Implement GPS safety policy for autistic children
The Issue
Vera is a beautiful, nonverbal autistic child who cannot communicate if she is in danger or if she has wandered from safety. Like Vera, many autistic children are at high risk of elopement. This risk is not just about wandering off; it is a matter of life and safety, as each minute a child is missing increases the potential for harm. Yet, despite these challenges, schools often do not have sufficient measures in place to protect these vulnerable children.
Every child deserves to be safe, and safety should never be considered a privilege. We are calling on our local school board to implement a clear and compassionate GPS-based safety policy specifically designed for autistic children at risk of elopement. GPS technology is no longer a luxury but a necessary tool to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children. A prompt and accurate GPS tracking system can facilitate the quick location of a child who has wandered, providing peace of mind to families and educators alike.
It is essential that this policy includes training for staff and resources to ensure that they are equipped to act swiftly and effectively in the event of an elopement. This policy should be designed in collaboration with autism organizations, child safety advocates, and families, ensuring that it reflects the needs of those it intends to protect.
The statistics are stark. According to national studies, over 50% of autistic children attempt to elope from a safe environment at least once, and about one-third of these children are never able to speak their home address and phone number. These figures underscore the need for immediate and decisive action to protect these children.
We should not have to wait for a tragedy to happen to take action. We urge our school board to take the lead in student safety by implementing this proactive measure. By signing this petition, you can be part of a vital movement to safeguard our children and ensure that the story of every child like Vera has a safe and happy outcome.
Please sign this petition to support a GPS safety policy in schools for autistic children. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child remains safe and protected.
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The Issue
Vera is a beautiful, nonverbal autistic child who cannot communicate if she is in danger or if she has wandered from safety. Like Vera, many autistic children are at high risk of elopement. This risk is not just about wandering off; it is a matter of life and safety, as each minute a child is missing increases the potential for harm. Yet, despite these challenges, schools often do not have sufficient measures in place to protect these vulnerable children.
Every child deserves to be safe, and safety should never be considered a privilege. We are calling on our local school board to implement a clear and compassionate GPS-based safety policy specifically designed for autistic children at risk of elopement. GPS technology is no longer a luxury but a necessary tool to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children. A prompt and accurate GPS tracking system can facilitate the quick location of a child who has wandered, providing peace of mind to families and educators alike.
It is essential that this policy includes training for staff and resources to ensure that they are equipped to act swiftly and effectively in the event of an elopement. This policy should be designed in collaboration with autism organizations, child safety advocates, and families, ensuring that it reflects the needs of those it intends to protect.
The statistics are stark. According to national studies, over 50% of autistic children attempt to elope from a safe environment at least once, and about one-third of these children are never able to speak their home address and phone number. These figures underscore the need for immediate and decisive action to protect these children.
We should not have to wait for a tragedy to happen to take action. We urge our school board to take the lead in student safety by implementing this proactive measure. By signing this petition, you can be part of a vital movement to safeguard our children and ensure that the story of every child like Vera has a safe and happy outcome.
Please sign this petition to support a GPS safety policy in schools for autistic children. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child remains safe and protected.
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Petition created on September 11, 2026