Accessibility Policy

Last Updated: 11/24/25

Our Commitment to Accessibility

The Buddha's Medicine is committed to ensuring that all of our services, facilities, and digital platforms are accessible to all individuals who seek our care, including those with disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to comprehensive health and wellness services, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment that accommodates the diverse needs of our patients, therapy clients, course participants, and website visitors.

This accessibility policy outlines our ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Section 508 standards

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards

Our Healthcare Services

We provide accessible care through our healthcare providers:

Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP - Ayurvedic medicine, integrative medicine, and lifestyle medicine services available to patients nationwide (where licensed) through in-person and telehealth / telemedicine appointments.

Jamie Van Auken, MA, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, E-RYT 500 - Mental health therapy services available to Oregon and Washington residents through in-person and telehealth appointments, including couples therapy, trauma recovery, neurodiversity-affirming care, and related services.

Digital Accessibility

Website and Online Services

We are committed to making our website and digital platforms accessible to all users, including those who use assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices.

Our website accessibility features include:

• Descriptive alt text for images and graphics

• Proper heading structure and navigation

• Keyboard navigation compatibility

• Color contrast ratios that meet WCAG standards

• Resizable text up to 200% without loss of functionality

• Captions and transcripts for video content when available

• Clear and consistent page layouts

• Error identification and suggestions for form completion

• Accessible forms and interactive elements

Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website is designed to work with commonly used assistive technologies, including:

• Screen readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack

• Voice recognition software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking

• Keyboard-only navigation: Full functionality without mouse

• Screen magnification software: ZoomText, MAGic

• Alternative pointing devices: Switch controls, head pointers, eye-tracking devices

Patient Portal and Scheduling Systems

Our online scheduling and patient portal systems (Practice Better EHR) are designed with accessibility in mind:

• Screen reader compatible interfaces

• Keyboard navigation support

• High contrast viewing options

• Large text options

• Simple, clear navigation structure

• Alternative booking methods for those who cannot use online systems (phone: 971-394-9929)

Telehealth Platform Accessibility

For virtual appointments, we use HIPAA-compliant platforms that provide:

General Telehealth Features:

• Closed captioning capabilities

• Screen reader compatibility

• Keyboard navigation support

• High contrast display options

• Audio-only consultation options when needed

• Large text and zoom functionality

Medical Services (Dr. Matt Van Auken):

• Telehealth / telemedicine available to patients in states where Dr. Matt is licensed

• Accessible video platforms for medical consultations

• Phone consultations available as alternative to video when needed

• Screen sharing capabilities for reviewing health information

Mental Health Therapy Services (Jamie Van Auken):

• Telehealth available to Oregon and Washington residents only

• Private, secure video therapy sessions with accessibility features

• Audio-only therapy sessions available when clinically appropriate

• Accommodations for sensory sensitivities (camera off options when appropriate)

• Text-based communication options for administrative matters

Physical Facility Accessibility

Clinic Location Access

Our practice facility at 3310 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214 is designed to accommodate patients with various accessibility needs:

Building Access

• Wheelchair accessible entrance/ramp

• Accessible and cost-free street parking spaces

• Clear pathways with adequate width for mobility devices

• Appropriate lighting throughout the facility

• Accessible elevator (if applicable)

• Clear signage with good visibility

Treatment Rooms

For Medical Services (Dr. Matt Van Auken):

• Accessible treatment tables/chairs suitable for manual medicine therapies

• Adequate space for mobility devices and service animals during treatments

• Adjustable lighting for patients with visual sensitivities

• Clear pathways within rooms

• Accessible storage for personal belongings during treatments

• Accessible changing areas for Ayurvedic treatments requiring disrobing

For Mental Health Therapy Services (Jamie Van Auken):

• Comfortable seating options accommodating various body types and mobility needs

• Adjustable lighting for sensory comfort

• Quiet, private spaces for confidential therapy sessions

• Adequate space for mobility devices and service animals

• Sensory-friendly environment options (reduced stimulation when needed)

• Fidget tools and sensory items available for neurodivergent clients

Specialized Treatment Spaces

Ayurvedic Medical Treatments:

• Accessible rooms for pulse diagnosis and intake

• Accessible areas for manual Ayurvedic treatments

• Accessible space for meditation and breathing practices

• Adaptable seating for group sessions

• Accessible herb dispensary

Mental Health Services:

• Private therapy rooms

• Comfortable, non-clinical environment

• Options for seated or movement-based sessions

• Grounding tools and resources accessible

• Waiting area with privacy considerations

Restroom Facilities

• Gender-neutral restroom

• Clear signage

Waiting and Common Areas

• Accessible seating options

• Clear sight lines and pathways

• Appropriate lighting and noise levels conducive to healing

• Space for service animals

• Accessible reading materials and intake forms

• Quiet spaces for meditation and reflection

• Low-stimulation areas for those with sensory sensitivities

Communication Accessibility

Communication Support

We are committed to effective communication with all patients and therapy clients:

Alternative Communication Methods

• Written communication options for patients with hearing impairments

• Large print materials available upon request

• Digital documents that work with text-to-speech software

• Visual aids and demonstrations when helpful (medical concepts, treatment explanations)

• Extended appointment times when needed for effective communication

• Patient education materials in accessible formats

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services (arranged in advance when requested)

For Mental Health Therapy

• Text-based communication options for scheduling and administrative matters

• Visual supports and written summaries when helpful

• Accommodation for various communication styles

• Respect for non-verbal communication preferences

• Support for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device users

Document Accessibility

Patient Forms and Materials

• Print versions of all forms and educational materials available

• Electronic forms compatible with screen readers

• Audio recordings of select materials if requested ahead of time

• Simplified language options when requested

• Forms available in advance to allow adequate processing time

Educational Resources

• Accessible website content with proper headings and structure

• Written content about Ayurveda, integrative medicine, mental health, and wellness

• Downloadable resources in multiple formats

• Clear, easy-to-understand explanations of medical and mental health concepts

• Visual aids and diagrams with descriptive text

• Accessible herb and supplement information

• Mental health resources with trigger warnings and content notes when appropriate

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

Service animals may be welcome into the space pending approval. Both our provider team & patient community have known animal allergies, but may be welcome service animals into the space upon advanced request:

• Advance notice required for service animals in appointments with Dr. Matt

• Advance notice is required for service animals in appointments with Jamie, due to known animal allergies

• No registration, certification, or special ID required

• Service animals must be under the control of their handler

• We will not challenge anyone's disability or require a demonstration of tasks

• Service animals may accompany clients in therapy sessions

• Water bowls available upon request

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis:

• Advanced notice required for accommodation planning

• Documentation is required for emotional support animals

• Accommodation provided when possible without creating undue burden

• Clinical appropriateness considered for therapy sessions

Neurodiversity-Affirming Care

Our Approach to Neurodivergent Patients and Clients

We are committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming care that recognizes neurological differences as natural variations of human experience:

Environmental Accommodations:

• Sensory-friendly spaces available

• Adjustable lighting and sound levels

• Fidget tools and movement options

• Minimal wait times when possible

• Predictable appointment structures

Communication Accommodations:

• Clear, direct communication styles honored

• Written agendas and summaries provided when helpful

• Time to process information

• Respect for different social communication styles

• No forced eye contact or other neurotypical social expectations

Scheduling Accommodations:

• First or last appointments of the day when preferred (less sensory input)

• Consistent appointment times when helpful

• Reminders provided in preferred format

• Extended transition times between activities

• Buffer time before/after appointments when needed

Therapeutic Approaches (Mental Health Services):

• Neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic frameworks

• Recognition of different regulation needs and styles

• Support for self-advocacy and understanding of unique neurotype

• Respect for stimming, movement, and self-regulation strategies

• Collaborative treatment planning honoring individual needs

Accommodation Requests

How to Request Accommodations

Patients and therapy clients can request accommodations through multiple methods:

Before Your Visit:

• Established patients/clients: Through our patient portal

• New patients/clients: Through our contact form

• Phone: 971-394-9929

• Email: Contact

• Inform us during the appointment scheduling process

During Your Visit:

• Speak with admin staff or your designated provider

• Request accommodations at any point during care

Types of Accommodations Available

Scheduling and Timing:

• Extended appointment times

• Alternative appointment scheduling (quieter times, specific days)

• First/last appointments of the day

• Consistent appointment times and days

• Reminder systems in preferred format (text, email, phone)

Physical Environment:

• Specific room assignments based on accessibility needs

• Lighting adjustments (brighter or dimmer)

• Sound adjustments (quieter environment)

• Temperature adjustments

• Scent-free environment (aromatherapy modifications)

Communication and Support:

• Communication assistance and alternative formats

• Caregiver or support person accompaniment welcomed

• Extended time for processing information

• Written instructions or summaries

• Visual schedules or agendas

Treatment Modifications:

• Modified treatment approaches when medically and clinically appropriate

• Alternative positioning for treatments and therapies

• Breaks during longer appointments

• Trauma-informed care approaches

• Pace adjusted to individual needs

For Mental Health Therapy:

• Body-based or movement options during sessions

• Walking therapy sessions when appropriate

• Telehealth options for those with transportation barriers or agoraphobia

• Session structure modifications for executive function support

• Grounding tools and resources provided

Accommodation Process

1. Request made by patient/client or representative

2. Interactive dialogue to determine appropriate accommodation

3. Implementation of reasonable accommodations

4. Follow-up to ensure effectiveness

5. Ongoing adjustments as needed

No Cost for Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are provided at no additional cost to patients. This includes:

• Alternative format materials

• Extended consultation times

• Communication assistance

• Physical accessibility modifications

• Environmental adjustments

Ongoing Accessibility Improvements

Regular Assessment and Updates

We are committed to continuously improving accessibility through:

Annual Accessibility Reviews

• Website accessibility audits by qualified professionals

• Physical facility accessibility assessments

• Staff training updates on accessibility best practices

• Patient and client feedback collection and implementation

• Technology updates for improved accessibility

• Review of therapeutic approaches for accessibility

Staff Training

All staff receive regular training in:

• Disability awareness and etiquette

• Customer service for working with people with disabilities

• Assistive technology familiarity

• Emergency evacuation procedures for patients with disabilities

• Cultural competency and sensitivity

• Treatment modifications for accessibility needs

• Neurodiversity-affirming practices

• Trauma-informed care approaches

• Mental health accessibility considerations

Technology Updates

• Regular website accessibility testing and improvements

• Software updates for better assistive technology compatibility

• New assistive technologies evaluation and implementation

• Patient portal accessibility enhancements

• Telehealth platform accessibility improvements

• Digital form and document accessibility

Patient Rights and Non-Discrimination

Equal Access Rights

All patients and therapy clients have the right to:

• Equal access to all services we provide

• Reasonable accommodations for their disabilities

• Effective communication during all healthcare interactions

• Privacy and confidentiality of disability-related information

• Accompaniment by service animals when appropriate (advanced notice required due to known allergies of staff & community)

• Bring support persons when appropriate

• Receive healthcare in the most integrated setting possible

• Be treated with dignity and respect regardless of disability

• Request accommodations without stigma or discrimination

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Buddha's Medicine does not discriminate against patients or therapy clients based on:

• Disability status or type

• Neurotype (including autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergence)

• Ethnicity, culture, or personal background

• Gender identity or sexual orientation

• Use of assistive devices or service animals

• Need for accommodations or auxiliary aids

• Communication methods or preferences

• Physical appearance or functional limitations

• Mental health conditions or history

• Age, body size, or other characteristics

Grievance Process

If You Experience Accessibility Barriers or Discrimination

We take accessibility concerns seriously and want to resolve issues promptly.

Immediate Resolution

• Speak with any staff member or practitioner about your concerns during your appointment

• Contact us through the patient portal or email

• Call our office at 971-394-9929

Formal Complaint

Established patients/clients: Through our patient portal

New patients/clients: Through our contact form

Phone: 971-394-9929
Email: Contact

Written Complaint

Submit written concerns to:

The Buddha's Medicine
3310 SE Oak St
Portland, OR 97214

External Resources

If internal resolution is unsatisfactory, you may contact:

U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line:

• Voice: 1-800-514-0301

• TTY: 1-800-514-0383

• Website: ADA.gov

Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI):

• Civil Rights Division for Oregon-specific concerns

• Website: oregon.gov/boli

Washington State Human Rights Commission:

• For Washington accessibility concerns

• Website: hum.wa.gov

Emergency Procedures

Accessibility During Emergencies

Our emergency procedures include specific provisions for patients and clients with disabilities:

Evacuation Assistance

• Staff trained in assisting patients with mobility impairments

• Visual and audible emergency notification systems

• Designated safe areas for patients who cannot evacuate immediately

• Communication plans for patients with hearing or vision impairments

• Coordination with emergency responders regarding patient needs

• Plans for service animals during evacuation

Medical and Mental Health Emergencies

• Clear communication protocols for patients with communication disabilities

• Procedures for accompanying service animals during transport

• Information sharing with emergency medical services about accommodations needed

• Emergency contact information for interpreters when needed

• Mental health crisis protocols that respect disability accommodations

• Trauma-informed emergency response

Contact Information for Accessibility

Accessibility Coordinator

For accessibility questions, accommodation requests, or concerns:

The Buddha's Medicine
3310 SE Oak St
Portland, OR 97214

Phone: 971-394-9929
Fax: 971-394-9993
Email: Contact
Website: www.thebuddhasmedicine.com

Patient Portal (established patients/clients): thebuddhasmedicine.practicebetter.io

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

We Welcome Your Feedback

Your feedback helps us identify areas for improvement and ensures we continue to provide the best possible accessible services.

How to Provide Feedback

• Online contact form on our website

• Email and portal direct messaging

• Phone, in-person, and virtual appointment feedback

• Patient satisfaction surveys

• Anonymous feedback options available

Areas for Feedback

• Website and digital platform accessibility

• Physical facility accessibility

• Communication effectiveness

• Staff interactions and assistance

• Accommodation processes and effectiveness

• Suggestions for improvements

• Accessibility of Ayurvedic treatment modalities

• Mental health therapy accessibility

• Neurodiversity-affirming care practices

• Telehealth accessibility

Alternative Formats

Requesting This Policy in Alternative Formats

This Accessibility Policy is available in alternative formats upon request:

• Large print

• Screen reader-compatible digital format

• Audio recording

• Plain language summary

To request an alternative format, please contact us:

• Email: Contact

• Phone: 971-394-9929

• Contact form: www.thebuddhasmedicine.com/contact

Commitment to Excellence

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect best practices in accessibility and any changes in applicable laws or regulations. Our commitment to accessibility is ongoing, and we strive to exceed minimum compliance requirements to ensure an inclusive healthcare environment for all patients and therapy clients seeking health, wellness, and healing.

We recognize that accessibility is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment. We actively seek to identify and remove barriers, implement new accessibility features, and respond to the evolving needs of our diverse patient and client community.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge that:

• Accessibility is a fundamental right, not a privilege

• People with disabilities are the experts on their own accessibility needs

• Neurodiversity enriches our practice community

• True accessibility requires ongoing learning, adaptation, and humility

• Perfect accessibility is a goal we continuously work toward, not a static achievement

Thank you for helping us create a more accessible and inclusive healing environment for all.

For questions about this Accessibility Policy or to request this document in an alternative format, please contact us using the information provided above.