Accessibility Policy

Last updated: August 6th, 2025

The Buddha's Medicine is committed to ensuring that our 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, course participants, and website visitors.

This accessibility policy outlines our ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508 standards, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.

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

Assistive Technology Compatibility

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

• Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)

• Voice recognition software

• Keyboard-only navigation

• Screen magnification software

• Alternative pointing devices

Patient Portal and Scheduling Systems

Our online scheduling and patient portal systems 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

Telehealth Platform Accessibility

For virtual appointments, we use platforms that provide:

• Closed captioning capabilities

• Screen reader compatibility

• Keyboard navigation support

• High contrast display options

• Audio-only consultation options when needed

• Large text and zoom functionality

Physical Facility Accessibility

Clinic Location Access

Our practice facility 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

Treatment Rooms:

• Wheelchair 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

Specialized Ayurvedic Treatments:

• Accessible rooms for pulse diagnosis and intake

• Wheelchair accessible areas for manual Ayurvedic treatments

• Accessible space for meditation and therapy

• Adaptable seating for group appointments

• Accessible herb dispensary

Restroom Facilities:

• ADA-compliant accessible restrooms

• Grab bars and appropriate fixtures

• Adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering

Waiting and Common Areas:

• Wheelchair 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

Communication Accessibility

Communication Support

We are committed to effective communication with all patients:

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 for medicine concepts when helpful

• Extended appointments times when needed for effective communication

• Patient education materials in accessible formats

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 appointment types if requested ahead of appointment start time

Educational Resources

• Accessible website content with proper headings and structure

• Written content about Ayurveda, health, and wellness

• Downloadable resources in multiple formats

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

• Visual aids and diagrams with descriptive text

• Accessible herb and supplement information

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

• Service animals are welcome in all areas of our facility where patients are normally allowed

• No advance notice required for service animals

• 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

Emotional Support Animals

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

• Advanced notice appreciated for accommodation planning

• Documentation may be required for emotional support animals

• Accommodation provided when possible without creating undue burden

Accommodation Requests

How to Request Accommodations

Patients can request accommodations through multiple methods:

Before Your Visit:

• Send us a direct communication:

• If you're an established patient: through our patient portal

  1. If you're a new patient: through our contact form

• Inform us during the appointment scheduling process

Types of Accommodations Available

• Extended appointment times

• Alternative appointment scheduling (quieter times, specific days)

• Specific room assignments based on accessibility needs

• Communication assistance

• Modified treatment approaches when medically and traditionally appropriate

• Caregiver or support person accompaniment is welcomed

• Sensory accommodations (lighting, sound, scent modifications for aromatherapy)

• Alternative positioning for treatments and therapies

Accommodation Process

• Request made by patient or representative

• Interactive dialogue to determine appropriate accommodation

• Implementation of reasonable accommodations

• Follow-up to ensure effectiveness

• 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

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 feedback collection and implementation

• Technology updates for improved accessibility

Staff Training:

• Regular disability awareness training for all staff

• Customer service training for working with people with disabilities

• Assistive technology familiarity training

• Emergency evacuation procedures for patients with disabilities

• Cultural competency and sensitivity training

• Treatment modifications for accessibility needs

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

Patient Rights and Non-Discrimination

Equal Access Rights

All patients 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

• Bring support persons when appropriate

• Receive healthcare in the most integrated setting possible

Non-Discrimination Policy

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

• Disability status or type

• Neurotype

• Ethnicity, culture, or personal background

• Gender identity or sexual preference

• Use of assistive devices or service animals

• Need for accommodations or auxiliary aids

• Communication methods or preferences

• Physical appearance or functional limitations

Grievance Process

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or have concerns about accessibility:

• Immediate Resolution: Speak with any staff member or practitioner about your concerns during your appointment and/or through the portal

• Formal Complaint: Send us a direct communication:

• If you're an established patient: through our patient portal

  1. If you're a new patient: through our contact form

• Written Complaint: Submit written concerns to our address: 3310 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214

• External Resources: Contact ADA compliance agencies if internal resolution is unsatisfactory

Emergency Procedures

Accessibility During Emergencies

Our emergency procedures include specific provisions for patients 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

Medical 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

Contact Information for Accessibility

Accessibility Coordinator

For accessibility questions, accommodation requests, or concerns:

Primary Contact Information:
Address: 3310 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 971-394-9929
Fax: 971-394-9993
Email: support@thebuddhasmedicine.com

External Resources

ADA Information and Assistance:

• U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301 (voice), 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)

• ADA.gov website for general ADA information

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our services and facilities:

How to Provide Feedback

• Online contact form on our website

• Email & portal direct messaging

• Phone, in-person, and in-virtual appointment feedback

• Patient satisfaction surveys

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

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

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 seeking health and wellness.

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