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Assistive Technology for Behavioral Safety and Self-Protection

Individuals with cognitive and/or behavioral disabilities often require assistance to prevent behaviors that could compromise their safety while living at home. If you are caring for someone with this kind of disability—such as a child with autism or an adult with Alzheimer’s—this page is designed to inform you about the expanding range of assistive technology (AT) products available to support you.

Keep in mind that some AT solutions can be quite advanced, such as GPS tracking systems, while others are simple and affordable, like door knob covers or refrigerator locks. Not every solution will suit every individual or situation, but common concerns like kitchen safety, unassisted mobility, and wandering can be addressed through various options. Sometimes a basic device can significantly enhance the safety and independence of your loved one at home.

Note: Links to external websites will open in a new window. Links to specific devices (such as an electric plug lock) might direct you to a private catalog or a publicly funded AT database. Please explore these resources thoroughly to discover the full scope of options available to you.

Bathroom Safety
Bed Safety
Car Safety
Chair and Wheelchair Safety
Doors and Exits
Electrical Safety
Kitchen Safety
Self-Protection
Telephone Access
Wandering/Tracking
Further Resources

Reminder: MassMATCH and the U.S. Department of Education make no endorsement, representation, or warranty expressed or implied for any product, device, or information set forth on this website. Neither MassMATCH nor the U.S. Department of Education has examined, reviewed, or tested any product or device contained on the MassMATCH website.

Bathroom Safety

Bathroom flood alarms
Bathtub alarm
Electric plug lock (to prevent appliance use)
Anti-scalding device
Easy-to-install, screw-on, anti-scalding devices turn off the water if the water gets too hot.

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Bed Safety

Specialty beds
Bed rails
Bed pads with wireless remote alarms

When this pad is stepped on, the portable wireless alarm is sounded.

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Car Safety

When the two pieces of the seat belt are not engaged, the device emits a moderately loud alarm.

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Chair and Wheelchair Safety

This alarm attaches to the back of the chair and then clips to the user’s clothing with a cord and a pin.

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Doors and Exits

Door sensor with wireless portable alarm

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Electrical Safety

Outlet cover with alarm
Electrical plug lock (prevents appliance use)

Plug any appliance into this keyed lock and it becomes unusable.

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Kitchen Safety

Stove top fire fighter
Motion detector stove monitor
Invisible cabinet locks
Refrigerator latches
Anti-scalding devices
Electric plug lock (to prevent appliance use)
Automatic stove shut off (electric)

The HomeSenser is there to remind us about the cooking we have left unattended and to shut off the stove if we don’t return.

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Self-Protection

Protects the wearer from cigarette burns and accidents

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Telephone Access

Dial-less telephone allows users to receive but not make calls.

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Wandering/Tracking

Stray away alarms
Personal tracking devices and systems
Motion detectors
Voice ID tags
Temporary tattoos with a purpose
Medical medallions
Wandering Patient Systems (an AbleData umbrella term)

EmFinder’s tracking bracelet ties to the national E-9-1-1 emergency system, helping pinpoint the location of a missing person in virtually any environment.

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Further Resources

MassMATCH AT Regional Centers:

Easter Seals

Catherine Bly and Kristi Peak-Oliveira, ATRC Co-coordinators
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
617- 226-2640Voice
617-737-9875 FAX
ATRC@eastersealsma.org