Accessibility

Accessibility Statement – Board approved 8/2017

Allaire Village Inc. 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.
The State of New Jersey’s Division of Parks and Forestry, has been consistently responsive to making the village grounds and buildings/programs accessible for all people with disabilities and will continue to strive to provide the utmost accessible experience possible. Through Allaire Village Inc.’s programming, design, and service, we continue to reach out to and provide assistance and appropriate accommodation.
Allaire Village Inc. 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. Allaire Village Inc.  is also committed to exercising best practice and outreach in regards to employing persons with disabilities, in both administrative/operational areas.
Allaire Village Inc.  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. Allaire Village Inc. is committed to making its programs and facility accessible to everyone. If you have any questions about your visit please contact, Director of Historical Interpretation and Museum Programming 732-919-3500.

Internal Policies

 

Allaire Village Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, military service, or disability in admission or access to Allaire Village Inc., treatment of or employment in, its services, programs or activities.

 

Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in the Allaire Village Inc.’s services, programs and activities. Allaire Village Inc. 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, Allaire Village Inc. makes it a priority to establish a work place and environment that embraces the spirit of the law ensuring an optimal experience for all. Upon request, and 2 weeks’ notice, information will be made available in alternative formats.

 

Allaire Village Inc. understands the physical limitations of the village’s grounds and buildings. Allaire Village Inc. is committed to addressing the facility’s needs to eliminate physical barriers inside the venue as the historical architecture allows. This effort, combined with an ongoing array of services, has established Allaire Village Inc. as a venue to be enjoyed by all audiences.

 

All printed materials can be requested in large print addition with a weeks’ notice prior to the visit. Many materials are available on-line.

We currently arrange for guided tours for special needs groups requiring accommodations during their visit.

We also welcome and have worked, and will continue to work with those on the autism spectrum who visit or wish to volunteer with the village in an effort to expand their skills in interacting with others and the public.

Applicants who are differently abled are encouraged to apply for the internship program designed to find areas of interest in which they will find success and growth experiences.

 

Facilities

There are parking spaces designated for visitors with disabilities.

Main paths throughout the village are accessible by wheelchair.

The Visitor Center can be accessed through the back double doors which are wheelchair accessible. The Visitor Center is the first building a visitor comes to upon arrival at the Park or Historic Village and also contains the Museum and Row House exhibits.

Doors throughout the Historic Village (those on historic buildings) are made compliant when allowable (when the accommodation does not impact or alter the historic nature of the building.) Portable ramps are available for ease of entry. Please call ahead and let us know of your needed accommodations.

The Bakery has a ground level entrance at the back of the building, and is wheelchair accessible.

The General Store gift shop is accessible through the front door on the right hand side of the building and a ramp is available if needed. The first level of the store is wheelchair accessible but the second level is two steps up and there is no ramp to this area.

The Manager’s House has been ramped through the back entrance and is accessible on the first floor.

The Blacksmith Shop has a portable wooden wedge that, when in place, can be used to accommodate a wheelchair entering through the front.

The Carpenter Shop has a portable ramp to gain accessibility through the side door and the Wheelwright area has a double door which is currently accessible with a portable ramp.

The Allaire Residence is accessible through a ramped side door. Some of the inner doorways of the homes and work spaces are too narrow for a wheelchair to fit through – these, unfortunately cannot be altered but care is taken to bring out any objects of interest and interpret them for the patron. The residence is not accessible on the second floor.

“Look books” are available in both the Manager’s House and the Allaire Residence for those patrons unable to visit the second floor areas.

 

There is no fixed seating in any areas of the Village except for the Chapel. Chapel seats are pews and wheelchairs can be placed at the front or the back of the Chapel where there is ample room for at least 10 chairs. The entire space seats 100 patrons.

The Enameling building gift shop is not accessible to wheelchair users.

 

Programming

With 2 weeks’ notice, every effort will be made to offer appropriate accommodations to guests who contact us.

 

We will work with guests needing accommodations to assure they will be able to take advantage of workshop opportunities offered through our education program. Because of the nature of some of our crafting experiences, certain levels of mobility and dexterity will be necessary for a successful experience – we will do our best to make these experiences accessible as possible.