Seocho-gu Distributes Shoe Insoles with Built-in Location Trackers for People with Developmental Disabilities

Distribution of GPS-Embedded 'Smart Insole' Shoe Inserts for Prevention of Missing Persons and Independence Training for People with Developmental Disabilities... Real-Time Location Alerts to Caregivers' Smartphones for 13 Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Establish Safety Network

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (Mayor Eunhee Cho) is launching the distribution of ‘Smart Insoles,’ shoe insoles embedded with GPS trackers, to prevent the disappearance of people with developmental disabilities in the area and to support their independent training.

The district’s initiative to distribute Smart Insoles is based on statistics from the National Police Agency, which show that more than 8,000 people with developmental disabilities go missing each year. Among them, 65 cases in 2018 alone did not return to their families, and after going missing, they are vulnerable to various crimes, highlighting the urgent need to establish a social safety net.

Initially, 13 basic livelihood security recipients with developmental disabilities who have restrictions on outdoor activities due to intellectual disabilities or autism will be selected to receive the Smart Insoles.

When the Smart Insoles, which have GPS embedded in the shoe insoles worn daily by people with developmental disabilities, are inserted into their shoes, their location is notified in real time to the guardian’s smartphone. If the person with developmental disabilities moves beyond a designated distance or location, an automatic warning text message is immediately sent to the guardian.

Previously, wristwatch-type ‘wandering detectors’ were used for similar purposes, but they had limitations as many people with developmental disabilities disliked wearing them.

The district expects the Smart Insoles to be highly effective, as quickly finding missing persons is crucial. Additionally, tracking the location of people with developmental disabilities will enable analysis of their behavior patterns, providing an opportunity to better understand them.

The district explained that the ultimate goal of this distribution is to help people with developmental disabilities engage in community activities independently and with peace of mind, without the help of their guardians.

Mayor Eunhee Cho said, “By supporting Smart Insoles for people with developmental disabilities who have a high risk of going missing, we will prevent disappearances and establish a social safety net to create a safe Seocho where people with developmental disabilities can go out alone without worry.”

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