Last Updated: February 2025

Accessibility Statement

Next Step Psychiatry is committed to ensuring digital accessibility and providing quality healthcare for all patients.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

Next Step Psychiatry & Wellness is committed to ensuring that our website, services, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to quality mental healthcare, regardless of ability.

We strive to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA to ensure our digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.

Website Accessibility Features

Visual Accessibility

  • • High contrast color combinations
  • • Resizable text without loss of functionality
  • • Alternative text for images
  • • Clear visual hierarchy and structure
  • • No content that flashes more than 3 times per second

Auditory Accessibility

  • • No auto-playing audio
  • • Text alternatives for audio content
  • • Captions available for video content
  • • Visual indicators for important information

Motor Accessibility

  • • Full keyboard navigation
  • • Skip to main content links
  • • Adequate click/touch target sizes
  • • No time limits on interactions
  • • Focus indicators for interactive elements

Cognitive Accessibility

  • • Clear, consistent navigation
  • • Plain language where possible
  • • Descriptive headings and labels
  • • Consistent layout across pages
  • • Error prevention and clear error messages

Assistive Technology Compatibility

Our website is designed to be compatible with assistive technologies including:

  • Screen readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack
  • Voice recognition software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking
  • Screen magnification: ZoomText, built-in browser zoom
  • Alternative input devices: Keyboard-only navigation, switch devices

Physical Office Accessibility

Our physical location is designed to accommodate patients with disabilities:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking
  • Accessible restroom facilities
  • Elevator access (if applicable)
  • Wide doorways and hallways
  • Service animals welcome

If you have specific accessibility needs for your visit, please contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Communication Accommodations

We offer the following accommodations to ensure effective communication:

For Deaf/Hard of Hearing Patients

  • • Sign language interpreter services (upon request)
  • • Written communication options
  • • Video relay services (VRS) compatible
  • • Visual alerts and notifications

For Blind/Low Vision Patients

  • • Large print materials available
  • • Audio descriptions of visual content
  • • Screen reader-compatible forms
  • • Assistance with paperwork upon request

Telehealth Accessibility

Our telehealth platform includes accessibility features to ensure equitable access:

  • Keyboard-accessible video interface
  • Screen reader compatible controls
  • Chat/messaging option for communication
  • Phone-only appointments available if preferred
  • Technical support available for platform assistance

Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

We are continually working to improve accessibility. Our ongoing efforts include:

  • Regular accessibility audits of our website
  • Staff training on accessibility best practices
  • Incorporating user feedback into improvements
  • Testing with assistive technologies
  • Staying current with accessibility standards and guidelines

Known Limitations

While we strive for comprehensive accessibility, we acknowledge that some content may have limitations. We are working to address these issues and welcome your feedback on areas for improvement.

If you encounter any accessibility barriers on our website, please contact us and we will work to provide the information you need in an alternative format or assist you in completing your task.

Accessibility Feedback & Assistance

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website and services. If you encounter any barriers or need assistance, please contact us.

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 2 business days.

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