Township of Monroe

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Grievance Policy and Procedure

1. Purpose

The Township of Monroe is committed to ensuring equal access to all municipal programs, services, activities, and facilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended. This grievance procedure is established to provide a prompt and equitable process for resolving complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability.

2. ADA Coordinator

The Township designates the following individual as ADA Coordinator:

Christine Scola
ADA Coordinator
Township of Monroe, New Jersey
125 Virginia Avenue
856.728.9800 x205
cjscola@monroetownshipnj.org

The ADA Coordinator is responsible for receiving, reviewing, investigating, and resolving ADA-related complaints.

3. Filing a Grievance

Any individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of municipal services, programs, or activities may file a grievance.

Grievances should be submitted as soon as possible after the alleged incident and should generally be in writing. The complaint should include:

  • Name, address, telephone number, and email of the complainant
  • Date, location, and description of the alleged discriminatory act
  • Names of individuals involved (if known)
  • Description of requested accommodation or resolution
  • Any supporting documentation, if available

If a complainant requires assistance, grievances may be submitted in alternate formats, including:

  • In-person interview
  • Telephone complaint
  • Email submission
  • Audio recording or other accessible formats

4. Receipt and Initial Review

Upon receipt of a grievance, the ADA Coordinator will:

  • Acknowledge receipt of the complaint within five (5) business days
  • Review the complaint to determine jurisdiction under the ADA
  • Contact the complainant to request additional information if needed
  • Attempt an informal resolution where appropriate

5. Investigation Process

If informal resolution is not achieved, the ADA Coordinator will initiate a formal investigation.

  • The Coordinator may meet with the complainant within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt
  • The investigation may include interviews, review of records, site visits, and consultation with relevant departments
  • All municipal departments are required to cooperate fully with the investigation

6. Written Determination

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after completion of the investigation meeting, the ADA Coordinator will issue a written determination, which will include:

  • Findings of fact
  • Conclusion regarding whether discrimination occurred
  • Any corrective actions or accommodations to be implemented
  • Information regarding appeal rights

The written response will be provided in an accessible format upon request.

7. Appeal Process

If the complainant is not satisfied with the determination, they may appeal.

  • Appeals must be submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt of the ADA Coordinator’s decision
  • Appeals shall be directed to the Township Administrator (or designated official)
  • A meeting may be scheduled with the complainant within fifteen (15) calendar days of the appeal
  • A final written decision will be issued within fifteen (15) calendar days following the appeal meeting

The decision of the Township Administrator (or designee) shall be final at the municipal level.

8. External Remedies

Nothing in this procedure limits the right of an individual to pursue external remedies, including:

  • Filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
  • Filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (for employment-related claims)
  • Filing complaints with other applicable federal or state agencies
  • Initiating private legal action in federal or state court

9. Confidentiality

All grievances will be handled with appropriate confidentiality. Information will only be disclosed to individuals who have a legitimate need to know in order to investigate or resolve the complaint or as required by law.

10. Retaliation Prohibited

The Township of Monroe strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a grievance, participates in an investigation, or requests an accommodation under the ADA.

11. Publication and Accessibility

This grievance procedure shall be:

  • Posted on the Township’s official website
  • Available in all municipal facilities in accessible formats
  • Distributed to all department heads
  • Provided upon request in alternative formats (large print, Braille, audio, or electronic formats)

12. Effective Date

This policy shall become effective upon adoption by resolution of the Township of Monroe Governing Body and shall remain in effect until amended or replaced.