ACCESS

New Jersey Ballet is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that its programs reach diverse audiences. NJB offers Sensory Friendly performances, designed to create a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. The Ballet also provides free movement classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease, offering participants an opportunity to experience the joy of movement through dance. To further enhance accessibility, NJB offers large print programs and audio described performances upon request, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage with its performances and initiatives. Through these initiatives, NJB remains committed to making the art of ballet an enriching experience for all members of the community.

NON DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Of all the arts, dance alone – the universal power of movement – communicates to all people regardless of their language, culture, education, physical and mental ability or disability. Occasionally, people who are visually impaired or even blind join their families and community at performances. New Jersey Ballet welcomes all with open arms. It is our priority to meet our audience as they are and to help them understand and enjoy the magic of dance.

New Jersey Ballet does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to its services, programs, or activities. Upon prior request submitted in writing for receipt no less than two weeks prior to the performance for which accommodation is being requested, accommodations will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in New Jersey Ballet services, programs and activities (e.g. large print and audio description). Requests for accommodation may be forwarded to New Jersey Ballet via mail to the address below or by email to access@njballet.org.

New Jersey Ballet has designated an ADA Coordinator to facilitate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as required by Section 35.107 of the U.S. Department of Justice regulations, and to coordinate compliance with Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

While the above laws mandate equal access to people with disabilities, New Jersey Ballet makes it a priority to establish a workplace and environment that embraces the spirit of the law, ensuring an optimal experience for all.

Revised and updated December 5, 2023

ADA Coordinator: David Tamaki, Executive Director

ADA GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

New Jersey Ballet makes a good faith effort to comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and has developed a long-range plan to become ADA compliant. This Grievance Procedure is designed to provide prompt and fair resolution of any complaints regarding accessibility from the public. It is hoped that our long-range plan will eliminate the need for a Grievance Procedure. However, should a Grievance be reported, we will implement this Procedure to resolve the problem and, if necessary, amend our long-range ADA Compliance plan. The Grievance Committee consists of New Jersey Ballet’s ADA Coordinator and two Access Advisory Board Members. Additional New Jersey Ballet staff members may be invited to participate if a Grievance is related to their area of responsibility. If the complaint relates to a performance venue, the ADA Coordinator for that facility will also join the Grievance Committee.

The procedure is as follows:

• First, New Jersey Ballet’s ADA Coordinator will meet with the Complainant on an informal basis to determine the nature of the concern, to discuss the issue and answer any questions raised by the Complainant. The Complainant may designate another person to act in their stead and other Grievance Committee members may join this meeting should they have pertinent information to
resolve the matter.

• Following this meeting, New Jersey Ballet’s ADA Coordinator will meet with members of the Committee to discuss potential solutions and determine what can readily be achieved. The ADA Coordinator will then present proposed solutions to the Complainant.

• If an immediate action is not identified and/or the Complainant wishes to pursue the matter, a formal complaint should be made in writing to the ADA Coordinator. The written complaint must include:
Complainant’s Name, Address and Telephone Number
A description of the alleged violation including time and place.
A solution the Complainant recommends to resolve the issue.

• The ADA Coordinator will accept the written complaint and institute an informal investigation into the matter. All interested parties will be invited to submit documentation and other supporting information relevant to the complaint.

• A meeting of the Grievance Committee and the Complainant will be scheduled within 60 days of receiving the written complaint. The Complainant will present his/her grievance for discussion, and all parties will present their positions. The goal of the meeting is for all parties to arrive at a recommendation for accommodation and a reasonable timeline in which to achieve it.

• Within 90 days of the Grievance Committee-Complainant meeting, the agreed-on recommendation will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval. This resolution will then become part of New Jersey Ballet’s long-range ADA Compliance plan.