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The Jersey City Poetry Festival is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment for poets, performers, audiences, volunteers, and community members.

 

We believe access to poetry and the arts is a civil right!

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Website Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities and continually improving the user experience for all visitors.

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Accessibility Efforts

We work to make our website accessible by:

• Supporting screen readers and assistive technologies

• Ensuring keyboard navigation

• Providing text alternatives for images and non-text content

• Using sufficient color contrast

• Offering captions or transcripts for multimedia when available

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Accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we regularly review our website to identify and address barriers.

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Use of the UserWay Accessibility Widget

We currently uses the UserWay Accessibility Widget to help enhance website accessibility. This tool allows users to customize their viewing experience based on individual needs.

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The widget allows users to:

• Adjust text size and spacing

• Improve color contrast and enable high-contrast modes

• Highlight links and interactive elements

• Reduce motion and pause animations

• Improve keyboard navigation and focus visibility

• Support screen-reader–friendly navigation

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While this tool helps improve access, no automated solution can guarantee full accessibility for every user.

We remain committed to addressing accessibility concerns beyond the use of automated tools.

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Event and Venue Accessibility

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We hosts events at various venues throughout Jersey City.

We work with venue partners to support accessibility and comply with applicable federal and New Jersey accessibility requirements.

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Common Accessibility Features (when available)

Depending on the venue, accessibility features may include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating

• Accessible restrooms

• Seating accommodations upon request

• Microphones for performers and speakers

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ASL Interpretation and Other Accommodations

Some events include ASL interpretation or on-screen captioning. Availability is noted on individual event listings.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy

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The Jersey City Poetry Festival values the diversity of voices, identities, and experiences within our community and is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or New Jersey law.

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Inclusive Practices

We strive to promote inclusion by:

• Invitings Young Students, Local Universities and Senior Citizens - All Jersey City People

• Uplifting diverse artistic voices and perspectives - All Artistic Deciplines 

• Using respectful and inclusive language - We advertise and publish works in various Languages 

• Reducing barriers to participation - We invite people form all Wards and work with organizations whose reach is broad and covers all neighborhoods in Jersey City such as The Jersey City Public Library 

• Creating spaces where individuals feel welcome and respected - We think this is absolutely important 

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Grievance Procedure

The Jersey City Poetry Festival has established this grievance procedure to provide a clear and equitable process for addressing concerns related to accessibility, discrimination, or inclusion.

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What Can Be Reported

You may file a grievance if you believe:

• Our website or digital content is not accessible

• You encountered barriers at an event or venue

• You experienced discrimination, harassment, or exclusion

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How to File a Grievance

Grievances should be submitted in writing whenever possible and include:

• Your name and contact information

• A description of the concern or barrier

• The date(s) and location(s) of the issue

• Any relevant details or requested accommodations

 

Grievances may be submitted to: Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator by Clicking HERE.

or via landline phone by clicking here. ​

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Review Process

• Receipt of the grievance will be acknowledged within 15 business days

• A written response will be provided within 30–60 business days

• If additional time is required, you will be informed

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