Gehoord worden,

Do children tell their dilemmas to a cuddly toy?

Children with multiple intellectual disabilities used the Storytelling Cuddly Toy as an intermediary because it gave them more peace to choose their own words at their own time;

A number of children learned how to discuss a dilemma with an adult by first speaking. After which they are more likely to dare to tell their story directly;

Did a 'trauma' emerge in the middle of the night, which the child also sensed that she had to talk about;

Mother's voice had a reassuring effect as soon as a girl with Down syndrome woke up at night and could listen to a recorded story from mother. She even made her own bed from a shoebox for the cuddly toy;

Calmed down a child by briefly 'ranting' at the Storytelling Cuddly Toy after he was angry because the teacher had not responded to his story in class;

Children gave the Storytelling Cuddly Toy its own name;

One child thought the Storytelling cuddly toy looked like a strong man without a head. For another child it was an anchor;

A child liked to hear over and over again that the parents love her and that she can tell anything; 

Spoke a child short things during a night when she couldn't sleep.

version: 25-08-2025

1.    Introduction

Due to the processing of special categories of personal data, information security in healthcare and education is very important. The law requires healthcare providers and educational organizations to have and apply a solid information security policy. Protecting privacy-sensitive information of employees and clients/students is of utmost importance. 

The explanation in this document answers questions about privacy and data protection during the use of Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy. This provides a clear understanding of the functionality of Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy, where data is stored, and who has access to that data. 

Vertelknuffel BV, as a supplier and service provider, aims to make every effort to explain privacy and data protection as clearly as possible, thereby removing this barrier to the use of Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy.

2.    Services

Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy improves mental well-being by supporting communication between client and caregiver. Discover earlier what is going on, making guidance more effective!

It is a soft cuddly toy that can record clients’ stories, which the caregiver can replay via the app. Without internet or network connection. As soon as the client holds down the record button, the story is stored on the Vertelknuffel. The caregiver can record responses, songs, or stories, so the client can play them back and/or respond.

3.    Relevance

Engaging Vertelknuffel BV as a supplier or service provider is an important decision, and like any collaboration, this must be based on trust. Therefore, in this document, Vertelknuffel BV provides transparency and clarity about its security, compliance, and operational policies.

Vertelknuffel BV emphasizes that this product is a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), and is currently being optimized to become a fully-fledged and certified tool for healthcare and education.

Vertelknuffel BV will, every 3 years or in the case of a contract change/renewal, contact the organization to have this list re-evaluated and updated to meet the then-applicable security requirements and already implemented measures.

4.    Security

1. Through a Wi-Fi access point and a (generic) password, there is access to the app and data on Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy. Wi-Fi name and password can then be changed there. In case of loss of a self-chosen password, Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy must be reset to factory settings. All stored data will then be permanently deleted.
2. Data is stored only on the internal SSD storage (32GB) of Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy.
3. Data is not shared with third parties and is only available on Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy. There is no connection to the internet or local organization network.
4. Only with the Wi-Fi password is there access to the data on Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy. This concerns mp3/wav audio and a LOG file. These can also be deleted and downloaded by the administrator, after which the responsibility for this download lies with the administrator.
5. The LOG file records firmware version, date and time of button actions, activation of Bluetooth, downloads, and administrator consent. This log file can be downloaded via the app in the Settings tab.
6. On Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy no personal data is requested, stored, or shared. When opening the app, explicit consent from the administrator and implicit consent from the client is requested once for data management, including replaying and deleting audio files.
7. For administrative purposes, we store the contact details of the organization and contact person(s) in our secure environment. This data is not shared with third parties outside the organization of Vertelknuffel BV.
8. Recording is only possible as long as holds down the record button.

Other

1. The app running on Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy is a so-called Captive Portal and does not need to be installed. However, the app can be updated by downloading and installing an ota file that Vertelknuffel BV provides exclusively with a version number via www.vertelknuffel.nl/update. This ota file only updates the app and leaves the data untouched. The firmware version number can be found in the app, under the Update tab.
2. Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy is provided on a subscription basis. Warranty, replacement, or repair are included as long as the subscription runs.
3. After termination of a subscription or pilot, the Vertelknuffel must be returned to avoid waste of raw materials. After a pilot, a subscription for a longer period can be taken if desired.
4. A data processing agreement will be concluded upon request, as well as the execution of a DPIA.
5. Access to the portal on Vertelknuffel.nl, for example about a pilot, is purely informative in nature and contains no personal data. Vertelknuffel BV will always first request permission if such a need arises.
6. Vertelknuffel BV is not responsible for damage caused by incorrect use of the product, based on the manual available at that time. All agreements with Vertelknuffel BV are governed by Dutch law. In cases not covered by these terms, Vertelknuffel BV reserves the right to make additional arrangements with the organization.
7. In the event of functional problems or data loss, Vertelknuffel BV should be contacted as soon as possible via the email address info@vertelknuffel.nl or telephone number: +31 614657653. As a supplier, Vertelknuffel BV will work together with the organization to arrive at an adequate solution.

Conclusion

The Storytelling Cuddly Toy:

• provides earlier insight into the request for help;
• makes treatment time more efficient;
• helps improve communication;
• does not connect to the internet;
• does not share data via the internet or with third parties;
• does not require access to the organizational network;
• can be managed by logging in to the offline Wi-Fi access point on the Storytelling Cuddly Toy;
• Logs anonymous user and download permission on local storage can be reset to factory settings, which permanently erases all recordings, settings and logging;

By purchasing Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy, the people of social workplace and sewing workshop UnIk in Breda are supported. With great love and care, they make the soft, allergy-free Vertelknuffel from recycled materials.

Vertelknuffel BV strives to make all visual expressions and use of Vertelknuffel SAMbuddy (digitally) accessible.