Designing ADA | Compliant Digital Donor Recognition Walls

Designing ADA-Compliant Digital Donor Recognition Walls

Introduction

A digital donor recognition wall is more than just a display—it’s a statement of gratitude, a storytelling canvas, and a public reflection of your organization’s values. But to truly be inclusive, these installations must follow ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines to ensure accessibility for all. This article outlines what to consider when designing ADA-compliant digital donor walls and how thoughtful design creates a more engaging experience.

Reach Ranges: Height Matters
Wall Depth & Cane Detectability
Floor Space and Approach
Best Practices for Inclusive Design
Why ADA Compliance Matters
Next Steps

Reach Ranges: Height Matters

Touchpoints must be within 15–48 inches from the floor. If users must reach over an obstruction, the max height drops to 44–46 inches. These ranges ensure that a person using a wheelchair can access the interactive or informational features.

Wall Depth & Cane Detectability

Objects between 27″ and 80″ above the floor must not extend more than 4 inches from the wall. The bottom edge of the donor wall should ideally be at least 27″ high to allow for knee clearance and be detectable by a white cane.

Accessibility for the Visually & Hearing Impaired

For low-vision users, use high-contrast visuals and large, readable fonts. Add Braille labels on physical buttons or frames. Offer audio instructions via speakers or headphone jacks. For those with hearing impairments, caption all video/audio content and provide visual cues.

Floor Space and Approach

Provide a clear floor space of at least 30″ x 48″ in front of the interactive area. Ensure front-facing, step-free access with enough turning radius for wheelchairs.

Recommendations

Best Practices for Inclusive Design

Why ADA Compliance Matters

Conclusion

Donor recognition is about celebrating generosity—and that celebration should be accessible to everyone. Donors come from all backgrounds and abilities, and ensuring they can see and engage with their names and stories is vital to honoring their contribution.

Creating an ADA-compliant digital donor wall isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about creating an experience that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. When accessibility is thoughtfully integrated into your design, it sends a powerful message: every individual’s presence and participation matters.

An inclusive donor wall reflects your organization’s values, avoids legal pitfalls, and ensures that all visitors—regardless of ability—can share in the pride, gratitude, and inspiration your wall represents. In doing so, you transform a display into a meaningful and memorable experience for all who encounter it.

Take the next step with Norvision

At Norvision, we specialize in custom interactive digital donor solutions that enhance engagement and create experiences worth talking about. Connect with us and we will help you create a place to generate buzz around your mission. Learn More about our Interactive Donor Wall Solutions