Ohio Blue Envelope Program aims to ease stress during traffic stops

Anyone who has ever been pulled over by a police officer will admit to at least a moment or two of nervousness. For drivers with developmental disabilities, interactions with law enforcement or emergency personnel can make stress levels skyrocket.

But the Ohio Blue Envelope Program aims to take the stress out of such interactions, not only for drivers with disabilities, but also for police and emergency responders. The Carroll County Board of Developmental Disabilities is offering the packets free of charge to eligible individuals.

The Blue Envelope Program packet contains several items, including an educational brochure and a window decal to alert law enforcement that the driver—or even a passenger—has a developmental disability.

“The packet contains an envelope for people to keep their vehicle registration, driver’s license and insurance information all in one place so they can just hand it to a police officer” said Matt Campbell, superintendent and service and support administrator for the Carroll County BDD.

“My son is in law enforcement and my dad was in law enforcement,” said Campbell. “I think any education you can give law enforcement they would appreciate, and it would make things go more smoothly.”

Campbell explained further how the elements of the kit can be put to use.

“If an officer pulls someone over who has a developmental disability, the lights or sirens can cause anxiety or other issues,” said Campbell. “Or maybe the person has mobility issues, and the envelope lets the officer know the driver is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you can get rid of some of the assumptions that may not be correct, then that helps everybody.”

The Blue Envelope Program has been adopted by organizations across the nation to help individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, dementia, physical disabilities or mental health issues experience improved interactions with law enforcement and emergency first responder.

In addition to the Blue Envelope for I.D. the packet includes:

— A wallet card for people to list essential information such as their name, details about their disability and an emergency contact person’s name and phone number. The card also informs law enforcement or emergency responders that the person may exhibit signs of anxiety or nervousness and may need additional time to formulate responses.

— A window decal for placement on the vehicle to immediately let officers know that a person in the vehicle has a disability that may affect their actions or speech.

— A brochure explaining how the program works and how to use the various elements it contains.

To obtain a free Blue Envelope Program packet, visit the Carrol County BDD at 540 N. High St. NW in Carrollton. For more information, call 330-627-6555.