impaired person can obtain an un obscured, un cluttered view

For interior areas, the placement of signs is equally important. They should be placed at eye level near doorways or traffic areas, and clearly defined. Use large print signs with good, bold text and clear contrast such as black on white. Signs placed on glass panels or doors can be problematic and should generally be avoided. Be consistent with both style and placement of signage.