GPS BENEFITS HERSHEY FAMILY
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a vital navigation aid used by people all around the world. The system that started out as inspiration from a WWII ground navigation tool and the first Soviet Sputnik is today seen in vehicles, airplanes, ships, and in the hands of mountain climbers and hikers.
Some companies have even utilized this technology to help people monitor the location of elderly patients, family members, and children. In 2004, Bluespan introduced IonKid, to help parents keep track of their children at the park, mall, airport, and in their own home or backyard. Tabitha Melvin and her mother tried out the device during their visit at The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Once returning to Nebraska, the Melvin’s were connected with Brad Skiles, ATP Technology Specialist, who helped locate a vendor for the device.
Tabitha is a seven-year-old who experiences seizures daily. Her mother, Jennifer Melvin, says that usually Tabitha is “happy go lucky and off in her own world.” However, after Tabitha experiences a seizure her temper becomes violent. Tabitha kicks and screams and is unable to tell her parents what she needs. Tabitha has figured out how to open doors to get out of the house. If Tabitha is able to

Above: Tabitha. Bellow: Tabitha with her Brother Aaron.

get out of the house, she could travel a large distance in a short period of time.
The Melvin home is located two blocks from a major train rail system and a half-mile from sanitary sewer lagoons. They are west of a major highway and a drainage ditch is near by. Each of these could be of great danger to Tabitha

if she was to get outside and was unattended. According to Jennifer, “Tabitha loves to swim,” and “the sewage pond to Tabitha would be one big swimming pool.”
The IonKid is a simple child’s wrist watch/tag that transmits a signal to a hand held base control unit. GPS is built into the device and the base displays the distance between itself and the child wearing the wrist tag. An alarm sounds when Tabitha is out of range. The range is adjustable in feet and can be changed easily from two to three hundred feet.
Jennifer said the IonKid has given the family peace of mind, and as for Tabitha, she has more freedom to be more like other children her age. In addition, school personnel and caregivers that assist Tabitha can utilize the device.
Brad is continuing to provide resources for the Melvin family. They are in the process of making their home accessible. The goal is for Tabitha to have her own room separate from her brother, Aaron. The opportunity for Aaron to interact independently without Tabitha has proven to help Aaron in pre-school. Both children having their own space to grow will contribute to the family’s development and well being.

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cial. We worked with a wonderful team of dedicated ATP and Developmental Disabilities staff, the vendor, and the contractor. From the bottom of our hearts we thank everyone that helped to make this happen. It has made such a difference for Jennifer and Lisa.” The Assistive Technology Partnership has received a second grant from the Enrichment Foundation for $115,000.ATP looks forward to being able to coordinate funding to assist more than 25 consumers who reside in Douglas and Sarpy County.
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