On Oct. 4, 2013, Avonte Oquendo ran out of Center Boulevard
School in Long Island City, setting off a massive search that included subway
tunnels and regular announcements over the public-address system at subway
stations. His remains were found in the East River in January, several miles
from where he vanished. It’s been 1 years since this tragedy and while there
has been changes no charges has been filed against the school for allowing this
to happen. Even worse “Avonte’s Law” won’t be implemented until May 2015.
*Just before Avonte’s disappearance in September 2013 a
Metro Detroit Teen went missing for two weeks before he was found alive 20
miles from his residence.
*On September 8, 2014 a six year old autistic child wandered
into the Hudson River. Thankfully and yet tragically 40-year-old Boyce “Scoop”
Coleman went to his rescue. Boyce Coleman and another man jumped in to save the
boy. Little Stephen was rescued but Coleman drowned in the process.
*On October 1, 2014 Tijuani Rhomane Stone, 24, Missing Man
With Autism, Located After Five-Day Search.
Wandering is very common among persons on the Autism
Spectrum. Whether your child is on the spectrum or not, it’s important to be
able to identify the warning signs in order to prevent tragedies. I think the
best way to remember Avonte is to become more informed. So when a local
community group is offering first responder training make a call to your local
schools, police precincts, and fire stations, and find out if they will be
attending? If the answer is no tell them they should! Then in the spirit of
being proactive pick up the phone and register to take the training yourself.
Ask your school district about what plans they have put in
place to protect persons with special needs who wander. Sit down with your
family and develop a plan on how to keep your home secure and also complete a
profile on your loved one in case of disappearance. Having a profile ensure
quick distribution of your child’s stats and could save them. Take a trip to
your local hardware or big box store and purchase door and window sensors that
will alert you when a door or window is opened. You can also download this app http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/august/child_080511
*Warning Over used term headed your way*
At the end of the day ALL Children need to be protected and
safe. If you live in an urban environment and you know what response times are
and etc...Why not be proactive. Being Proactive shows the depths of your
concern and creates an advocacy for change.
Lastly use this hastag #wewillprotectasd to show your
commitment to keeping children safe.
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