Accessibility and Nearby Services
ACA makes every effort to ensure all activities are accessible to all.
ACA values inclusion and accessibility. As part of the standard operating procedure, we:
- Contract with hotels that are expected to be ADA compliant.
- Work directly with our presenters and attendees to provide requested accommodations. We will provide sign language interpreters for our general sessions and automated live captioning for our education sessions. We also provide a list of nearby hospitals and pharmacies, and wheelchair/motorized scooter rental information. (See below.)
- Make every effort to provide a variety of food selections and label the ingredients at events in recognition of those with dietary restrictions.
ACA welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the ACA Events Team in advance of your participation. Please note that automated live captions will be provided in English in the education sessions. American Sign Language interpreters will be present in the general sessions at the front of the room. Requests for American Sign Language interpreters for education sessions or other services should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that ACA will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.
Wheelchair and Motorized Scooter Rental
The Oregon Convention Center offers complimentary wheelchairs and mobility scooters on a first come, first served basis or by making a reservation in advance.
Reservations
Reservations may be made within 30 days of a scheduled event (with an estimated time of arrival) by contacting guestexperience@oregoncc.org or 503-731-7800.
If attending an event over multiple days, a separate reservation is required for each day.
Reservations will be canceled if not checked out within one (1) hour of the scheduled reservation time.
No time extensions are allowed if it causes an overlap with another reservation.
Please be prepared to show photo identification when you stop by the welcome desk to check out a wheelchair or electric scooter.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters may be returned at any point during the day to the welcome desk.
Without a Reservation
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be checked out on a first-come-first-served basis at the welcome desk in the MLK Lobby.
Please be prepared to show photo identification when you stop by the welcome desk to checkout a wheelchair or electric scooter.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters may be returned at any point during the day to the welcome desk.
More Information About Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters, and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)
- Only electric or battery-powered OPDMD are allowed inside the facility.
- OPDMD cannot travel at a speed greater than the pedestrian traffic, approximately three miles per hour.
- OPDMD users must travel along pedestrian routes only.
- OPDMD users understand that on-site storage space is limited.
Learn more about accessibility at the Oregon Convention Center.
KultureCity Sensory Bags
OCC is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Sensory bags are available to help meet guests’ sensory needs and help them to feel calmer during their visit. The bags are filled with items that help to alleviate sensory overload and promote engagement. These items can be easily cleaned and sterilized, making them safe for multiple users.
Please visit the KultureCity website ahead of your arrival to learn more about what to expect and ways to be more comfortable during your visit.
Nursing Suites
OCC provides two Mamava® nursing suites for our visitors. These private and secure suites are located near the A Meeting Rooms and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1.
They are ADA-accessible with a comfortable seating area and are equipped with standard AC power outlets and USB charger ports.
All Mamava® suites come with a Bluetooth SmartLock that syncs with Mamava’s mobile app. Download the Mamava app.
You may also request a door code for entry from our receptionists in the Administration Office on Level 2 and by calling 503-235-7575.
First Aid
A first aid office will be available during the conference. See the agenda for location and times.
Nearby Health Care
Closest Hospital
- Legacy Emanuel Medical Center - 2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Approximately 1–1.5 miles north of the convention center. Level I Trauma Center with a 24/7 emergency department.
Closest Urgent Care Facilities
- ZoomCare Super Emergency Care & Imaging - Lloyd District – 607 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97232
- ZoomCare NE Broadway & 6th Portland - Urgent Care & Primary Care – 606 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
- Portland Urgent Care – 4160 NE Sandy Blvd, Suite 1200, Portland, OR 97212
Closest Pharmacies
- Safeway Pharmacy – 1100 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Approximately 0.5 miles from the convention center. Located inside Safeway and offers prescription services, vaccinations, and over-the-counter medications. - CVS – 345 SW Harrison St, Portland, OR 97201
Located downtown, approximately 2 miles from the convention center. Offers pharmacy services and a full range of health and convenience items. - Fred Meyer Pharmacy – 100 NW 20th Pl, Portland, OR 97209
Full-service pharmacy within a grocery and general merchandise store. A good option for attendees needing both prescriptions and everyday supplies.
Transportation / Travel
Visit our Location & Travel page to learn more about ground transportation options.
Service Animals
OCC welcomes service animals for people with disabilities, as required by the ADA and Oregon law. Pets, emotional support animals, therapy animals, or comfort animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted at Metro facilities.
For more information, call the Oregon Convention Center at 503-235-7575.
Emergency Veterinarians
DoveLewis 24/7 Veterinary Emergency Hospital
- About 3 miles west of the convention center
- Open 24/7
- Emergency, ICU, specialty care, advanced imaging, and surgery available
- About 2–3 miles northeast of the convention center.
- Open 24/7
- Emergency and specialty veterinary services
If your pet's condition is urgent but not necessarily life-threatening, these nearby urgent-care options may be easier to access:
Riverbend Veterinary Care – roughly 1 mile from the convention center; provides urgent and intermediate care.
Heart and Soul Animal Urgent Care – same-day urgent care for cats and dogs.
Sadie Veterinary Urgent Care – urgent care for illnesses and injuries that cannot wait for a regular vet appointment.
Accessible Transportation Options
ACA is committed to helping all attendees access conference events comfortably and safely.
For attendees who require transportation accommodations beyond traditional public transit:
- TriMet LIFT+ provides shared-ride transportation services for eligible riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route transit services.
- Visitors to the Portland metropolitan area for 21 days or fewer may be eligible for Visitor Eligibility through TriMet. Attendees interested in applying should contact TriMet's Eligibility Office directly at 503-962-8200.
- Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) service is also available in Portland and offers wheelchair-accessible transportation throughout the city.
If you require transportation accommodations or have questions about accessible transportation options, please contact ACA prior to the conference. We are happy to provide additional information and assistance.