Usage Terms, Conditions, and Policies

Downloadable PDF Versions

Privacy Policy
SMS Policy
Terms & Conditions 
Website Terms and Conditions
Introduction and Acceptance
By accessing or using the website of the National Council on Severe Autism (“NCSA”) located at [NCSAutism.org] (“Website”), including subscribing to our email newsletter, joining the National Grassroots Network, or making a donation through our Website, you (“User”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). These Terms govern your use of the Website and all related services, including communications and donation processing. If you do not agree to these Terms, you should not use the Website or its services. NCSA reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time; continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any changes.
Definitions
For purposes of these Terms and Conditions:
  • User: Any individual or entity accessing or using the Website or its services.
  • Website: The online platform operated by NCSA at [NCSAutism.org], including all subdomains and related content.
  • Services: All features, content, communications, and functionalities provided by NCSA through the Website, including email newsletters, the National Grassroots Network, SMS notifications, and donation processing.
  • Opt-in: The act of voluntarily subscribing or consenting to receive communications from NCSA, including email, SMS, or participation in advocacy programs.
  • Donation: Any monetary contribution made by a User to NCSA through the Website.
  • National Grassroots Network: NCSA’s advocacy program enabling Users to receive updates and participate in civic engagement activities.
  • Content: All text, graphics, images, information, and other materials available on the Website.
Use of Website
Users may access and use the Website and its Services solely for lawful, personal, and non-commercial purposes related to NCSA’s mission. You agree not to:
  • Use the Website for any unlawful, fraudulent, or malicious purpose.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Website, its servers, or any related systems.
  • Interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Website or the networks connected to it.
  • Upload, transmit, or distribute any material that is harmful, offensive, defamatory, or infringes upon the rights of others.
  • Use automated means (such as bots or scripts) to access, collect, or harvest data from the Website without express written permission from NCSA.
  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation when using the Website or its Services.
NCSA reserves the right to restrict, suspend, or terminate access to the Website or Services for any User who violates these Terms.
Opt-In for Communications
Users may opt-in to receive email newsletters, participate in the National Grassroots Network, and consent to receive SMS messages from NCSA. Opt-in is obtained through explicit actions, such as submitting your email address, mobile number, or other contact information via Website forms or designated sign-up processes.
By opting in, you consent to receive communications regarding NCSA’s programs, advocacy alerts, legislative updates, and opportunities for civic engagement. You may withdraw your consent or unsubscribe from communications at any time by following the instructions provided in each message or by contacting NCSA at [info@ncsautism.org]. For SMS messages, reply “STOP” to opt out. NCSA will process opt-out requests promptly and in accordance with applicable law.
All communications are subject to NCSA’s Privacy Policy, which explains how your information is collected, used, and protected.
Online Donations
Users may make donations to the National Council on Severe Autism (“NCSA”) through the Website using designated online payment methods. Donations are processed securely via third-party payment processors; NCSA does not store or directly handle payment card information. Upon successful completion of a donation, Users will receive an electronic receipt at the email address provided. All donations are voluntary and, unless otherwise stated, are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law; NCSA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity (EIN: 83-0665732). NCSA reserves the right to refuse or refund donations at its sole discretion in accordance with applicable policies. Users are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their donation information. For questions regarding donations, please contact [info@ncsautism.org].
1. User Consent for Donations
  • Affirmative Action:
    “By submitting a donation through our website, you acknowledge and agree that you are making a voluntary contribution to the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA). You authorize NCSA and its designated third-party payment processors to process your payment in accordance with the information you provide.”
  • Accuracy of Information:
    “You are responsible for ensuring that all information provided in connection with your donation is accurate and complete. NCSA is not liable for any errors or losses resulting from incorrect information submitted by you.”
  • Electronic Receipt and Record:
    “Upon successful completion of your donation, you will receive an electronic receipt at the email address you provide. Please retain this receipt for your records and tax purposes.”
2. Liability for Donations
  • Third-Party Payment Processing:
    “Donations made through the website are processed securely by third-party payment processors. NCSA does not store or directly handle your payment card information. While we take reasonable steps to ensure the security of your transaction, NCSA is not responsible for any unauthorized access or breaches that occur outside of our control.”
  • Refunds and Discretion:
    “All donations are final unless otherwise stated. NCSA reserves the right to refuse or refund donations at its sole discretion in accordance with applicable policies and law.”
  • Tax Deductibility Disclaimer:
    “Donations to NCSA are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your contribution. NCSA makes no representations or warranties regarding your individual tax situation.”
  • Limitation of Liability:
    “To the fullest extent permitted by law, NCSA shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your donation, including but not limited to any errors in processing, unauthorized access, or loss of data.”
3. Consent to Terms
  • Binding Agreement:
    “By making a donation through our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, including all provisions related to user consent and liability.”
Intellectual Property
All content on the Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, trademarks, and software, is the property of NCSA or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, transmit, or otherwise use any Website content without prior written consent from NCSA, except for personal, non-commercial use. Any unauthorized use of NCSA’s trademarks, logos, or proprietary materials is strictly prohibited. User-generated content submitted to the Website may be used by NCSA in accordance with these Terms and the Privacy Policy.
Privacy and Data Use
NCSA is committed to protecting the privacy of its Users. Information collected through newsletter sign-ups, National Grassroots Network participation, donations, and communication opt-ins is handled in accordance with NCSA’s Privacy Policy, available at [NCSAutism.org/privacy]. Personal data may be shared with trusted third-party service providers (such as MailChimp and Quorum) solely for the purpose of delivering communications and processing donations. NCSA does not collect sensitive personal information and does not sell User data. For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights under applicable law, contact Jackie Kancir, Executive Director, at [info@ncsautism.org].
Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
The Website and its content are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. NCSA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information on the Website. NCSA is not liable for any errors, interruptions, or damages arising from the use of the Website, reliance on its content, or inability to access the Website. Users assume all risks associated with their use of the Website and its Services.
Indemnification
By using the Website, Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NCSA, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to their misuse of the Website, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights of a third party.
Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising out of or relating to the Website, Services, or these Terms shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in California, unless otherwise agreed by the parties. NCSA reserves the right to seek equitable or injunctive relief in any jurisdiction as necessary.
Changes to Terms
NCSA may update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting on the Website, with the updated effective date indicated. Users are responsible for reviewing the Terms periodically. Continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
Jackie Kancir, Executive Director
National Council on Severe Autism
PO Box 26853
San Jose, CA 95159-6853
Email: info@ncsautism.org
By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge and accept these Terms and Conditions as binding upon you.
SMS Privacy Policy
Introduction and Purpose
This SMS Policy explains how the National Council on Severe Autism (“NCSA”) handles your information when you receive SMS (text) messages from us. Our goal is to keep you informed about how your data is used, how your privacy is protected, and what rights you have regarding SMS communications.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all SMS messages sent by NCSA to individuals who have provided their mobile phone numbers to us. It covers all recipients of SMS communications from NCSA, regardless of the reason for contact.
Types of Information Collected
When you interact with NCSA via SMS, we may collect your mobile phone number, the content of messages sent and received, and your opt-in or opt-out status. NCSA does not collect sensitive health, financial, or other confidential information through SMS communications.
Purpose and Use of SMS Communications
NCSA uses SMS (text messaging) to send timely notifications to our contacts as part of our advocacy program. These messages are intended to:
  • Inform recipients when new legislation or government regulations are introduced that may impact individuals with severe autism and their families.
  • Encourage recipients to contact their elected representatives and share their opinions on these matters.
  • Increase civic engagement and public awareness around key policy issues affecting the autism community.
By opting in to receive SMS messages from NCSA, you agree to receive these advocacy-related notifications. NCSA will not use SMS for marketing unrelated to our mission, nor will we share your mobile number with third parties except as necessary to deliver these messages through our trusted service providers.
User Rights and Choices
You have the right to choose whether to receive SMS messages from NCSA. You may opt-in to receive messages, opt-out at any time, or request deletion of your contact information from our SMS list. To exercise these rights, follow the instructions provided in our messages or contact us directly. You can stop receiving messages at any time.
Opt-In and Opt-Out Procedures
To opt-in to NCSA SMS communications, provide your mobile number through our website or designated sign-up forms. To opt-out or unsubscribe, reply “STOP” to any NCSA SMS message or email info@ncsautism.org with your request. You may also contact us for assistance with managing your preferences.
Data Security and Retention
NCSA takes reasonable measures to protect SMS data, including encryption and access controls. SMS-related information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill communication purposes or as required by law, after which it is securely deleted.
Third-Party Service Providers
NCSA uses third-party vendors, such as SMS gateways and advocacy platforms, to process SMS data on our behalf. These providers are required to maintain confidentiality and security of your information and use it only as instructed by NCSA.
Contact and Questions
For questions about this SMS policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact Jackie Kancir, Executive Director, at info@ncsautism.org.
Changes to the Policy
NCSA may update this SMS Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and recipients will be notified as appropriate.
 
Privacy Policy for NCSA
Introduction and Organization Information
National Council on Severe Autism (“NCSA”) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to advancing recognition, policy, and solutions for individuals, families, and caregivers affected by severe autism and related disorders. Our mailing address is PO Box 26853, San Jose, CA 95159-6853, and our EIN is 83-0665732. This privacy policy explains how NCSA collects, uses, and protects personal information obtained through our website and SMS communications, ensuring transparency and trust in our data practices.
Scope of the Policy
This privacy policy applies to all individuals who interact with NCSA through our website (NCSAutism.org), SMS messages, and other electronic communications. It covers website visitors, SMS recipients, and any other persons whose personal information is collected, processed, or stored by NCSA in connection with our organizational activities.
Information We Collect
NCSA collects personal information to support our mission and communicate effectively with our community. The types of information we may collect include:
  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and other identifiers provided when subscribing to updates, registering for events, or contacting us.
  • Communication Content: Messages, inquiries, and responses exchanged via email, SMS, or website forms.
  • Website Usage Data: Information about how visitors interact with our website, such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the site. This may be collected through cookies and similar technologies.
  • SMS Data: Phone numbers and message content for individuals who opt in to receive SMS communications from NCSA.
  • Other Voluntarily Provided Information: Any additional information you choose to share with us, such as feedback, survey responses, or participation in advocacy efforts.
We collect information directly from you when you provide it, and indirectly through automated technologies (such as cookies) when you use our website.
How We Use Your Information
NCSA uses personal information for the following purposes:
  • Communication: To respond to inquiries, provide updates, and deliver information about our programs, events, and advocacy efforts.
  • Outreach and Engagement: To inform individuals about policy initiatives, position statements, and opportunities to participate in NCSA activities.
  • Policy Advocacy: To support our mission by engaging with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public on issues affecting the severe autism community.
  • Organizational Management: To administer our website, manage communications, and improve our services.
  • Legal Compliance: To fulfill legal obligations and protect the rights and safety of NCSA and its community.
All uses of personal information are conducted lawfully, transparently, and in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.
Sharing of Information
NCSA may share personal information under the following circumstances:
  • Service Providers: With trusted vendors who assist in operating our website, managing communications, or supporting organizational functions, subject to confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of NCSA and its stakeholders.
  • Partners: With advocacy partners or collaborators, only as necessary to advance our mission and with appropriate safeguards.
NCSA does not sell personal information or share it for commercial marketing purposes. Any sharing of data is limited to what is necessary to fulfill our nonprofit objectives and comply with legal obligations.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
NCSA’s website uses cookies, pixels, and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and improve our services. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences, understand how visitors use our site, and deliver relevant content. We may use both session and persistent cookies, as well as third-party analytics tools, to gather aggregated data about website usage. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may affect certain features or functionality of the website. For more information on managing cookies, please refer to your browser’s help documentation.
Data Security and Retention
NCSA is committed to protecting your personal information through a combination of technical and organizational safeguards. These measures include secure servers, encryption, access controls, and staff training on data privacy. We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. Once data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.
Your Rights and Choices
Depending on applicable laws, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, or delete your data, and to opt out of certain communications. You can exercise these rights by contacting NCSA using the information provided below or by following unsubscribe instructions in our emails or SMS messages. We will respond to requests in accordance with legal requirements and may need to verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests.
Children’s Privacy
NCSA does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided personal information to NCSA, please contact us so we can promptly address the issue and remove the information as required.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
NCSA may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post any updates on our website and indicate the effective date at the end of the policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
CCPA Compliance
Your Rights Under CCPA
If you are a California resident, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
  • Right to Know: Request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected, the sources, the purposes for which it is used, and the categories of third parties with whom it is shared.
  • Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information we have collected from you, subject to certain exceptions.
  • Right to Opt-Out: NCSA does not sell personal information. If this changes, you will have the right to opt out of the sale of your personal information.
  • Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.
To exercise these rights, email info@ncsautism.org with your request. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests.
Data Security and Retention
NCSA takes reasonable measures to protect your personal information, including secure servers, encryption, and access controls. Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by law, after which it is securely deleted or anonymized.
Updates to the Policy
NCSA may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website with the effective date indicated.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, requests, or concerns regarding this privacy policy or your personal information, please contact us at info@ncsautism.org or by mail at PO Box 26853, San Jose, CA 95159-6853.
Effective Date
This privacy policy is effective as of September 17, 2025.