DEARBORN – The Dearborn based non-profit organization, Blue Hands United for Autism, is offering GPS tracking devices free of charge for individuals that are considered to be a part of the vulnerable population. 

The program called “Youssif’s Guiding Hands” was inspired by Youssif Hassan Naim, an Autistic man who had gone missing in January and whose body was located in the Rouge River near Hines Drive.

Mariam Alaouie, co-founder of Blue Hands United, said that the goal is to offer increased safety and peace of mind to families caring for loved ones who may wander or have difficulty communicating.

“The event deeply affected families, particularly those with members who have various special needs and that wander,” she said. “This tragic event led members at Blue Hands United to take action to prevent similar situations in the future.”

The program distributes GPS-enabled devices to families for free to help locate and monitor the whereabouts of their loved ones who may wander or be at risk. The devices are compatible with Apple devices (like AirTags paired with iPhones), devices for Android users, and AngelSense devices, which are robust GPS trackers specifically designed for children and adults with special needs and come with subscription services.

“We are also providing accessories,” Alaouie said. “Families can get accessories such as insoles, watches, hair ties, or pins to attach these devices comfortably and securely.”

Alaouie did note that AirTags and other Bluetooth enabled trackers may require proximity to another enabled device to function properly but the subscription based GPS, AngelSense, offers continuous location tracking.

Alaouie said that the initiative can help reduce fear for families.

“The initiative can help reduce anxiety and fear around wandering by providing real-time location tracking,” she said. “Families can see where a loved one is at any time. It can also help in emergencies, if someone goes missing parents and caregivers can respond more quickly using GPS data. It also improves peace of mind, especially for non-verbal individuals or those who struggle to communicate, tracking can give caregivers confidence that they can locate their loved one when they most need it. This kind of support can significantly reduce stress for families of children and adults who are at risk of wandering.”

The GPS devices are provided free of charge by Blue Hands United and are delivered to families or an agreed-upon location for collection will be determined. Families can contact Blue Hands United directly through email at bluehandsunited@gmail.com or via social media to request a device.

Alaouie said that the devices and the initiative will continue so long as Blue Hands United can fund the project. 

Those interested in donating can do so via their website at bluehandsunited.org.