A TRACKING system being trialled in the Southern Highlands should provide greater independence for people who would otherwise need constant supervision.
And a local teenager, who is on the autism spectrum and has severe learning difficulties, is helping to fine-tune the Global Positioning System.
Will Clarke, 15, is one of only seven people in Australia trialling the system, which is intended to provide him with greater freedom without compromising his safety.
His mother, Angela Clarke, is thrilled with the system that is enabling her son to enjoy the independence that most teenagers take for granted.
"Will is just like any other teenager in most ways with the same need, wants and desires for independence, but because of his condition he has needed to be constantly supervised for his own safety," she said.
"He has been craving a bit more freedom since he was about 12 years old and he has been frustrated by the fact that he hasn't been able to have it."
In fact there have been several occasions when Will has become lost after wandering away from supervision without the skills to find his way home.
A situation in Sydney late last year where Will went missing for 16 hours was the final straw for Mrs Clarke who immediately began searching for a solution.
"Will had the ability to seek comfort in a bus shelter, but didn't know how to find his way home or get help to do this, and we had no idea where he was," she said.
Mrs Clarke said a series of chance situations resulted in her soon learning about a system that was being trialled by a Melbourne Company, Bermel.
"The people at the company have been incredible," she said.
"They have visited us several times and supplied Will with a tracking system that is no bigger than a watch, but enables his whereabouts to be monitored by both ourselves, through our mobile phone or computer, and by the company itself."
Mrs Clarke said a key feature of the system is that it cannot be tampered with so Will can not take it off and no-one else can take it from him.
"The system sends out an alert to us and the company if it is tampered with in anyway and will identify Will's location at all times," she said.
"It also has an inbuilt phone with important phone numbers programmed into it so that Will can call at any time and we can call him."
The trial, which began late last year is enabling the Clarke family to identify possible modifications to improve the tracking system and the addition of water proofing is high on the agenda.
However, Mrs Clarke said that ultimately it was a blessing for both Will and the rest of his family.
"He is now able to walk by himself to the park or neighbours and that gives him the sense of freedom he wants," she said.
"It has unlimited range so we know where he is at all times.
"This enables him to live a more normal life, just like other teenagers."
Mrs Clarke said the system would be beneficial to many people including elderly people with Alzheimer's or dementia, people in remote areas and other adults and children with special needs such as Will.
However, Mrs Clarke said she encouraged people to continue to contact her if they see Will on his own and to not hesitate in saying "hello" to him as it adds to the normality and boosts his confidence in his newfound independence.
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