Chrystal Venator employs multiple security measures to safeguard her residence, including surveillance cameras, specialized door locks, and a doorbell that alerts her to any motion. These precautions are not to prevent intruders but to ensure the safety of her son, Stalen. Stalen, an eleven-year-old with autism who is non-verbal, is prone to wandering unsupervised, putting himself in peril due to his lack of safety awareness, according to Venator.
Venator expressed concerns over the suddenness of potential incidents, emphasizing that a lapse in supervision, even for a brief moment, could lead to Stalen eloping. The tragic fate of Parker Wells, a non-verbal autistic boy from Calgary, deeply impacted Venator, resonating with her own fears and daily struggles.
In response to the distressing events, Venator joined the Indigo Alert Initiative, a national campaign born out of Parker’s tragedy. This initiative advocates for the establishment of a public emergency system similar to the Amber Alert but activated when a vulnerable individual goes missing without any abduction involved.
Venator and other parents like Breanna Mazerolle, whose autistic son also wanders, are pushing for improved emergency response protocols for vulnerable missing children. Mazerolle initiated Every Minute Matters following Parker’s disappearance, aiming to enhance local emergency preparedness for incidents involving wandering vulnerable individuals.
Research indicates a significant risk of wandering among children with autism, with a heightened drowning risk, emphasizing the urgent need for effective safety measures. Venator finds solace in a 24-hour tracking bracelet worn by Stalen as part of Project Lifesaver, facilitating quick location in case of elopement.
Advocates stress the importance of public education alongside technological solutions, emphasizing the need for policymakers to heed community-driven efforts for enhanced safety measures. Jason Lai from the Autism Alliance of Canada highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives contributing to a comprehensive federal framework promoting safety, inclusion, and public awareness for vulnerable groups.
As federal politicians engage with their constituents during the summer break, Lai encourages advocates to amplify their voices to drive impactful political change and create a more secure environment for vulnerable individuals across the nation.
