Last Updated: October 9, 2025
Introduction
Welcome to Hefestru Fund ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website https://hefestru.org (the "Website"), our mobile applications, including the Eyes app (the "Apps"), and all related services (collectively, the "Services").
Hefestru Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Delaware, United States, with EIN: 35-2894390. Our mission is to develop and provide innovative assistive technologies to help people with disabilities live more independently and safely.
By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Services.
Acceptance of Terms
Agreement to Terms
By accessing, browsing, or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Capacity to Enter Agreement
You represent and warrant that:
- You are at least 18 years old or have reached the age of majority in your jurisdiction
- You have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement
- You are not prohibited from using our Services under applicable law
- All information you provide is accurate and current
Updates to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Terms on our Website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
Description of Services
Mission and Purpose
Hefestru Fund is dedicated to developing and providing innovative assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Our Services include:
- Website Services: Information about our mission, programs, and technologies
- Mobile Applications: Assistive technology apps, including the Eyes app for iOS
- Research and Development: Conducting research to advance assistive technology
- Educational Resources: Providing information about assistive technologies and accessibility
- Donation Platform: Facilitating donations to support our mission
Eyes App
The Eyes app is our flagship iOS application that helps visually impaired individuals detect obstacles using Apple's depth sensors and real-time audio feedback. The app:
- Uses device cameras and depth sensors for obstacle detection
- Provides real-time audio feedback about surroundings
- Processes data locally on the device for privacy
- Requires appropriate permissions for camera and sensor access
Future Technologies
We are developing advanced robotic prosthetics and bionic limbs, including:
- Robotic Arms: Precision bionic solutions with neural control interfaces
- Robotic Legs: Advanced mobility solutions with AI-powered gait analysis
- Research Programs: Ongoing research and development initiatives
User Accounts and Registration
Account Creation
Some features of our Services may require you to create an account. When creating an account, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, current, and complete information
- Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate and current
- Maintain the security of your account credentials
- Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
Account Security
You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- All activities that occur under your account
- Logging out of your account when finished
- Using strong passwords and security practices
Account Termination
We reserve the right to:
- Suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms
- Remove or modify content that violates our policies
- Take appropriate legal action for violations
Acceptable Use Policy
Permitted Uses
You may use our Services for lawful purposes only, including:
- Accessing information about our mission and programs
- Using our assistive technology applications as intended
- Making donations to support our mission
- Participating in research studies (with appropriate consent)
- Sharing our content for educational purposes
Prohibited Uses
You agree not to use our Services for any unlawful or prohibited purpose, including:
Illegal Activities
- Violating any applicable laws or regulations
- Infringing on intellectual property rights
- Engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices
- Harassing, threatening, or intimidating others
- Distributing malicious software or harmful code
Unauthorized Access
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems
- Interfering with the proper functioning of our Services
- Reverse engineering or attempting to extract source code
- Using automated systems to access our Services without permission
Content Violations
- Posting or transmitting harmful, offensive, or inappropriate content
- Impersonating others or providing false information
- Spamming or sending unsolicited communications
- Violating others' privacy or confidentiality
Commercial Use
- Using our Services for commercial purposes without permission
- Reselling or redistributing our content or applications
- Using our Services to compete with our organization
- Soliciting donations for purposes other than supporting our mission
Enforcement
We reserve the right to:
- Monitor use of our Services for compliance with these Terms
- Remove content that violates our policies
- Suspend or terminate access for violations
- Report violations to appropriate authorities
- Take legal action for serious violations
Intellectual Property Rights
Our Intellectual Property
All content, materials, and intellectual property on our Services are owned by Hefestru Fund or our licensors, including:
- Website Content: Text, images, graphics, videos, and other materials
- Mobile Applications: Software, code, user interfaces, and functionality
- Research and Development: Technologies, inventions, and innovations
- Trademarks: Hefestru Fund name, logos, and branding
- Copyrights: Original content and creative works
License to Use
Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to:
- Access and use our Website for personal, non-commercial purposes
- Download and use our mobile applications as intended
- Share our content for educational purposes with proper attribution
- Make donations through our platform
Restrictions
You may not:
- Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
- Reverse engineer or decompile our applications
- Use our trademarks without written permission
- Remove or alter copyright notices
- Create derivative works based on our content
User-Generated Content
If you submit content to our Services, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:
- Use, modify, and distribute your content for our mission
- Display your content on our Services
- Use your content for research and development purposes
- Share your content with research partners (with appropriate consent)
Copyright Infringement
We respect intellectual property rights and will respond to valid copyright infringement claims. If you believe your copyright has been infringed, please contact us at info@hefestru.org with:
- Description of the copyrighted work
- Location of the infringing material
- Your contact information
- Statement of good faith belief
- Statement of accuracy under penalty of perjury
Privacy and Data Protection
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.
Data Collection
We may collect information about you when you:
- Visit our Website or use our Apps
- Create an account or make donations
- Participate in research studies
- Contact us or subscribe to communications
Data Use
We use your information to:
- Provide and improve our Services
- Process donations and provide tax receipts
- Conduct research and development
- Communicate with you about our mission
- Comply with legal obligations
Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information, but cannot guarantee absolute security. You use our Services at your own risk.
Donations and Financial Transactions
Donation Processing
When you make a donation through our Services:
- Payment Information: We collect payment information necessary to process your donation
- Tax Receipts: We provide appropriate tax receipts for tax-deductible donations
- Donor Recognition: We may publicly recognize donors unless you opt out
- Refund Policy: Donations are generally non-refundable, but we may consider refunds in exceptional circumstances
Payment Security
We use secure payment processors to handle donations. We do not store complete payment card information on our servers.
Tax Deductibility
Hefestru Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Consult with a tax professional for specific advice.
Donor Privacy
We respect donor privacy and will not sell or share donor information with third parties except as required by law or with your consent.
Mobile Applications
App Store Terms
Our mobile applications are subject to the terms and conditions of the app stores where they are distributed (Apple App Store, Google Play Store, etc.).
Permissions
Our applications may request permissions for:
- Camera Access: For assistive technology features
- Location Services: For enhanced functionality
- Notifications: For important updates and alerts
- Storage: For caching and offline functionality
Updates and Maintenance
We may:
- Release updates to improve functionality and security
- Discontinue support for older versions
- Modify features based on user feedback and research
Device Requirements
Our applications require:
- Compatible devices and operating systems
- Sufficient storage space
- Internet connectivity for certain features
- Appropriate permissions for full functionality
Research and Development
Research Participation
We may invite you to participate in research studies related to assistive technology development. Participation is voluntary and subject to:
- Informed Consent: Clear explanation of research purposes and procedures
- Privacy Protection: Appropriate safeguards for research data
- Ethical Review: Research activities undergo appropriate ethical review
- Data Anonymization: Personal identifiers are removed from research data
Research Data
Research data may be used for:
- Improving existing technologies
- Developing new assistive solutions
- Academic research and publications
- Collaboration with research partners
Research Ethics
We are committed to ethical research practices and comply with applicable research regulations and guidelines.
Disclaimers and Limitations
Service Availability
We strive to provide reliable Services, but we cannot guarantee:
- Uninterrupted access to our Services
- Error-free operation of our applications
- Compatibility with all devices or systems
- Availability of specific features or content
Technology Limitations
Our assistive technologies are designed to help users but have limitations:
- Eyes App: May not detect all obstacles or work in all conditions
- Future Technologies: Are in development and not yet available
- Research Technologies: Are experimental and may not work as intended
Medical Disclaimer
Our Services and technologies are not intended to:
- Replace professional medical advice or treatment
- Diagnose or treat medical conditions
- Provide emergency medical assistance
- Substitute for professional rehabilitation services
No Warranties
Our Services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including:
- Warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
- Warranties regarding accuracy, reliability, or completeness
- Warranties regarding security or freedom from errors
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Hefestru Fund shall not be liable for:
- Direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
- Personal injury or property damage
- Damages arising from use or inability to use our Services
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Hefestru Fund from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
- Your use of our Services
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your violation of any rights of others
- Your violation of applicable laws
Third-Party Services and Links
Third-Party Integration
Our Services may integrate with third-party services, including:
- Payment Processors: For processing donations
- Analytics Providers: For understanding usage patterns
- Email Services: For communications
- Social Media Platforms: For sharing and engagement
External Links
Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for:
- Content on third-party websites
- Privacy practices of third parties
- Security of third-party services
- Availability of external resources
Third-Party Terms
Use of third-party services is subject to their respective terms and conditions and privacy policies.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Accessibility Commitment
We are committed to making our Services accessible to people with disabilities and comply with applicable accessibility standards.
Assistive Technology Support
Our Services are designed to work with assistive technologies, including:
- Screen readers and voice recognition software
- Alternative input devices
- High contrast and large text options
- Keyboard navigation support
Accommodation Requests
If you need accommodations to access our Services, please contact us at info@hefestru.org.
International Users
Global Access
Our Services are available to users worldwide, but may be subject to local laws and regulations.
Export Controls
Our technologies may be subject to export control laws. You agree to comply with applicable export control regulations.
Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your residence, subject to appropriate safeguards.
Termination
Termination by You
You may stop using our Services at any time. You may also request deletion of your account and data by contacting us.
Termination by Us
We may terminate or suspend your access to our Services if you:
- Violate these Terms
- Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
- Misuse our Services or intellectual property
- Fail to pay required fees (if applicable)
Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your right to use our Services ceases immediately
- We may delete your account and data
- Certain provisions of these Terms survive termination
- You remain liable for any outstanding obligations
Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Delaware, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Jurisdiction
Any legal action arising from these Terms must be brought in the courts of Delaware, United States.
Dispute Resolution Process
Before filing any legal action, you agree to:
- Contact us at info@hefestru.org to attempt resolution
- Participate in good faith negotiations
- Consider alternative dispute resolution methods
Class Action Waiver
You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.
Miscellaneous Provisions
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Hefestru Fund.
Assignment
We may assign these Terms to a successor organization or in connection with a merger or acquisition.
Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Headings
Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Terms.
Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms or our Services, please contact us:
Primary Contact
Hefestru Fund
Email: info@hefestru.org
Website: https://hefestru.org
Legal Inquiries
Email: info@hefestru.org
Subject Line: "Legal Inquiry"
Response Time
We will respond to all inquiries within 30 days of receipt.
Additional Resources
Legal Resources
- Delaware State Laws: https://delcode.delaware.gov/
- Federal Laws: https://www.law.cornell.edu/
- Accessibility Guidelines: https://www.w3.org/WAI/
Nonprofit Resources
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organizations: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits
- National Council of Nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/
These Terms and Conditions are effective as of October 9, 2025, and were last updated on October 9, 2025.
Hefestru Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Delaware, United States, with EIN: 35-2894390.
