Resource & product information collected by DDBP Social Workers for families to reduce safety risk. Items are ideas for families to research & consider. Specific items are not endorsed or promoted. Supervision is always essential. Additional considerations to address safety concerns (i.e. therapy, medications, professional help) should be discussed with your child’s provider.

If you receive support services from your state, please discuss equipment/safety item purchases (including locks or physical barriers) with your support staff PRIOR to purchasing and utilizing items.

 Car Safety

SEAT BELT GUARDS:

CHEST GUARDS AND CLIPS:

*Above locking chest clip is approved for use on 3 specific seats made by Evenflo (Sonus 65, Titan, Maestro)

VESTS AND HARNESS:

       Local Distributor: Easy Way Safety Services 10939 Reed Hartman Highway #B, Blue Ash, OH 513-891-5660

       *Please note the recommended vehicle/tether mount. Check weight restrictions.

OTHER:

WINDOW DECAL ALERTS:

       Notifies first responders there is a person in the car that has autism and potential behaviors/needs. Prices vary.

MORE ASSISTANCE:

  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention: 513-803-RIDE Can complete assessments with the family for special needs carseat & harnesses based on individual needs. Problem-solve concerns.

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/c/ccic/child-passenger-safety/ 

  • Perlman Center at CCHMC OT/PT car seat evaluations: Requires referral from a provider. OT/PT staff assess equipment needs, make recommendations and order equipment through insurance. It often can take 3-6 months to process request through insurance and obtain equipment. An evaluation does not guarantee equipment will be recommended or approved through insurance.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HELPBelts

  • Kentucky Communication Disability Law- families or individuals can request a special code to be added to vehicle registration that informs law enforcement offers of a potential communication barrier before they approach your vehicle. Ask your local County Clerk’s office to be added to the registration database. Program is free and optional. https://kentuckycountyclerks.com/

Kentucky Autism Training Center also offers a Visor Communication Card to show officers: FINAL Autistic Visor Communication Card.pdf - Google Drive

Also available in Spanish: SPAre you an autistic that drives.pdf - Google Drive

Identification

Price dependent on number ordered. *Similar products available on Etsy.com.

  • Road ID Products Sells emergency identification wrist bracelets, ankle bracelets, shoe ID’s, and more. Most products $25 (also sold in Safety Box, info below) http://www.roadid.com/

Road ID also has a silicone bracelet with engraving for kids: https://www.roadid.com/products/stretch-for-kids

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HELPBelts

Medical alert seat belt covers (or could be placed on book bag strap, etc). Allows another way for first responders to know about a pre-existing condition in the event of an emergency. The belt has a clearly visible medical alert symbol, ICE information, and instructions to open the belt in an emergency which has more information on the individual.

Plan ahead for any emergency at your home address. Give information about physical or mental health conditions to first responders on your own profile. First responders will then have information in advance of individuals that may need special assistance when 911 is called. Also available on an app.

  • Contact Local Non-Emergency Number - If Smart911 is not available in your area, contact your local law enforcement’s NON EMERGENCY number to determine the best way to share information about your child with local first responders.

Elopement/ Wandering 

HOME PRODUCTS TO REDUCE RISK:

  • Big Red Safety Toolbox: Contains voucher ID, 5 Laminated Visual Stop Signs, 2 Safety Alert window clings, 1 Red Safety Alert Wristband, 2 GE Wireless Door/Window Alarms, and booklet of educational materials. Orders placed through National Autism Association (go to Autism and Safety Tab): http://nationalautismassociation.org/

  • Portable Door/Window Alarms   Portable door and window alarms can be found at any local hardware store. Price is typically around $15. Can be found at most home improvement stores, various manufacturer options. Search on websites (Amazon, Lowes, Walmart, Target, etc) using words: door/window alarm, home security

Or search on websites (Amazon, Lowes, Walmart, Target, etc) using words: window security, child proof window

  • Smart911- Plan ahead for any emergency at your home address. Give information about physical or mental health conditions to first responders on your own profile. First responders will then have information in advance of individuals that may need special assistance when 911 is called. Smart911.com Also available on an app.

*Other companies may provide discounts. **Often home insurance plans will provide a discount when a home security system is installed.

GPS/TRACKING DEVICES

        Products WITHOUT GPS / No monthly service fee:

  • Apple Airtag: relies on cell phones within range (about 100 feet)  to send out a private Bluetooth signal that communicates with “Find My” app. Requires Apple phone. Water resistant but not waterproof. Button battery lasts approximately 1 year. Available at most box stores and Amazon. Note: also requires a separate purchase of a case.

  • Families within Cincinnati Police districts can contact Debbie Serls (debbie.serls@cincinnati-oh.gov) about a research opportunity involving a FREE tracker for families with a child diagnosed with autism.

        

Products with monthly service fees or annual contracts:

  • Project Lifesaver: Project Lifesaver is the premier Search & Rescue (SAR) program specifically designed for “At Risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. Provides families with tracking systems for a monthly fee. Has a “Where We Are” Search option under the “About Us” tab.    http://www.projectlifesaver.org/about-us/

  • Jiobit by Life360: https://www.jiobit.com/shop/all Location monitor with real-team tracking and alerts. One time cost of product and monthly or annual payment required for service.

Tracking device that provides feedback to phone application. Charge for product and monthly connection.

  • Care Trak: https://caretrak.com/  Electronically tracks people with Alzheimer's who wander and special needs kids. Sheriffs, Police, Fire Departments, SAR Teams, etc. use Care Trak to quickly locate at risk individuals. Tracking device needs purchased with maintenance fees for battery replacement.

Tracking device that needs to be purchased with activation fee and monthly tracking fee.

Adaptive and assistive technology, remote support, personal emergency response systems.

PHONE/TRACKING:

  • GizmoGadget™ -This wearable allows you to call up to 10 contacts and receive calls from them. Send short messages to GizmoGadget and locate it on a map from your phone. It’s even waterproof*. Only from Verizon. May have ebates or other rebates available online for a cheaper price.

*Other similar products available and can be found on Amazon or other websites by searching GPS child watch.

  • iPhones and Samsungs also have “Find My Friend” type app features as well.

https://www.wikihow.tech/Track-an-iPhone-With-Find-My-iPhone 

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/find-iphone-android-meet-android-device-manager/

Household safety

Secure Furniture: (Store website search words: furniture straps, television strap, wall strap)

Lock Boxes for Medications or Sharp Objects: (Website search words: lock box, medication box, small safe)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reliance-Products-88-cu-ft-SafeGo-Portable-Indoor-and-Outdoor-Safe-9817-04/703005207

  • Lowes, Key lock safe:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SentrySafe-Fireproof-0-18-cu-ft-Keyed-Fire-Resistant-Chest-Safe/999958295

Kitchen Safety: (Website search words: child proof fridge/stove/cabinets)

  • Magnetic Cabinet Locks:

Amazon.com : Child Proof Cabinet Locks - Magnetic Child Safety Locks - Baby Proof Drawers - No Tools Or Screws Needed (4 Locks + 1 Key + Install Tool) For Easier Installation : Baby

  • Stove Knob Covers:

Amazon.com : Clear Stove Knob Covers (5 Pack) Child Safety Guards, Large Universal Design - Baby Proof by Jool Baby : Baby

  • Appliance Lock:

Amazon.com : Fridge Lock, 2 Pack Refrigerator Lock with 4 Keys, Child Safety Locks with Strong Adhesive for Cabinet Lock, Freezer Lock and Drawer Lock (Black) : Baby

Safety First Products: (Locks & latches, gates, kitchen safety, monitors, etc.) www.safety1st.com

Safe Holmes Sink Faucet Restraints: https://safeholmes.com/collections/all

Family Resource Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital: 513-636-5009

Safety products are now available for purchase in our Family Resource Center (located in the main hallway of the hospital-Location A). Products include: car seats and booster seats, bike helmets, home safety items, safety gates, SleepSack swaddles and wearable blankets, and mattress pads. Patients, families, and employees are all able to purchase items at the FRC and will receive education about their product(s) upon purchase.

Monday-Friday 6:00am-8:30pm and Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays 11:00am-3:00pm.

Other Products to Consider and Search for: child proof accessories, child safety gates, electrical outlet covers, blind cord winders, appliance protection, child-proof toilet, stove knob covers, oven door lock

Gun Safety

FIREARM SAFETY KIT:

Project ChildSafe is committed to promoting genuine firearms safety through the distribution of safety education messages and free firearm Safety Kits. The kits include a cable-style gun-locking device and a brochure (also available in Spanish) that discusses safe handling and secure storage guidelines to help deter access by unauthorized individuals. Kits are available by contacting local law enforcement distribution partners. Be sure to contact the partner to verify that supplies are available. Follow this link to find distribution partners in your state: https://projectchildsafe.org/safety/get-a-safety-kit/

Information and resources for parents and gun owners: https://projectchildsafe.org/parents-and-gun-owners/

Internet Safety

Youth Organizing! Disabled & Proud: http://www.yodisabledproud.org/resources/safety-online.php 

YO! connects, organizes and educates youth with disabilities! YO! gives youth leadership opportunities, social networks, resources and more. YO! is for youth with disabilities to be PROUD of who we are and what we can achieve!

Downloadable safety tip sheets: Cell phone and other mobile device safety tips, Sexting, Sharing location, Social networking, Cyber bullying, Teaching about what is appropriate and consequences of posting things online, and Passwords/being secure.

Information, considerations and resources for children and adults to reduce risk:

http://www.safekids.com/safety-advice-tools/

https://www.connectsafely.org/safety-tips-advice/  Provides information on staying safe online, social media, gaming, etc. Information for young adults and parents. Also has some information in Spanish.

Water Safety

RESOURCES

  • Swim Angelfish: Leaders in Adaptive Swim. Educational Youtube videos/channel and Podcasts.

https://www.youtube.com/user/swimmingandautism

  • Adventures of Splish and Splash, interactive app that teaches children about water safety. Download from ios App Store or Google Play.

  • Visuals: Hang up STOP signs in appropriate places for visual reminders.

  • Other suggestions: Notify neighbors with pools or ponds about your child’s special needs and interest in water. Add high fencing, locks, chimes around the pool.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

SWIM LESSONS:

Prepare for swim lessons by watching videos of children taking swim lessons & tour the facility.

  • YMCA Programs- Adaptive Swim Lessons. Call your local YMCA for more information on options. Available at: Campbell County, Clippard Family, M.E Lyons, and R.C Durr

  • Lori’s H2O Skills-  Milford, Ohio 

Adaptive Personal Swim Lessons. Call 513-515-8468 for more details.

H2oskills.com/lessons

  • Cincinnati Recreation Commission- LeBlond Recreation Center (Indoor pool)

Call TR Inclusion Specialist, 513-352-4962, Teresa Miller for schedule and details on adaptive swim lessons or monitor website for upcoming seasonal schedule: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/recreation/programs/therapeutic-recreation/

General Safety Guidance