Privacy Policy

How the PAAL Program collects, uses, and protects your personal information.

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Introduction

The PAAL Program, a program of Mission for Educating Citizens with Autism (MECA), respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you visit our website or interact with our organization.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Contact information you provide through forms, including your name, email address, phone number, and organization
  • Referral information submitted through our admissions inquiry form, including student age range and program interest
  • Donation information processed securely through our third-party payment provider (PayPal)
  • Usage data automatically collected when you browse our site, such as pages visited, browser type, and general geographic location

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to your inquiries about programs, admissions, careers, or donations
  • Process referral and enrollment requests
  • Process and acknowledge donations
  • Improve our website and user experience
  • Send relevant updates about our programs (only with your consent)

Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

  • With trusted service providers who help us operate our website and process donations (e.g., PayPal)
  • When required by law or to protect the safety and rights of our organization, staff, or students
  • With school districts or intermediate units, only when directly related to a student referral you have initiated

Text Messages & Phone Contact

Inquiries from website forms. When you submit a form on our website (such as our contact or referral inquiry forms) and provide your phone number, you consent to be contacted by the PAAL Program by phone, text message, or email regarding your inquiry. We use your phone number only to respond to the inquiry you submitted. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. You may reply STOP to any text message to opt out at any time, or reply HELP for assistance.

Reminders for staff. As part of our internal operations, PAAL sends SMS text message reminders to staff regarding required clearance renewals (such as background checks, child abuse clearances, and other compliance documentation). These messages are sent only to current PAAL staff using phone numbers they have provided for work-related communication. Message frequency varies based on individual clearance schedules. Standard message and data rates may apply. Staff may opt out at any time by replying STOP or by contacting their supervisor; opting out does not affect employment but may require alternative methods of clearance reminder delivery.

We do not share phone numbers with third parties for marketing purposes, and SMS opt-in information is never sold or shared.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some features of our website.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., PayPal for donations, Google Maps for directions). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through our website. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt out of any communications you have previously consented to

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

PAAL Program — MECA
Downingtown, PA
Email: info@paalprogram.org