Nowon-gu Supports Wandering Detectors to Prevent Missing Persons with Disabilities

Support for purchase costs up to 160,000 KRW for individuals with intellectual, autism, and mental disabilities... Purchase cost support project launched to prevent missing person cases among disabled individuals occurring once every 3 days in the region

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is launching the "Wandering Detection Device Support Project" to prevent missing person incidents involving individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The wandering detection device is equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing caregivers to monitor the wearer’s location in real-time via a smartphone app. It also features an alarm function that notifies the caregiver’s smartphone if the wearer leaves a pre-set area, which is expected to greatly aid in preventing disappearances of disabled individuals.

The support targets Nowon-gu residents with intellectual, autism spectrum, or mental disabilities. Basic livelihood security recipients and lower-income disabled individuals can receive up to 160,000 KRW for purchasing the device, while general disabled persons can receive up to 128,000 KRW, with support available until the 80 million KRW budget is exhausted.

The minimum specifications for supported devices include ▲a safe zone range setting function (range 50m to 2km) ▲capability for at least three people, including parents, to check the location ▲real-time location and movement path tracking ▲and an emergency call function for urgent situations.

Applications can be made by the disabled individual or their family members registered in the resident registry, and are accepted at the local community service center or the district office’s Disability Welfare Division. Required documents include the application form, purchase receipt, device details, bankbook copy showing payment, and disability certificate. Eligibility is determined after verifying disability status and checking for duplicate support.

Alongside the purchase support project, a manual containing information on ▲characteristics of missing disabled persons ▲missing prevention guidance ▲and caregiver instructions will be created and distributed. The district will also provide tailored missing prevention education by visiting caregivers of intellectually disabled persons and workers at disability facilities.

This project was initiated to prevent the 122 cases of missing disabled persons reported in the district last year. In September of last year, Nowon-gu became the first local government to enact the "Nowon-gu Ordinance on Support for Prevention of Missing Persons with Intellectual Disabilities," establishing a legal basis for support.

Before budgeting, a demand survey was conducted in October and November last year among disabled persons using welfare facilities, revealing that 612 individuals expressed intent to purchase the device. Based on this, a budget of approximately 80 million KRW was allocated for this year.

In September last year, the district also established "Hagye Raonatti," a barrier-free indoor playground on the 3rd floor (144.1㎡) of the Hagye Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, featuring play areas, a music classroom, a hideout room, and rest spaces.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok stated, “The support for purchasing wandering detection devices is a project designed to prevent disappearances of intellectually disabled persons and others,” adding, “This project will greatly contribute to building a social safety net for socially vulnerable groups such as disabled persons.”

Disability Welfare Division 2116-3316

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.