There are several types of technology designed to prevent wandering
incidents and to locate individuals who have become
lost. We encourage caregivers to thoroughly
research personal locating devices before deciding
which technology may be best for their loved one. No
technology is fail-proof. Never allow yourself
to develop a false sense of security based on a
locating device.
When researching
a personal locating device, consider the following:
- Does the
system involve trained emergency response
personnel?
- Battery Life -
does the unit have to be charged? If so,
how often? Is your loved one unprotected
during the charging process?
- Water
Resistance - can the unit be worn when bathing,
showering, swimming?
- Can the unit
transmit a signal while under water?
- Is the unit
removable by the wearer?
- Is geofencing/perimeter
notification available?
- What are the
costs involved, are there monthly fees?
- Will the unit
work in the area of your home, school, etc?
Pricing, coverage,
efficacy, battery life and other features vary
greatly between locating devices. Please feel
free to
contact us with
specific questions.
If you would like
to advocate for your local first responders to
implement a tracking technology program,
click here for a
document outlining the process.
Global Positioning System
(GPS)
Many location management services rely on GPS
technology. GPS depends on satellites to provide
positioning and navigation information. The device
communicates with satellites and figures out the
distance to each and then uses this information to
deduce its own location. In order for GPS to work,
there must be a clear line of sight between the
device and the satellites.
Advantages: GPS is not dependent on the
availability of a network and can provide very
precise, worldwide outdoor positioning information
at any time of day. Users can set up Geofencing and
receive notifications when their loved one steps
outside of a designated perimeter.
Limitations: Natural barriers, such as
mountains, thick foliage or clouds, and artificial
obstructions, such as large buildings and dense
communities, can hinder satellite signals. For this
reason, GPS tracking inside buildings is seldom
possible. Also, GPS tracking in large cities is not
always reliable. Like a cell phone, these
units require frequent charging, leaving the user
unprotected during those times. GPS units are not
waterproof.
Network Assisted GPS
(A-GPS)
A-GPS technology works in conjunction with GPS
by using cell towers to triangulate locations.
Advantages: A-GPS can provide indoor
positioning information with greater accuracy and is
usually faster than unassisted GPS. Users can set up
Geofencing and receive notifications when their
loved one steps outside of a designated perimeter.
Limitations: A drawback to A-GPS is the
availability and reach of the cellular network it
gets its boost from. If you travel out of the
network's reach, your device won't be able to pick
up the signals. Before choosing a device, find out
if the network the device depends upon is reliable
where the person with Autism lives and in the areas
he or she is likely to travel. Like a cell
phone, these units require frequent charging,
leaving the user unprotected during those times.
A-GPS units are not waterproof.
Radio Frequency
(RF)
RF works through the transmission of radio
waves between a transponder, an antenna and a
receiver. The RF chip transmits a signal to the
receiver through the antenna and provides data on a
person's location.
Advantages: The device does not have to
be removed for charging. RF transmitters
typically use small watch batteries. Batteries
are replaced once per month. RF transmitters
do not need to be removed when bathing or swimming.
Limitations: Key limitations of RF are the
need for multiple pieces of equipment and a limited
signal range. Additionally, most systems using RF
technology offer the service through local law
enforcement so it is necessary to determine whether
your community supports a RF location system.
RF technology does not allow the option of
perimeter notifications or Geofencing.
Uplink Time Difference of
Arrival (U-TDOA)
U-TDOA is a position-location technology for
mobile phone networks. It uses advanced
triangulation techniques to determine the precise
location of a mobile phone. U-TDOA has been
widely embraced by major U.S. GSM carriers to meet
the government's E-911 requirements.
Advantages: A small, single-purpose wireless
device that upon remote activation dials 9-1-1 and
reports its location directly to emergency
responders.
Limitations: Must call 911 and open missing
person's case before system can be activated and
signal given to emergency response personnel.
SAMPLING OF AVAILABLE PERSONAL LOCATING EQUIPMENT
| |
Project Lifesaver |
LoJack SafetyNet |
Various
GPS Units |
|
Technology |
RF |
RF |
A-GPS |
|
Direct to
Consumer |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Battery Life |
30 days |
30 days |
Avg 2-3 days |
|
Waterproof |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Wearable |
Yes - wristband |
Yes - wristband |
Depends on
unit |
|
Remove to Charge |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Geofencing/Perimeter Notifications |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
SOS
Button |
No |
No |
Depends on
unit |
|
Caregiver Monitoring/Live Tracking
Online |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Police Involvement Necessary |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Set
Up Fee |
$300 |
$99 |
$69.95 -
$300.00 |
|
Monthly Fee |
None for first
year. Agencies may charge small fee for
battery and wristband replacements. |
$30 |
$20 - $40 |
Disclaimer:
The content on this website is for informational
purposes only. The AWAARE Collaboration does
not endorse commercial products or companies and is
not responsible for third-party web content, product
performance or efficacy. The information on
this website may not be used for advertising or
product endorsement purposes.
Click here for a
policy statement
from the National Autism Association regarding the
endorsement of personal tracking products.
