Our Commitment
Hackettstown Community Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the joy of concert band music to all members of our community. We are fully committed to ensuring that our performances, rehearsals, and digital spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New Jersey state laws.
Venue Accommodations
We perform in a variety of community settings, including outdoor parks, local houses of worship, and care facilities. While we do not own these facilities, we proactively collaborate with our host venues to ensure:
• Accessible entrances, pathways, and restroom facilities.• Designated, integrated wheelchair seating areas with companion seating.
Available Services & Alternative Formats
To ensure an inclusive experience for all concertgoers, we provide the following accommodations upon request:
• Accessible Programs: Large-print physical programs or digital, screen-reader-friendly concert programs accessible via QR code at the venue.• Musician Accommodations: We warmly welcome musicians of all abilities. Modified seating configurations, physical accommodations on stage, and alternative music formats can be arranged for band members.
Requesting Accommodations
If you or a family member require specific accommodations (such as American Sign Language interpretation, assistive listening devices, or specific physical seating assistance) to fully enjoy our performances, please contact our designated Accessibility Coordinator:
• Name / Title: Bob Loder director• Email: bob.loder@gnail.com
Please submit accommodation requests at least two weeks (14 days) prior to the scheduled performance so that we can coordinate with our venue partners to fulfill your request effectively.
Grievance and Feedback Procedure
We welcome your feedback on how we can improve our accessibility efforts. If you encounter any barriers or wish to file a formal accessibility grievance, please reach out directly to our Accessibility Coordinator using the contact information above. All grievances will be reviewed by our Board of Directors promptly to find an equitable solution.
This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the Hackettstown Community Band.
Step 1: Filing the Complaint
The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination, including the name, address, and phone number of the complainant, as well as the location, date, and description of the problem.
Alternative means of filing complaints—such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint—will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.
The complaint should be submitted by the complainant or their designee as soon as possible, but no later than 60 calendar daysafter the alleged violation, to our designated Accessibility Coordinator:
• ADA Coordinator: Bob Loder• Mailing Address: PO Box 721 Hackettstown NJ 07840• Email Address: bob.loder@gmail .com
Step 2: Investigation and Initial Response
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator (or their designee) will meet with or contact the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions.
Within 15 calendar days of that discussion, the ADA Coordinator will respond in writing (or, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print or audio recording). The response will explain the position of the Hackettstown Community Band and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint
Step 3: Appeal to the Board of Directors
If the response by the ADA Coordinator does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant or their designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receiving the initial response.
The appeal should be submitted in writing to the President of the Board of Directors at at mailing address PO Box 721 Hackettstown NJ o7840
Within 15 calendar days after receiving the appeal, the Board President (or a designated committee of the Board) will review the case and meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after that meeting, the Board President will respond in writing with a final resolution of the complaint.
Record Retention
All written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator, appeals to the Board of Directors, and responses from these offices will be retained by the Hackettstown Community Band for at least three (3) years from the date of the final resolution.
1. Policy Statement
The Hackettstown Community Band is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all musicians, volunteers, audience members, and guest artists. We believe that music is a universal language that thrives on diversity, equity, and mutual respect.
The Hackettstown Community Band does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws—including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD)—in any of its activities, programs, or operations.
2. Scope of Application
This policy applies to all aspects of our organization’s operations, including but not limited to:
• The audition, selection, and seating of volunteer musicians.• The recruitment and election of Board members and committee volunteers.• The selection of guest artists, conductors, and vendors.• The treatment of, and provisions for, audience members at all public performances and events.
3. Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion
In alignment with this policy, the Hackettstown Community Band is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to our rehearsals and performances. We proactively work with our rented and borrowed venues (including schools, churches, parks, and care facilities) to accommodate the physical, visual, and auditory needs of our members and patrons.
4. Reporting and Enforcement
Any musician, volunteer, or member of the public who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination within any Hackettstown Community Band program or event is encouraged to report the incident.
• Reports regarding general discrimination should be directed to the Board President at beaglejs@att.net.• Reports specifically regarding disability accessibility should follow our formal ADA Grievance Procedure and be directed to our ADA Coordinator at bob.loder@gmail.com.
All reports will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially by the Board of Directors. Retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination of band membership or volunteer status.