20.4% Decrease in Missing Persons Cases Among Disabled in Nowon-gu... Due to Wandering Detection Device Support Program

Since the 2020 Wandering Detection Device Support Project, Missing Disabled Persons in the Area Decreased by 20.4%... Up to 160,000 KRW Support for Purchase Costs for Intellectual, Autism, and Mental Disabilities... Applications Accepted from the 17th at Local Community Centers

Appearance of wearing a wandering detector

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is implementing the ‘Wandering Detection Device Support Project’ to prevent missing person accidents involving people with disabilities.

The wandering detection device, in the form of a wristwatch, allows real-time location tracking of the wearer through a mobile phone app. If the wearer leaves a designated safe zone, an alert is sent to the guardian, and in emergency situations, an urgent call can also be made.

Thanks to these advantages, the wandering detection device support project has been implemented nationwide targeting elderly dementia patients. However, support for intellectually disabled individuals, who face similarly high risks of going missing or becoming victims of crime, has not been provided.

Accordingly, the district supported the purchase costs of wandering detection devices for a total of 119 people with disabilities last year to prevent missing person accidents involving intellectually disabled individuals. As a result, the number of missing persons with disabilities in the area decreased by 20.4% compared to the previous year in 2020.

From September 17, the purchase cost support targets are intellectually disabled, autistic, and mentally disabled residents of Nowon-gu. National Basic Livelihood Security recipients and low-income disabled persons can receive up to 160,000 KRW, while general disabled persons can receive up to 144,000 KRW until the budget is exhausted.

In particular, this year, the co-payment rate for general disabled persons was lowered from the original 20% to 10%, enabling the wandering detection devices to be distributed to more people with disabilities.

To enhance the efficiency of missing person prevention, support is only available for devices that meet minimum specifications.

The minimum specifications for supported devices are ▲ devices with a safe zone range setting function (range designation distance 50m to 2km) ▲ devices whose location can be confirmed by at least three people such as parents, facility workers, or school teachers ▲ devices capable of real-time location and movement path tracking and emergency calling.

Applications for support can be made by the disabled person themselves or their family members registered on the resident registration, and can be submitted at the district office’s Disability Welfare Division or the local community service center.

The support procedure involves purchasing the wandering detection device, submitting the application form and required documents, followed by verification of disability status and duplicate support checks, after which the purchase cost is deposited into the applicant’s account. Required documents include a disability certificate, purchase receipt, device specification sheet, and a copy of the bankbook.

For more detailed information, contact the Nowon-gu Office Disability Welfare Division or the local community service center.

Meanwhile, in September 2019, the district became the first basic local government to enact the ‘Nowon-gu Ordinance on Support for Prevention of Missing Persons Including Intellectually Disabled Persons,’ laying the foundation for necessary systems and support policies for preventing missing persons with disabilities.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "The wandering detection device purchase cost support project, first implemented last year, significantly reduced the number of missing persons with disabilities. We will continue to create a warm and healthy welfare city living together with people with disabilities through various support projects."