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Accessibility Statement

The Ocean City Arts Center (OCAC) is fully committed to ensuring that accessibility guidelines and requirements as set forth by the federal government and state of New Jersey are implemented in as timely and efficient a manner as possible.

OCAC has been consistently responsive to making the arts accessible for all people with disabilities and will continue to strive to provide the utmost accessible experience possible. Through OCAC programming, design, and service, we continue to reach out to and provide assistance and appropriate accommodation.

OCAC trains its staff and volunteers in order to encourage superior and effective communication and the practice of effective and sensitive techniques to serve members of the community with disabilities. OCAC is also committed to exercising best practice and outreach in regards to employing persons with disabilities, both in artistic and administrative/operational areas.

OCAC regularly reviews its policies and procedures to adapt, accommodate and address any issues or problems that might arise in regard to ADA compliance and will regularly assess its progress in achieving full compliance.

 

Non-discrimination Policy Statement

The Ocean City Arts Center does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, treatment of our employment in, its services, programs or activities. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status.

Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in The Ocean City Arts Center’s services, programs and activities. The Ocean City Arts Center 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, The Ocean City Arts Center makes it a priority to establish a workplace and environment that embraces the spirit of the law ensuring an optimal experience for all. Upon request, information will be made available in alternative formats such as (braille, large print, audiotape, computer disc, or via our website).

 

Accessibility Accommodations

The Ocean City Arts Center is happy to make an accessibility accommodation providing we have advance notice of two weeks. 

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Service Animal Policy

 

In full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), New Jersey State law, and with the policies of the City of Ocean City, the following was adopted on May 8, 2023:

Service Dogs

The Ocean City Arts Center (Center) grants access to Service Dogs with their people. A Service Dog is defined as individually trained (usually 18 to 24 months) to perform specific tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability. The tasks performed by a Service Dog must be directly related to the individual’s disability. 

Dogs whose sole function is “the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort or companionship” are not considered Service Dogs under ADA.

Requirements for Service Dogs

Service Dogs and their owners must meet the following requirements in rules:

• Service Dogs are required to be leashed or harnessed in the Center except when performing work where tethering would interfere with the dog’s ability to perform.

• While disabled individuals with Service Dogs are not required to carry any documentation as to the training of their animal, it is suggested that Service Dogs wear a vest indicating their status as a working dog.

• The Center requests that a student/patron make the front office aware of their Service Dog at the time of registration or if purchasing event tickets so that appropriate seating is assigned.

• A dog that fundamentally alters an activity (ex. barking) will be asked to leave. Similarly, if a person is unable to control their Service Dog, they may be asked to leave. Any fees paid for class or activity will be refunded.

Pets

The Center does not permit access in public spaces by any dogs (or other animals) deemed by law to be pets rather than Service Animals. Pets include but are not limited to Therapy Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs. If a person attends a class or event with a dog or other animal classified by law as a pet, that patron will be asked to leave. If fees were paid for said activity,  the patron will be given a full refund for the tickets.

Thank you for your cooperation.