Safety : Home & Community
Building Inclusive Communities
We are dedicated to providing resources for people and families affected by autism to ensure their safety at home and in their communities. Children with autism often lack the ability to sense danger and may engage in behaviors such as wandering, running off, or bolting, putting them at risk of harm.
Our goal is to provide families with the tools and resources they need to keep their loved ones safe and secure.
Our focus
Working with the community to keep people and families with autism safe:
Direct Family Safety Grants
Our direct family safety grants provide funding to help keep loved ones safe in their homes, which may include installing a fence to prevent them from running into traffic or wandering into bodies of water. Additionally, families can apply for funding to install an Alarm Safety Lock in-home system that allows caregivers to monitor their loved ones both inside and outside the home, providing more independence and privacy while ensuring their safety. These grants provide much-needed support to families who may not otherwise be able to afford these safety measures.
Locative Tech and Equipment
We’re committed to helping families keep their loved ones safe, especially those who are prone to wandering. That’s why we offer funding and support for locative technology and equipment, including SafetyNet Tracking bracelets. Caregivers can apply to receive these bracelets, which include a Transmitter Bracelet, Tester, and 6-month supply of batteries and straps – a $499 value – at no cost. We also aim to expand access to the SafetyNet Tracking System by bringing it to one new community area each year for the next three years. This ensures that first responders have the tools they need to help locate and safely return people with autism who may wander or get lost.
Community Police and First Responder Initiatives
We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and we’re committed to helping police and first responders make that a reality. That’s why we’re partnering with the Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC) and the Boston Police Inclusion Officer to create a comprehensive safety program. Our conference training program will offer information and building opportunities for police departments and local law enforcement agencies to learn from experienced officers and first responders about best practices for community safety. We also offer the chance to join our Police Patch Fundraising Initiative for Autism Acceptance. Together, we can build safer and more inclusive communities for all.
