Funding Assistance For Autism Safety Devices: GPS Trackers, ID Tools, Door Alarms (US + Canada)

Safety tools can be lifesavers when wandering/elopement is part of your reality—but many autism parents need financial help with covering the costs. If you need a GPS tracker, ID tool, or door alarm for your child's safety, you may not have to pay out of pocket. In this post, I'm sharing resources to find funding assistance for autism safety devices in the U.S. + Canada—including Medicaid/waivers, nonprofit grants, community programs, and province-based supports.

Who is this guide for?

This is for parents of children with autism or special needs who:

• Want a GPS tracking device but need help covering the cost
• Are looking for grants for therapy, equipment, or safety tools
• Already have Medicaid and want to know if GPS devices can be covered
• Need creative funding ideas beyond traditional insurance
• Live in the U.S. or Canada and need guidance on where to start

Note: I'm sharing these resources as a mom who's done the research—not as a financial advisor. Always verify current eligibility requirements directly with each organization.

Why GPS tracking matters for wandering/elopement

Wandering (also called "elopement") is one of those autism safety risks that can go from "fine" to terrifying in seconds. Research published in Pediatrics found nearly half (49%) of children with autism had attempted to elope after age 4—and more than half of those children went missing long enough to cause concern.

For kids who are non-speaking or have limited safety awareness, a GPS tracker can be the difference between a scary few minutes and a situation that escalates fast. (If wandering is part of your reality, you're not "overreacting" by taking safety seriously.)

I also want to share something parent-to-parent: I've researched and tested a lot of GPS trackers for kids, and AngelSense is by far my favorite—because it was created specifically with autism families in mind and built for everyday challenges and those unexpected moments that happen in real life.

👉 Learn more about AngelSense here

I know the cost can feel like "one more thing" on top of everything else. But if your child wanders, this is one of those areas where it's worth fighting for funding and building a safety plan you can actually live with.

U.S. FUNDING OPTIONS

1. ACT Today! SOS Program

ACT Today! SOS was established in 2005 and provides funding to help families access vital treatments and tools—including GPS tracking devices like AngelSense.

Key details:

• Grant amounts range from $100–$5,000
• Funding covers anything related to autism care and treatment
• They run grant cycles every quarter
• You'll need to submit an invoice to receive funding

What to do:

Visit their SOS Program page to learn more and apply.

2. First Hand Foundation

The First Hand Foundation provides funding for items that improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities—when those items aren't covered by insurance.

Why it's great:

• Since 1995, they've helped almost 200,000 families
• They fund equipment, devices, and resources not covered elsewhere
• GPS devices may qualify as safety/quality-of-life equipment

What to do:

• Visit the foundation's grant page
• Download and complete their grant application
• Submit with documentation of your child's needs

3. Friends of Man

Friends of Man requires a referring professional (healthcare worker, social worker, clergy, counselor) to submit applications on behalf of families in need.

How it works:

• A professional submits the application for you
• If approved, Friends of Man pays the vendor directly
• They also have a Children's Assistance Program where teachers, school nurses, or principals can apply on behalf of a child

What to do:

Ask your child's therapist, social worker, or school counselor to submit an application on your behalf.

4. Parker's Purpose Foundation

Parker's Purpose provides financial assistance to families with a minor (18 and under) who has a life-altering illness or disability and is facing an immediate financial crisis.

Key details:

• Grants up to $1,000
• Preference given to Ohio residents, but they do grant outside Ohio if eligible
• Designed for unforeseen medical expenses and crisis situations

What to do:

Visit their website to learn about current application opportunities.

5. Ben's Fund (Washington State)

Ben's Fund was established by the Seattle Seahawks Women's Association and named after John and Traci Schneider's son Ben, who has autism.

Key details:

• Grants up to $1,000 per qualifying child, per year
• Only available to Washington state residents
• Covers therapies, equipment, and autism-related expenses

What to do:

Visit their grant application page for eligibility details and to apply.

6. Medicaid Waivers & Insurance Coverage

If your child has Medicaid, a GPS device like AngelSense may be covered as a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) if a doctor writes a letter stating it's medically necessary.

What to know:

• Coverage varies by state and waiver program
• You'll likely need documentation showing your child wanders/elopes
• A letter of medical necessity from your doctor is usually required

What to do:

• Contact your state's Medicaid office to ask about PERS coverage
• Ask your child's doctor to write a letter of medical necessity
• Check out AngelSense's funding resources page for helpful info on insurance and Medicaid

7. Search for State-Specific Autism Grants

Many states have local grants and foundations for autism families that aren't listed in national databases.

How to find them:

• Search "[your state] autism grants" or "[your state] autism assistance"
• Check with your state's autism society chapter
• Ask your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)
• Contact your child's therapist or school social worker for local resources

Why it's useful:

• Local grants often have less competition
• Many foundations prioritize applicants from their community
• Some have rolling applications (not just quarterly)

8. Easterseals Assistive Technology Programs

Easterseals partners with foundations to provide assistive technology programs for children and adults with disabilities.

What to do:

• Ask your school social worker to help you apply for a client waiver through Easterseals
• Visit the Easterseals website to find your local affiliate and their available programs

CANADA FUNDING OPTIONS (national + province-based)

1. Start with province-by-province autism funding lists (best "big picture" shortcut)

If you're in Canada, the fastest way to avoid rabbit holes is to start with a province/territory funding hub—because supports vary widely.

Where available:

Canada (varies by province/territory)

Start here (pick your province):

• Autism Canada funding hub
• AIDE Canada under-18 supports by province
• ACT (Autism Community Training) provincial/territorial funding PDFs

2. National benefit: Child Disability Benefit (monthly support if eligible)

The CRA's Child Disability Benefit is available if you qualify for the Canada Child Benefit and your child is approved for the Disability Tax Credit.

Where available:

Canada (national)

Start here:

Child Disability Benefit (CRA)

3. Example provincial starting points (not exhaustive)

British Columbia: Autism Funding (official program page)

BC has an official Autism Funding program page (eligibility + application details).

👉 BC Autism Funding

Ontario: Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

Ontario's ADP states it generally pays 75% of the approved price for eligible assistive devices (with exceptions).

👉 Ontario Assistive Devices Program

Alberta: FSCD + AADL (supports vary by need)

FSCD supports families raising children with disabilities (services and supports).

👉 Alberta FSCD

AADL helps pay for basic medical equipment and supplies with eligibility based on clinical assessment.

👉 Alberta AADL

Important Canada note

Many provincial programs fund "assistive devices" differently than the U.S., and GPS trackers may be handled under safety/behavior supports, autism funding, or community grants depending on your province. That's why the province hubs above are your best first click.

What if GPS isn't covered where I live?

Some families combine:

• Provincial/national benefits (to free up budget)
• A small grant (for the device)
• Monthly plan paid out-of-pocket (or covered via individualized funding in some cases)

Quick scripts you can copy/paste

Script to a caseworker/funding worker:

"Hi, I'm looking for funding for assistive technology for safety. My child has a history/risk of wandering (elopement), and we're trying to prevent emergencies. What program can fund a GPS tracking device and/or the monthly monitoring plan, and what documents do you need from us?"

Script to a pediatrician/OT/SLP for a supporting note:

"Can you write a brief note stating my child has a safety risk due to wandering/elopement and would benefit from a GPS safety device as assistive technology to reduce risk and support community safety?"

Tips for applying successfully

• Gather documentation first — diagnosis letters, therapy reports, and a parent summary of daily challenges
• Be specific about why you need it — explain elopement/wandering behavior clearly
• Ask for letters of medical necessity — your doctor, therapist, or BCBAs can write these
• Apply to multiple programs — don't put all your eggs in one basket
• Keep copies of everything — you may need to resubmit or appeal
• Follow up — if you don't hear back, call or email

Related resources

• 📖 AngelSense GPS Tracker — Why I Use It — My honest review and experience
• 📖 U.S. Disability Programs Guide — SSI, Medicaid waivers, IDEA explained
• 📖 Canadian Disability Benefits Guide — DTC, CDB, and provincial supports
• 📖 Funding Resources Hub — All our country-specific funding guides

Have you found a funding source that helped your family? I'd love to add it to this list—share in the comments! 💛