The Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED): Technical Specifications and Application Methods
The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) uses a controversial device called the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED) on individuals with autism and other disabilities as an aversive behavioral modification tool. This report examines the technical specifications of the most recent versions, how they function, and their application methods.
Current GED Device Specifications
The JRC currently employs two primary versions of the GED device: the GED-3A and the more powerful GED-4. Documentation also references redesigned versions called GED-3B and GED-4B that incorporate additional safety features[1].
GED-3A Technical Parameters
The GED-3A delivers electrical stimulation with the following specifications:
· Current: 15.25 mA (DC current)[2][3]
· Voltage: 60 volts[2]
· Duration: 2 seconds per application[2][3]
· Pulse frequency: 20 pulses per second[2]
· Total energy delivered: <0.45 Joules per application[2]
· Duty cycle: 25% (3 ms of pulses followed by 9 ms of no pulses)[2]
GED-4 Technical Parameters
The GED-4 is significantly more powerful:
· Current: 41 mA (DC current)[2][3]
· Voltage: 66 volts[2]
· Duration: 2 seconds per application[2][3]
· Pulse frequency: 20 pulses per second[2]
· Total energy delivered: <1.353 Joules per application[2]
· Duty cycle: 25% (same pattern as GED-3A)[2]
For context, according to a biomedical engineering professor, the GED's lowest setting is about twice the threshold that pain researchers consider tolerable for most adult humans[4]. While a cattle prod produces a shock of not more than 10 mA lasting a fraction of a second, the GED-4 produces a shock of up to 41 mA lasting a full two seconds[4][2].
Remote Control Capabilities
The GED devices employ sophisticated remote control technology:
· Transmitter model: SECO-LARM SK-919TD2A[5][6]
· Range: Up to 500 feet (200 meters) depending on environmental conditions[5][6]
· Security: Over 68 billion possible codes[5]
· Activation confirmation: Newer models require two button presses-"Activate" and then "Confirm"-to prevent accidental activation[1]
The remote transmitter features an LED that lights when the button is pressed and remains illuminated until released, providing visual confirmation of signal transmission[5].
Application Methods and Removal Prevention
The GED system is designed to make removal difficult without staff assistance:
1. Physical Configuration:
o The system consists of a stimulus generator, electrodes, and a remote activator[3]
o Electrodes are typically attached to a backpack containing the battery and control unit[7]
o Up to 5 electrodes may be placed on an individual simultaneously[7]
2. Electrode Placement:
o Typically placed on arms or legs[3]
o Sometimes placed on fingertips, feet, thighs, or stomach depending on behavior targeted[7]
o Never placed on spine, chest, breasts, genitals, head, top of hand/foot, lower buttocks, or sensitive skin areas[3]
3. Continuous Wear Requirement:
o The device is worn 24 hours per day when included in a student's program[5]
o Recipients are even required to wear it during showers, keeping an arm extended outside the shower to maintain the device's operation[7]
4. Tamper-Prevention Features:
o The newer GED-3B and GED-4B models employ Bluetooth transceivers that are uniquely paired during manufacture[1]
o All connections are keyed and labeled to prevent tampering or improper connection[1]
o Components are concealed after proper assembly[1]
o The system includes self-test capabilities that permanently disable the device if it fails[1]
Usage Protocols and Limitations
The JRC has implemented certain protocols regarding GED usage:
1. Activation Limits:
o Maximum 5 stimulations per minute[1]
o Maximum 10 stimulations per hour[1]
o The system temporarily disables itself if these limits are exceeded[1]
2. Battery Safeguards:
o Low battery lockout at 10% capacity to prevent malfunctions[1]
o Self-test functionality validates output voltage, current, and stimulus duration[1]
3. Application Process:
o A stimulus is delivered only when a prescribed behavior has been directly witnessed by staff and confirmed by another staff member[1]
o The staff must deliver the stimulus quickly after witnessing the behavior[1]
o JRC procedures explicitly prohibit delayed stimulus delivery[1]
Conclusion
The GED devices used by the Judge Rotenberg Center represent powerful aversive conditioning tools with significant electrical output capabilities. The most recent versions incorporate remote control technology with considerable range and various safeguards to prevent removal or tampering. The application method is designed for continuous wear, making it extremely difficult for recipients to remove the device without assistance. The GED-4, with its 41 mA current, operates at levels that approach or reach pain thresholds considered severe, particularly for women, according to electrical safety standards[1].
The use of these devices remains highly controversial, with multiple organizations characterizing them as human rights violations[8]. Meanwhile, the JRC maintains they are necessary for treating severe self-injurious or aggressive behaviors in individuals who have not responded to other interventions[1].
⁂
1. https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2023-N-3902-0099/content.pdf
3. https://autistichoya.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jrc-presentation-to-fda.pdf
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduated_electronic_decelerator
5. http://www.effectivetreatment.org/remote.html
6. https://www.edlocks.com/seco-larm-sk-919td2a-up-2-channel-rf-transmitter/
7. https://adapt.org/it-is-mind-and-body-torture-jennifer-msumba-survivor-of-jrc/
8. https://www.studio3.org/post/pain-compliance-and-the-judge-rotenberg-education-center