Our Accessibility Policy

 
Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, treatment of, or employment in its services, programs or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in services, programs and activities. LONJ has a designated 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 sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. While the above laws mandate equal access to people with disabilities, LONJ makes it a priority to establish an environment that embraces the spirit of the law, ensuring an optimal experience for all. Upon request, information will be made available in alternate formats such as large print, audiotape and/or computer electronic transfer.
Date of adoption: February 20, 2016

ADA Grievance Procedure

The purpose and goal of this Grievance Procedure is to:

  • resolve problems within the limits of the organization’s resources,
  • determine a solution that is mutually acceptable to the complainant and the organization,
  • recommend later solutions that permit greater access, and
  • provide a forum for the public discussion of concerns.

A grievance procedure provides for prompt and fair resolution of complaints received from the public. It is our goal that our long-range plan efforts will preclude the need for such resolution procedures. However, it is the function of the grievance procedure to resolve problems to the best of our ability by determining a solution that provides improved access. This procedure is defined for use in the event that Light Opera of New Jersey receives a complaint from the public in response to its action or inaction as it endeavors to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. All concerns voiced by the public will be considered as serious and will be addressed and documented.

Committee:
Members of Light Opera of New Jersey’s Board of Directors will form a Grievance Committee. This will consist of Light Opera of New Jersey’s ADA coordinator, two Access Advisory Board Members, Light Opera of New Jersey’s Managing Director, and when complaints pertain to the physical facility, a representative from the facility at which Light Opera of New Jersey is performing.

Process:

  • Light Opera of New Jersey’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 patron. The complainant may designate another person to act in their stead and other grievance committee members or Light Opera of New Jersey staff may join this meeting should they have pertinent information to resolve the matter.
  • Once information is gathered, the ADA Coordinator will discuss potential solutions with Light Opera of New Jersey management and determine what can be readily achieved. Proposed solutions will be presented to the complainant.
  • If an immediate action is not identified and/or the patron wishes to lodge a formal complaint, it should be made in writing to the ADA Coordinator. The written complaint must include:
    • Name, address and telephone number.
    • A description of the alleged violation and time.
    • What action the patron recommends to resolve the issue.
  • An informal investigation, as required, shall be performed by the ADA Coordinator upon the filing of the complaint. This provides the opportunity for all interested parties to submit documentation and other support information relevant to the complaint.
  • Within 30 days of the filed complaint, a meeting of the grievance committee and the complainant will be scheduled to take place. The patron will present their grievance for discussion with the committee. All parties will have the opportunity to present their positions in an equitable, hospitable environment.
    Recommendations for accommodation and a reasonable timeline will be agreed upon.
  • The recommendation will be voted upon by Light Opera of New Jersey’s Board of Directors and Trustees within 60 days of the meeting between the grievance committee and the complainant.

To request accommodation or register a complaint, please email our ADA coordinator at ADA@lonj.org.