Group aims to procure tracking devices for autistic children - New Glasgow, NS
Published on July 27th, 2010
The News
Topics :
Eye-Zon 100 , Pictou County Children , Autism Association , NEW GLASGOW , Cape Breton
NEW GLASGOW - Last year's story of young James Delorey of Cape Breton passing away after being lost in the woods was tragic and it served as a wake-up call to parents, advocacy groups and authorities.
They are looking for a way to prevent these kinds of tragedies by being able to find missing persons much more quickly.
Allison Kearley of the Pictou County Children with Autism Association is spearheading a project to procure special GPS tracking devices for their children.
It's called the Eye-Zon 100 and it's the size of two nine-volt batteries and can be attached to a belt loop or used like a medical bracelet.
"I have a daughter with autism and she's a major flight risk," said Kearley.
She believes that the tracking device could be a crucial tool to keeping her child safe.
Autistic children are known to be flight risks. She said her child really has no concept of the safety concerns or the consequences of wandering away from her mother.
"If you turn your back on her, she's gone," said Kearley.
By having the device, which links to your home computer or Smartphone, it can provide quicker response times for search and rescue operations.
"The first few hours are so vital," she said.
She said there is a keen interest in this across the province.
Kearley thinks the Eye-Zon appears to be the best product but but she's waiting to see what provincial authorities are leaning toward.
The same goes for the New Glasgow Police, who are interested in the project.
Const. Ken MacDonald said the department is waiting to hear back from the Halifax Police on what product to use and they will follow suit and work with Kearley's association.
"We're examining products on the market for a detecting device," said MacDonald.
He said it would be utilized in search-and-rescue efforts dealing with autistic children and seniors as well who may have conditions that flag as flight risks.
"The device will remain the responsibility of the family and person," said MacDonald "But it's an extra tool to help find people."
He said it's an extra tool in the search and rescue process but it must be used properly.
"These are situations where seconds count," he said.
MacDonald hopes to hear from Halifax in the near future and Kearley hopes to have her products ordered before August.
