JCASG Privacy Statement

What basic information does Johnson County Autism Support Group collect?

The Johnson County Autism Support Group (JCASG) takes your privacy very seriously. We are committed to the principle that users of our website and services must be secure in the knowledge that information they disclose is used for the purpose for which it was collected and not sold, bartered, or traded to third parties in a manner that is inconsistent with user expectations. Having a relationship founded on trust with our users is not only good manners, but also good for our members and those seeking information about autism.

We do collect certain basic information from your computer each time you visit www.jcasg.org, including your:

• IP address (your computer's unique signature)
• Operating system (e.g., Windows 98)
• Browser software (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape)
• Internet Service Provider (e.g., gateway.net)
• Geographic location (e.g., Indianapolis, IN)

The information we collect reflects the population as a whole and does not focus on individuals. (In other words, this information is not specific enough that someone could use it to contact you.) We use it to help us better understand the people who visit www.jcasg.org. For example, this information helps us identify the most popular areas on our Web site and determine the effectiveness of our promotional activities.

For the same purposes, we use cookies - small text files placed on your computer's hard drive - to help us determine the type of content and sites to which you link, the length of time you spend at any particular site and the JCASG services you use. We use this information to personalize your experience at www.jcasg.org. Again, this information is not specific enough that someone could use it to contact you.

What personal information does JCASG collect?

We do not require you to give any personal information in order to access our site. Most of the resources on our site are available without you having to tell us anything about yourself.

However, when you submit a contact form or sign up for an account we collect personal identifying information from you, which may include the following:

• First and last name
• E-mail address
• Phone number
• Any other information that identifies you as a specific individual
• Any other information that, when tied to the above information, can identify you as a specific individual

We use this information about our visitors for administrative and other purposes we deem necessary to maintain and improve our services.

If you choose to contact us and provide personally identifiable information about yourself, we will use this information only to respond to your inquiry.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement

We fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying those who use our services for illegal activities. We reserve the right to release information about members who we believe are in violation of our Terms of Use Agreement or other content guidelines, even without a subpoena, warrant, or court order. We also reserve the right to report to law enforcement agencies any activities we reasonably believe to be unlawful.

Linked Websites

The JCASG website may contain links to other sites that collect personal and other information. Those other sites are not covered by this Privacy Policy, and we are not responsible for the privacy or data collection practices of those sites or any other sites. Please refer to the privacy policies on all sites which you visit if you are concerned about the info which they collect.

Tips on How to Protect Your Privacy and Safety in Cyberspace

1. Never provide any information on a web site that does not post a privacy policy unless you have reason to trust that site.
2. Never say anything in a public chat room or a forum (newsgroup) that you do not want the public to know. Be very cautious before posting your name, address, telephone number, place of work, school or any other information that could identify you. Information that you post in such areas can be seen by anyone and archived for later use.
3. Keep your passwords private. JCASG personnel will never ask you for your password. Children should be instructed not to give their passwords to anyone other than their parents.
4. When shopping online be sure you are dealing with reputable businesses that handle transactions securely before giving credit card numbers or other personally identifiable information.
5. Parents, instruct your children never to give out information about themselves without first checking with you. Please check out the Online Safety Guidelines at http://www.kids.getnetwise.org/safetyguide and make sure your children are familiar with the Kids Guide for Privacy Online, which can be found at http://www.kids.getnetwise.org/safetyguide/privacy/kids .

Keeping Up with Changes in an Online World

The Internet is rapidly changing the way all of us communicate and interact with each other. While the Internet allows each of us access to a great array of information and services than has ever been available, these new online activities do raise many new challenges such as the privacy issues addressed by this policy. JCASG is committed to working with public policy organizations, industry groups, and government institutions to understand and address these challenges as they come up. As we stated at the beginning of this policy, having a good relationship with our subscribers that is founded on trust is not only good manners, but also good for our members and those seeking more information about autism.

Changes to this Policy

JCASG reserves the right to change this policy at any time. To better serve you and your concerns about your privacy, we will notify you of any changes to this Policy by posting a notice prominently on the main page of our web site (www.jcasg.org) indicating that there has been a change or update to the Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read this Policy.

This Policy

By using the JCASG website, you signify your acceptance of the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our site. Your continued use of the JCASG website after the posting of changes to this policy signifies your acceptance of those changes.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on February 9th, 2007.