Capital Area Autism Network Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 2026 | Last Updated: March 2026
The Capital Area Autism Network ("CAAN," "we," "us," or "our") is a nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, committed to increasing connection, promoting opportunity, and investing in inclusion for the autism and neurodivergent community. We are dedicated to protecting the privacy of every individual who interacts with our organization.
This Privacy Policy describes how CAAN collects, uses, and protects personal information gathered through our website (www.caanbr.org), event registration forms, and related communications. By registering for a CAAN event or using our website, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect personal information only when you voluntarily provide it to us, including when you:
• Register for a CAAN event or program
• Sign up for our email newsletter or mailing list
• Contact us by email, phone, or through our website
• Participate in CAAN surveys or data collection activities
The types of information we may collect include:
• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Organization or employer name
• Job title or role
• Responses to optional registration questions (e.g., attendance format, accessibility needs)
We do not collect sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, medical records, or information about minor children without explicit consent and appropriate safeguards.
2. How We Use Your Information
CAAN uses the information we collect for the following purposes:
Event Registration and Communications
• To process your event registration and send confirmation emails
• To deliver calendar invites and event access links (e.g., Microsoft Teams webinar links)
• To send event reminders, updates, or logistical information
• To follow up after events with surveys, resources, or recordings
Organizational Communications
• To send CAAN newsletters, program announcements, and community updates, if you have opted in
• To share information about upcoming events, initiatives, and opportunities relevant to the autism and neurodivergent community
Data and Program Improvement
• To track attendance and participation for reporting and grant purposes
• To analyze engagement trends and improve CAAN programs and events
• To support CAAN’s annual data report on the state of autism and neurodiversity in the Greater Baton Rouge area (data is aggregated and de-identified)
3. How We Share Your Information
CAAN does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
• Service providers: We use Microsoft Teams and related Microsoft 365 services to host virtual and hybrid events. By registering for a virtual event, your registration information is processed through Microsoft’s platform, which has its own privacy policy.
• Email platforms: We use an email service provider to send newsletters and event communications. Your email address is shared with this platform solely for the purpose of delivering communications on CAAN’s behalf.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to a valid legal request.
We do not share your information with sponsors, partner organizations, or other third parties without your explicit consent.
4. Email Communications and Opt-Out
If you register for a CAAN event or join our mailing list, you may receive periodic emails from us. Every email we send includes an unsubscribe link. You may opt out of general communications at any time without affecting your registration for specific events you have already signed up for.
To be removed from our mailing list or to request that we stop contacting you, email us at info@caanbr.org or call (225) 329-1739.
5. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, including for recordkeeping, grant reporting, and program evaluation. Event registration records are generally retained for a period of three years. You may request deletion of your personal information at any time (see Section 7).
6. Data Security
CAAN takes reasonable precautions to protect the personal information we collect from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. We use password-protected systems, secure email communications, and trusted third-party platforms with their own security practices.
While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. We encourage you to contact us immediately at info@caanbr.org if you believe your information has been compromised.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
• Access the personal information CAAN holds about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal information from our records
• Opt out of email communications at any time
• Ask questions about how your data is used
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:
Drew Walker, Executive Director
Capital Area Autism Network
2041 Silverside Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
info@caanbr.org | (225) 329-1739
8. Website Analytics and Cookies
CAAN’s website (www.caanbr.org) uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC. Google Analytics collects anonymized data about how visitors interact with our site, including pages visited, time spent on each page, general geographic location (country or city level), device type, and referring website. This information helps us understand how our community uses our site so we can improve its content and usability.
Google Analytics data is aggregated and does not identify individual visitors. CAAN does not link Google Analytics data to any personal information you provide to us through registration forms or email sign-ups.
Google Analytics uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to collect this data. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking at any time by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. You may also adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies, though doing so may affect the functionality of some websites.
For more information on how Google collects and processes data, please review Google’s Privacy Policy at policies.google.com/privacy.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website and event communications may contain links to third-party websites or platforms (such as partner organizations or resource providers). CAAN is not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
10. Children’s Privacy
CAAN’s events and programs primarily serve adults, families, and professionals in the autism and neurodivergent community. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at info@caanbr.org so we can remove it promptly.
11. Changes to This Policy
CAAN may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we do, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our website or participation in CAAN events after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
Capital Area Autism Network
2041 Silverside Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 329-1739
Capital Area Autism Network · Baton Rouge, Louisiana · www.caanbr.org