The Disability Rights Web Application (“the Website”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is operated by [Organization Name – e.g., Botswana Council for the Disabled (BCD)].
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information in relation to the Website and associated digital services.

Our commitment is to ensure that the rights, dignity, and privacy of persons with disabilities (PWDs), caregivers, service providers, and all users are protected.

1. Purpose of This Website

The Website is designed to:

• Provide accessible information on disability rights and policies in Botswana
• Offer tools such as:
  • Rights Finder
  • Accessibility Checker
  • Complaint & Support Portal
  • Resource Library
  • Directory of Services
• Support interactions between users, government agencies, NGOs, and disability service providers

We are committed to protecting user data while promoting access to information.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide our services. This may include:

2.1 Personal Information

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Physical address (optional or if required for service mapping)
• Disability-related information only when voluntarily provided (e.g., when submitting complaints or requesting support)

2.2 Sensitive Information

Some tools require optional submission of sensitive data such as:

• Details about a disability rights violation
• Supporting documents (photos, audio, video, medical notes)
• Identity documents (only if necessary for complaint verification)

We never collect sensitive information without your consent.

2.3 Technical Information

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device type
• App usage analytics
• Cookies (for improving user experience)

2.4 Location Information

Used only if you enable location services to:

• Suggest nearby accessible facilities
• Display maps of services
• Improve search results

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

✔ Provide access to disability rights and services
✔ Respond to complaints or requests
✔ Improve content and website experience
✔ Support accessibility features (e.g., text-to-speech, language options)
✔ Improve system functionality and security
✔ Generate non-identifiable statistics for reporting and improvement

We do not sell or trade personal information under any circumstances.

4. Legal Basis for Processing Information

We process information under the following principles:

• Consent – You provide clear consent by using forms or tools.
• Legitimate Interest – To improve and secure our services.
• Legal Obligation – When required to investigate rights violations or support legal cases (with your permission).

5. Sharing of Information

We may share information only when necessary and only with:

• Relevant government agencies (e.g., Social Protection, Legal Aid Botswana)
• Accredited NGOs or partners handling disability support
• Law enforcement only when required by law
• Technical service providers that maintain our platform (bound by confidentiality)

We do not share data for commercial or marketing purposes.

6. Data Storage and Security

We implement strong security measures, including:

• Encrypted connections (HTTPS)
• Secure password hashing
• Restricted administrator access
• Regular security audits
• Storage on secure servers (local or cloud-based)

Sensitive data is encrypted and accessible only to authorized staff.

7. Data Retention

Your information is retained only as long as necessary:

• Complaint submissions: 5 years unless otherwise specified
• Saved profile/user account: until you delete your account
• Analytics: anonymized after collection

You may request deletion of your data at any time.

8. Your Rights as a User

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion ("Right to be Forgotten")
• Request restriction of processing
• Withdraw consent
• Request a copy of your data (data portability)
• File a complaint regarding data misuse

9. Children’s Privacy

The Website is accessible to all users, including caregivers of children with disabilities.
We only collect information from children when submitted by a parent, guardian, or authorized official.

We do not knowingly collect information directly from minors without consent.

10. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies to:

• Improve navigation
• Enable accessibility tools
• Save language or display preferences

You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

11. Accessibility and Data Protection

In supporting accessibility features (text-to-speech, screen reader compatibility, language options), we ensure that:

• Accessibility settings are stored locally when possible
• Voice or text inputs for the chatbot are not stored beyond necessary processing

12. Third-Party Links

Some sections of the Website link to external resources, service providers, and government portals.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect new laws, technology, or platform improvements.
All changes will be posted with an updated “Last Updated” date.