Tag: Autism
Thanksgiving – A Time for Reflection and Thanks
There’s a chill in the air and the trees are almost bare. Here in New England that’s a clear sign that fall is upon us and soon the Thanksgiving holiday will be here. Where ever you are and whatever your situation is, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to give thanks!
Personally, I’m thankful for my wonderful family, my health, my spouse, my caring co-workers, my two dogs and many many other things. I urge you to think about what you are thankful for and to let those people (and pets!) know how much you appreciate them.
As a company, we here at LoJack SafetyNet sincerely appreciate our close nit community. Our customers, followers and supporters have played a massive role in our growth and we truly appreciate and want to thank all of you.
It’s a great feeling for us when we hear about success stories like this and this, which proves our efforts to bring loved ones back home with our SafetyNet service really do work and we are in fact saving lives.
As the Thanksgiving holiday comes closer, here are some links that may be helpful to you:
Thanksgiving Travel Tips:
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2010/11/12/dont-turkey-follow-thanksgiving-travel-tips/
Thanksgiving Cooking and Safety Tips:
http://www.catalogs.com/info/kitchen/thanksgiving-cooking-tips.html
Thanksgiving Events – Family and Black Friday:
http://www.fchornet.com/2.2211/a-beginners-guide-to-shopping-black-friday-1.2704947#.TsaEiGPfdWA
http://www.wafb.com/story/16074437/best-buys-worst-buys-on-black-friday-2011
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/guide/family-guide-to-thanksgiving-volunteering/
http://fatherhoodchannel.com/2010/10/29/thanksgiving-family-survival-guide-2010/
Thank you for reading and we look forward to a prosperous 2012 and beyond.
Stay safe!
Jason at LoJack SafetyNet
Posted on November 22, 2011 | 1 Comment | Category: Alzheimer's, Autism, Caregiving, Dementia, Down Syndrome, Search and Rescue, Uncategorized, Wandering | Tags: Alzheimer's, Autism, Caregiving, Dementia, Down Syndrome, giving thanks, GPS, Radio Frequency, Search and Rescue, technology, thanksgiving, Wandering, Wandering | Tags: Alzheimer's
The Benefits of Radio Frequency Technology for Finding People Who Wander
By Jennifer Morrissey
Customer Care Specialist, LoJack SafetyNet
When I attend conferences and events, I’m lucky enough to meet a lot of parents and caregivers. And it is safe to say that a lot of people don’t know what Radio Frequency is. It is also safe to say that I didn’t know much about it before I joined LoJack Corporation, the premier worldwide provider of tracking, recovery and rescue systems, which uses Radio Frequency (RF).
I feel it is important for me to say right away that each family needs to find a system that works for them, whether it’s RF, cellular or GPS. Eloping or wandering is a serious issue that affects those with cognitive conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Down syndrome, brain injuries and other serious conditions. And while the families have already prepared for a wandering incident by using special locks around the house on doors and windows, alarms and fences – sometimes it is just not enough. I have heard many parents of children with autism describe their son or daughter as “Houdini.” No matter what lengths they have taken, their child is still able to get out.
It is when your loved one gets out of the safe, secure area of your home that the SafetyNet™ by LoJack Service comes into play. Once you realize he is missing, you will undoubtedly call 911 about this emergency. Since law enforcement is going to do the search anyway, you may want to add the SafetyNet Service to the tool box and help bring your loved one home sooner. The average missing person search is roughly nine hours. Nowadays, you don’t have to go very far to read a story in the news or on Facebook about someone missing overnight or even for days. And with the cold weather coming, every minute counts. The SafetyNet Service could bring them home within minutes.
Now on to why I feel RF is the best locating device for a missing person.
Radio Frequency is not obstructed by concrete. Not steel. Not densely wooded areas. And, it can work in shallow water.
How many times have you had a dropped call on your cell phone? Or maybe you can’t even make cell phone calls from inside your own home or office. Sometimes your cell phone will be in a “dead zone” where you may get a “No Service” message. Basically, you need to be near cell towers in order to use a cell phone. So if you find yourself in an area where there is too much distance between the towers or no towers at all (usually in remote areas), the phone won’t be able to find a signal and therefore you’ll get “No Service.” Essentially, your loved one could be wearing a cellular device and end up somewhere without service and the signal would not get picked up.
Last week, I was using the GPS in my car and when I pulled into an underground garage, it stopped working. The reason for that is because the GPS unit needs a direct line of sight to the sky andsatellite from which it is getting the directions. Because I went into an underground structure made of concrete, the GPS could not communicate with the satellite and lost contact.
Two weeks ago, SafetyNet by LoJack was used to find a missing teen with autism. The police found him within minutes in an underground subway system of Boston. Radio Frequency was able to penetrate through the subway system and onto land, where officers with the MBTA Police were able to pick up a signal using SafetyNet’s equipment and head to the location of the missing boy. You can read more about that story on BostonHerald.com.
I also mention to parents and caregivers that the equipment that public safety officers use can pick up the RF signal in the SafetyNet bracelet up to one mile on the ground and up to 7 miles in the air. SafetyNet equipment has been used multiple times by aviation units to find a missing person, including this past week in Philadelphia – http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/local/article/975850–police-missing-man-located-with-lojack-technology.
The last thing I talk about has nothing to do with RF, but I find it incredibly important. During the training that public safety gets from SafetyNet officials, they not only learn about using the equipment but also on how to approach and interact with someone who has a cognitive condition. We here at LoJack SafetyNet take the time to learn about your loved one during the enrollment process so that we can share that information in a secure database with public safety agencies. That way, they have a sense of who your son, daughter, mother, father or loved one is before they even reach the scene. Is your son afraid of dogs? Does your father walk with a cane?
The SafetyNet Service uses tried and true RF technology. That along with trained law enforcement, you can feel good about your loved one on the SafetyNet service. Enroll before the end of September by October 15, 2011 and get waived enrollment and six months free. Visit our website at www.safetynetbylojack.com or call us at 877-434-6384
LoJack is a registered trademark of LoJack Corporation and SafetyNet is a trademark of LoJack SafetyNet, Inc.
Posted on September 23, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Alzheimer's, Autism, Caregiving, Dementia, Down Syndrome, Search and Rescue, Wandering | Tags: Alzheimer's, Autism, GPS, Radio Frequency, technology, Wandering
15-Year-Old Boy with Autism Wandered to Boston’s Subway System; Rescued by MBTA Transit Police Using SafetyNet by LoJack System
Yesterday morning, a 15-year-old resident of East Boston – who has autism and is enrolled in the SafetyNet Service – wandered away from his school to one of his favorite spots – the subway system – and was rescued within approximately 20 minutes by MBTA Transit Police using the SafetyNet by LoJack System. This is the first rescue in Boston since the service was made available in January 2011.
Details of the Rescue:
When school officials noticed the boy was missing, they immediately called 911. Boston Police Department dispatch notified its ground units, as well as the MBTA Transit Police Department. Police were alerted that the boy’s last known location was North Station and arrived with their SafetyNet tracking equipment. Approximately 20 minutes after arriving at North Station, officers with the MBTA Transit Police began picking up a signal emitting from the missing boy’s SafetyNet Bracelet. The signal was coming from Downtown Crossing and was strongest underground. Officers went underground into the subway, boarded a train and were able to locate the boy, who was heading southbound. Using techniques learned in the SafetyNet training sessions, the officers were able to effectively communicate with and approach the boy and ultimately safely remove him from the train. He was rescued unharmed and later brought back to his parent.
“We are proud of our transit police officers’ quick response to this emergency situation,” said Transit Police Deputy Chief Joseph O’Connor. “With the use of SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers, officers were able to reunite the lost child with his family within minutes.”
This is the first rescue of a client enrolled in the SafetyNet by LoJack service in the city of Boston.
The SafetyNet service is comprised of a SafetyNet Bracelet worn by a client that emits Radio Frequency signals, which can be tracked by local public safety officials via their SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers.
The SafetyNet service is currently available to residents in Boston, as well as many surrounding towns and counties. In an effort to provide valuable protection to individuals at risk of wandering, LoJack SafetyNet™, Inc. is currently providing 1,500 free SafetyNet devices — along with six months of service — now through September 30, 2011 October 15, 2011 to any interested caregivers living in SafetyNet’s coverage areas. For more information on SafetyNet by LoJack and the giveaway, please contact (877) 4-FINDTHEM (877-434-6384) or visit www.safetynetbylojack.com.
Posted on September 9, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Uncategorized | Tags: Autism, Boston, LoJack, MBTA, police, SafetyNet, Wandering
LoJack SafetyNet is Giving Away 1,500 Tracking Devices for Anyone with Autism, Alzheimer’s and Other Similar Conditions!
As part of LoJack’s 25th anniversary celebration, we are pleased to announce that we are giving away 1,500 SafetyNet tracking devices. We’re calling the initiative “SafetyNet Race to Keep Safe” and it’s valid while supplies last—hence the “race” to keep safe those in danger of wandering. “SafetyNet Race to Keep Safe” includes a SafetyNet Bracelet, batteries and straps along with instructions and information on the SafetyNet Service, all shipped at no cost. The enrollment and monthly fees are waived, allowing caregivers and families to experience the service without any financial commitment for a full six months.
As you know, caring for a loved one who could potentially wander at any moment carries a considerable responsibility, and nothing could be more frightening than the thought of them wandering and becoming lost.
Our proven SafetyNet technology can help public safety agencies quickly find and bring loved ones home, providing an additional layer of protection and peace of mind to keep loved ones safe.
Should a loved one go missing, a caregiver would simply call their local public safety agency. Participating SafetyNet public safety agencies are all trained and certified on electronic search and rescue procedures. They would use our SafetyNet tracking equipment to locate and follow the Radio Frequency signal being emitted from the SafetyNet Bracelet on your loved one’s wrist or ankle.
6 Months Free!
You can find full details on the giveaway and SafetyNet’s availability on: http://bit.ly/LoJackSafetyNet
*This offer only valid in the LoJack SafetyNet service area.
Posted on August 15, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Alzheimer's, Autism, Wandering | Tags: 25th annivesary, activities, adults with autism, Alzheimer's, Asperger's, Autism, caregiver, caregiving stress, children with Autism, Dementia, Down Syndrome, free, giveaway, LoJack SafetyNet, loss, Massachusetts, miami, parents, Philadelphia, safety, source, technology, treatment, Wandering
Teenager with Autism Goes Missing and Rescued by Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office
On June 16th, a 17-year-old boy with autism who lives in Tampa, FL wandered outside of his residence and did not return. Upon realizing that he was missing, the boy’s caregiver notified the Tampa Police Department about his disappearance. The Tampa Police later learned that the boy was enrolled in SafetyNet by LoJack, a service that enables public safety agencies to more effectively find and rescue individuals with cognitive conditions who are prone to wandering and becoming lost. The service features a SafetyNet Bracelet worn by a client that emits Radio Frequency signals, which can be tracked by local public safety officials via their SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers.
To assist with this search and rescue, the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office (HCSO) were notified about the incident and they immediately informed their ground and aviation units about the boy’s disappearance. Shortly thereafter, HCSO helicopter and ground units equipped with SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers picked up a signal from the missing boy’s bracelet. Just 15 minutes after receiving the initial Radio Frequency signal from the SafetyNet bracelet, deputies with HCSO located the boy nearly a half a mile away from his residence sleeping inside an unlocked car at an auto dealership on North Florida Avenue in Tampa. The boy was later returned to his residence unharmed.
This is the third rescue made by HCSO using SafetyNet’s technology and equipment.
Posted on June 24, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Autism, Search and Rescue, Wandering | Tags: Autism, GPS, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Radio Frequency, rescue, Tampa, Wandering
Win A Chance to Play Golf Alongside SafetyNet, Doug Flutie, Celebrities and Members of the Autism Community
LoJack SafetyNet is a proud sponsor of this year’s 12th annual Doug Flutie, Jr. Celebrity Golf Classic, which is taking place on Tuesday, June 21 at the Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA. The event is one of Greater Boston’s premier charity golf tournaments and has raised more than $1.8 million for the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.
As part of our sponsorship, we’re giving one (1) of our fans on Twitter and Facebook the opportunity to join our foursome! You’ll enjoy a great day of golf with lunch, dinner, cocktails, contests and more!
To enter, simply follow SafetyNetSource on Twitter and RT our Doug Flutie, Jr. Golf Classic posts or “Like” us on Facebook . The drawing runs today through Friday, June 10. The winner will be announced on Monday, June 13.
Posted on June 7, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Autism, Caregiving | Tags: Autism, Doug Flutie Foundation, LoJack, SafetyNet, SafetyNetSource
Summer Safety and Children with Autism
It’s never too soon to start thinking about summer, especially here in the Northeast, where it has rained every day for the past week! Care2.com recently did a post on thinking about the needs associated with a child with autism and their transition to summer, especially when it comes to the issue of summer safety. At SafetyNet, we’ve recorded a podcast that addresses several topics related to summer safety and children with autism. Take a listen. What are some of the protective measures that you take to help keep loved ones safe from wandering, particularly during the summer?
Posted on May 19, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Autism, Wandering | Tags: Autism, caregivers, children, LoJack, parenting tips, safety, SafetyNet, summer, Wandering
Mom Turns Son’s Wandering Scare Into a Cause
via http://preventautismwandering.blogspot.com/
Last summer, Samantha Gardner’s 5-year old son Abram, who has autism, wandered away from home in search of ice cream. Found one mile away at the local Dairy Queen, this incident was fortunately just a scare. However, over 50% of children with autism will wander and not all will be as lucky as Abram Gardner to make their way back home. To bring awareness to this issue, Samantha started the PAW Project.
To see the path that Abram followed when he wandered, watch the video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcYZhh99bU
Posted on May 13, 2011 | 2 Comments | Category: Autism, Wandering | Tags: Autism, PAW Project, Preventing Autistic Wandering, Wandering
Petition Aims to Keep Loved Ones Safe from Wandering-Related Injuries and Death
change.org
The ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee is considering a proposal that would create a medical diagnostic code for wandering. There is a petition available to sign and show support. Here are just a few reasons why a medical diagnostic code will help protect at-risk individuals with a history of wandering:
- Physicians are largely unaware of this issue; therefore, cannot provide prevention materials or advice. A diagnostic code will increase awareness, advice and prevention-material distribution.
– A diagnostic code will allow for data collection on the incidence of wandering, thereby increasing opportunities for prevention, education for doctors, caregivers, school administrators and staff, first responders/search personnel.
- Many nonverbal ASD individuals are unable to respond to their name when called. We feel a diagnosis code will lead to increased awareness and the development of emergency search-and-rescue response protocols.
- We believe a medical code will enhance schools’ understanding of wandering so that children with a history of wandering will be better protected. Currently, wandering is not looked at as a medical condition, but one of choice or bad behavior. This has lead to a lack of school training, prevention and emergency response. In January alone, two children with autism went missing from their schools.
- Children and adults with ASD who suddenly flee, bolt or run because of a trigger are at greater risk of restraint or seclusion. We believe a medical code will help establish safe protocols that work to eliminate triggers, thereby eliminating the need for restraint.
- We’ve seen reports of parents locking/secluding children in their rooms to keep them from wandering outside. While this is anecdotal information, we believe parents, schools and other care providers need better solutions. A medical code has enormous potential to help provide safe alternatives.
- We believe every disabled individual with a history of wandering — who is at serious risk of injury, trauma or death — should have access to safety devices and prevention materials regardless of the caregiver’s income. A medical code for wandering could potentially provide insurance coverage for those unable to afford critical protections for their children/adults.
You can visit change.org to sign the petition or to submit a personal or organizational letter.
Posted on March 30, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Alzheimer's, Autism, Caregiving, Wandering | Tags: Alzheimer's, Autism, children with Autism, safety, Wandering
Parents often behind iPad and iPhone apps for children with autism
BlogHer
Parents of children with autism often give rave reviews to iPad, iPod and iPhone applications designed to support their kids’ special needs and help them communicate. Some of those applications, or apps, were developed by parents of children with autism or other special needs. Blogger Shannon Des Roches Rosa talked to some of those parents about the inspiration behind their work.
My son Leo the iPad enthusiast has benefitted greatly from apps developed for kids with special needs — they provide novel ways for him to communicate, play independently, and entertain himself.
I am constantly impressed by how intuitively designed these apps are, how perceptive of Leo’s needs, how they bring out his talents and encourage his learning through innovative design and interfaces.
As a former software producer, I wanted to know more about the stories behind the apps, so I contacted Lorraine Akemann of app developer hub MomsWithApps. Lorraine told me that many of Leo’s favorite apps were created by parents who wanted an app to properly support their own child’s special needs.
Several of the MomsWithApps developers agreed to allow me to share their stories here — so while this is a longer post, I hope you agree that their stories are inspiring, and worth your eyeball time.
Martin Brooks from MiasApps.com, developer of the iComm and iSpy Phonics apps.
I named my business after my daughter Mia, who has been my inspiration.
via The Personal Stories Behind Awesome Apps for Kids With Special Needs | BlogHer.
Posted on February 28, 2011 | No Comments | Category: Autism, Caregiving | Tags: Autism, children with Autism, communication, iPad, iPhone, technology
