Last updated Oct 25, 2026

About this policy

Bridge to Independence is a nonprofit organization that provides free resources to families who have a loved one with a disability, with a special focus on autism and ADHD. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through www.bridge-to-independence.com and our related emails, forms, and events, how we use it, and the choices you have. In this policy, "we," "us," and "our" mean Bridge to Independence.

The short version: we collect only what we need to share resources, respond to you, and carry out our mission. We never sell your personal information. We treat anything you share about your family's health or disability with extra care, and you can ask us to see, correct, or delete your information at any time.

Information we collect

We collect information in three ways: when you share it with us, automatically when you use our website, and sometimes from partners who help us do our work.

We may ask for your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address. This happens when you contact us, sign up for emails, request a resource, register for an event, volunteer, or donate. You may also share details about your family, such as a loved one's age, needs, or diagnosis, so we can suggest helpful resources. You always decide how much to share.

If you donate, a secure payment processor handles your payment. We receive your name, contact details, gift amount, and date, but we never receive or store your full card or bank account number.

When you visit our website, our website platform and analytics tools automatically collect basic technical information. This includes your IP address, browser and device type, the pages you view, the site that sent you to us, and the date and time of your visit.

We may also receive information from others. For example, a payment processor confirms your gift, or a partner organization refers your family to us with your permission. We also see your public profile name when you message or comment on our social media pages.

How we use information

We use your information to provide the free resources and support you ask for and to answer your questions. We also use it to send emails you signed up for, process donations and send tax receipts, and coordinate volunteers and events.

We use combined, non-identifying information to see which resources help families most, improve our website, and report our impact to funders. For example, we might share how many families we served in a year, but never who those families are.

We also use information to keep our website secure, prevent fraud, and meet our legal obligations. We will not use your personal information for a purpose unrelated to these without telling you first and, where required, asking your permission.

Health and disability information

Many families tell us about a loved one's disability, diagnosis, or health needs. We know this information is deeply personal, and we handle it with extra care.

We collect it only when you choose to share it, and we use it only to respond to you and suggest resources that fit your family. We never use it for advertising, and we never sell it or share it with anyone for their own marketing.

Within Bridge to Independence, only the staff and volunteers who need this information to help you can see it. Please do not send us medical records or other detailed health documents unless we specifically ask for them.

How we share information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share it only in the limited ways described here.

We use trusted service providers to host our website, send emails, process donations, and store records. They may use your information only to provide those services to us, and they must keep it secure.

If you ask us to connect you with another organization, such as a therapy provider or advocacy group, we share only what you agree to share. We may also share information when the law requires it, to protect someone's safety, or to protect our legal rights.

If Bridge to Independence ever merges with or transfers its programs to another nonprofit, your information may move with them. It would stay protected by this policy or one that is at least as protective.

Donor privacy

Our donors make our free resources possible, and we respect their privacy. We never sell, rent, or trade donor names, contact details, or giving history to any other organization.

We use donor information to process your gift, send your tax receipt, thank you, and share updates on our work. If you would rather not receive fundraising messages, just let us know and we will stop sending them.

If we recognize donors publicly, such as in an annual report or on our website, we will always honor a request to give anonymously.

Cookies and analytics

Cookies are small files that a website saves in your browser. Our website uses cookies it needs to work, along with analytics cookies that show us which pages and resources are most helpful.

Analytics tools record things like the pages you visit and how long you stay. We review this information in combined form to improve our website, not to identify you.

You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, though some parts of the site may not work as well. Our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals. If we ever add advertising tools, such as social media tracking pixels, we will update this policy first.

Children's privacy

Our website is designed for parents, caregivers, professionals, and supporters. It is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13.

Parents and caregivers may share information about their children so we can suggest resources, and we protect it as described in this policy. If you believe a child under 13 has sent us personal information directly, please contact us and we will delete it.

How we protect and keep information

We use reasonable safeguards to protect your information. These include encrypted connections on our website, password-protected accounts, and limiting access to the people who need it.

No website or online service is completely secure, so we cannot promise perfect security. If a data breach affects your personal information, we will notify you as the law requires.

We keep personal information only as long as we need it for the purposes in this policy or as the law requires. For example, we keep donation records as long as tax rules require. We delete or anonymize other information once we no longer need it.

Your choices and rights

You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the link at the bottom of any email or by contacting us. Even if you unsubscribe, we may still send messages about a donation or request you made.

You can ask us what personal information we have about you and ask us to correct or delete it. We may need to confirm your identity first, and we will respond within 45 days. We may keep some records, such as donation records, when the law requires it.

Depending on where you live, you may have additional privacy rights under state law. We honor those rights wherever they apply, and we will never treat you differently for using them.

If you live in Washington State, our Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy explains how we handle consumer health data and your rights under Washington's My Health My Data Act.

Visitors outside the United States

Bridge to Independence is based in the United States, and the information we collect is stored and processed here. If you visit from another country, your information will be transferred to the United States, where privacy laws may differ from those where you live.

If you live in the European Union, the United Kingdom, or another region with its own privacy laws, you may have additional rights. These can include the right to object to certain uses of your information. Contact us and we will honor those rights where they apply.

Links to other websites

Our website links to other websites, including resources from other organizations, our social media pages, and places to buy books that support our mission. We are not responsible for how those sites handle your information, so please review their privacy policies.

Some features on our site, such as embedded videos or donation forms, may be provided by other companies. Those companies may collect information under their own privacy policies.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will change the Last updated date at the top of this page.

If we make a significant change, such as using your information in a new way, we will post a notice on our website or email you before the change takes effect.

Contact us

If you have questions about this policy or want to make a privacy request, please email us at [contact email]. Include your name and the best way to reach you so we can respond.

Bridge to Independence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.