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It is the policy of the Maine Arts Commission that no qualified individual shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the agency, or be subjected to discrimination.

1) Who may file a grievance?

Any person with a disability who is qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or their designated representative, may file a complaint with the Maine Arts Commission.

2) When should a grievance be filed?

Any person with a disability who is qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or their designated representative, may file a complaint if they believe a violation relating to the ADA or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has occurred.

The grievance should be filed within 30 days of the alleged violation unless the ADA Coordinator waives the 30-day requirement because of extenuating circumstances and allows additional time.

Complaints must be limited to the facilities of the Maine Arts Commission, public meetings conducted by the Maine Arts Commission, and programs operated by the Maine Arts Commission. This policy does not extend to programs operated by Maine Arts Commission grantees. Issues concerning access to programs operated by grantees should be discussed directly with the grantee.

3) What should the grievance include?

The grievance should include a description of the alleged violation, including the date and time it occurred and the nature of the concern. It should include specific information to the extent possible, including identification of the parties involved and any potential witnesses.

The grievance may be filed with the Maine Arts Commission’s Accessibility Coordinator.

Persons making complaints will also be informed that the Maine Human Rights Commission may investigate claims of discrimination if a complaint is filed with that office within the applicable filing period.

Individuals may also file a complaint under the State of Maine Policy on Access for People with Disabilities and Grievance Procedure (PDF).

4) What if I need assistance in filling out my grievance?

If you need assistance filing a complaint, you may designate another person to file the complaint for you or request assistance from the Maine Arts Commission’s Accessibility Coordinator.

5) What happens after I file my grievance?

The ADA Coordinator will meet with the individual alleging discrimination to gather information, review the circumstances, and identify any witnesses. If necessary, this conversation may be conducted by telephone or another accessible communication method. The conversation will be followed by an investigation conducted by the ADA/504 Coordinator.

6) When will I receive a response?

The individual filing a grievance can expect a response within 30 days. The response will include the findings of the investigation.

7) Should I be concerned about retaliation from Maine Arts Commission employees?

No. Maine Arts Commission employees will not be permitted to retaliate against an individual with a disability because they filed an ADA grievance. Any attempt at retaliation should be reported promptly.

8) What can I do if I am not satisfied with the initial investigation?

The individual may appeal the results of the investigation to the Director or Chair of the Maine Arts Commission. The appeal must be made within 30 days.

9) How long are complaints kept?

The Maine Arts Commission maintains grievance files in its office for three years.