Online Resource Directory Terms of Use Policies: Database Use Policies and Inclusion/Exclusion Policies
As North Carolina’s leading resource on autism and as part of its mission to enhance the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum, those with developmental challenges, and their families, The Autism Society of North Carolina provides information about organizations, agencies, and programs that serve people on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disabilities. In addition to the information in our online resource database, Autism Resource Specialists are available to provide additional information, local resources, advocacy, support, and mentoring for autism spectrum disorder related issues across all 100 counties in North Carolina. The following policies are related to the use of the database as well as the inclusion and exclusion of resources in ASNC’s online resource directory.
DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE
Database resources, information and links are provided for information only. Inclusion in the database does not constitute endorsement nor does exclusion indicate disapproval. ASNC has worked to provide complete and accurate information in its website database. The listings are based on information provided by agency/organization/program representatives. Because information is constantly changing and being updated, listings are subject to change without notice. ASNC makes no representation with respect to the accuracy and completeness of the contents of the database and specifically disclaims any implied responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided, and shall in no event be held liable for any loss or damage. ASNC reserves the right to include or exclude resources. Resource inclusion may be delayed due to limits on available staffing or other database resources.
The website database provides links to other sites for more information. Links do not imply an endorsement of materials disseminated on those sites, opinions expressed there, nor does the existence of a link to another site imply the organization or person publishing the site endorses any of the materials or opinions on ASNC’s sites. Links to other websites are provided as a convenience and ASNC and its funders are not responsible for the content at any website linked to the ASNC website database.
ASNC does not license, endorse, rate, or recommend any agency/provider/program. ASNC encourages people to make informed decisions about services supports and treatment options. ASNC supports the use of and provides information about evidence-based treatments on its website. Individuals, families and service providers should ask questions, visit providers, and otherwise evaluate the ability of organizations to meet their needs in a way that best suits their unique circumstances. Each person has different needs, ways of learning, and perspectives that mean what works for one person may not work for another. An ASNC guide for treatment options and suggestions for what to ask a service provider can be found here.
ASNC does not guarantee client/participant referrals to any agencies listed in the database. Agencies are completely and wholly responsible for screening clients/participants for eligibility of services within their program(s). Agencies are responsible for informing ASNC of changes to operations and information. ASNC may exclude agencies for failure to respond to requests for updated information or for incomplete application information.
INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA
Agencies may be absent from the database due to the policies listed here. ASNC reserves the right to prioritize and limit inclusion. Factors such as staffing, funding and agency participation affect the extent to which all eligible agencies can be included. As noted above, inclusion does not imply endorsement, and omission does not indicate disapproval.
Inclusion Policies:
A) Agencies, organizations and programs that provide autism or developmental services, supports, training to people with autism spectrum disorder in North Carolina.
B) And, are located in or have service locations in North Carolina or within a reasonable distance of its border for those living in border counties.
C) And, can show evidence of that active service site including contact information, acceptance of referrals from ASNC, completion of request for inclusion forms, response to requests for updated information, etc.
D) And, do not violate any of the exclusion criteria listed below.
The following resources MAY be included at the discretion of ASNC, based on database prioritization, staffing, and resources.
1. Organizations located outside of North Carolina that offer a unique service or frequently requested information
2. Organizations outside of NC that act as a centralized referring resource for services
3. Organizations whose sole purpose is the for profit sale of autism or developmental related products or services, when there are frequent requests for such products or services
Exclusion Policies
Agencies, organizations, programs, community groups will be excluded under the following conditions
1. Agencies/organizations/programs and community groups (hereafter referred to as “organizations”) that deny service on the basis of discrimination due to age, color, race, religion, gender, language, disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, nationality, or on any other basis not permitted by law.
2. Organizations that violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
3. Organizations that misrepresent their services in any way.
4. Organizations that are not licensed, where licensing standards exist.
5. Events, with the exception of research studies related to autism and development conducted by accredited research facilities in accordance with professional research criteria.
6. ASNC will further consider as a basis of denying inclusion in its database
a. When it has reason to believe that services provided are not in accord with commonly accepted professional practices and standards.
b. On the basis of complaints to ASNC, regulatory boards, Better Business Bureau or other agencies by individuals, families, professionals or other people using or attempting to use services provided by a resource.
7. ASNC reserves the right to refuse listing an agency or service in its sole discretion.
8. ASNC reserves the right to remove a listing when an agency no longer meets the criteria outlined in these policies.
9. Agencies are responsible for informing ASNC when changes occur, of reviewing and updating information (as needed) upon the request of ASNC at periodic internals, and agencies not providing updated information may be deleted form the database.
10. Agencies/organizations/program excluded from the database may submit a written request to ASNC for reconsideration of removal.
All terms of use, inclusion/exclusion policies and warranties herein are subject to change.
Requests for help in locating resources or in navigating the services system should be directed to your local Autism Resource Specialist.
Resources may request to be included in the online directory by filling out this form.
Other questions about the online resource directory and all other correspondence related to the online directory should be sent to Kathy Cockrell.
Updated January 14, 2016