Program Designed to Support Individuals with Autism and Other Communication Challenges During a Traffic Stop
Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLK_6Fln10k
Surrounded by members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Westchester County Public Safety, the Office for People with Disabilities and several Autism advocacy groups, County Executive Ken Jenkins officially launched the Blue Envelope Program in Westchester. The Blue Envelope Program is designed to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement and individuals with autism and other disabilities during a traffic stop. Participants will receive a “blue envelope” to store their driver’s license, registration and insurance card, and police officers will be trained to see and understand what the blue envelope signifies. The blue envelope will also contain information for both the driver and law enforcement officers, in order to better facilitate a calm and effective interaction.
Jenkins said: “Implementing the Blue Envelope Program in Westchester was an easy decision. It creates a simple way for drivers with autism or similar disabilities to discreetly communicate their condition, while providing helpful information to police officers during a routine traffic stop. These blue envelopes will help to reduce anxiety for drivers, as well as give law enforcement officers a clear indication that the driver may require more patience, or an alternate communication method. The Blue Envelope Program will ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for everyone involved.”
A program participant with autism or a similar disability should store their blue envelope in an easily accessible location in their car, like the sun visor or glove compartment.
If a driver is stopped by police:
- The driver should tell the police officer they have a blue envelope in their car.
- The driver should retrieve the blue envelope and hand it to the police officer.
- The police officer should use the instructions on the blue envelope to better communicate with the driver, ensuring a smooth conversation.
Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to George ‘Duff’ Bailey, a constituent whose advocacy on behalf of his adult son with autism brought the Blue Envelope Program to my attention. Blue Envelope exemplifies how community engagement leads to meaningful change, creating safer interactions between law enforcement and individuals with communication challenges. Good for law enforcement, good for the Autistic community, good for Westchester. We are proud to partner with County Executive Ken Jenkins to launch this important initiative, a real step toward a more inclusive and understanding Westchester.”
Majority Whip Terry Clements said: “This program directly addresses critical gaps in roadside communication, giving officers vital information and providing peace of mind to families of drivers with autism, dementia, and anxiety disorders. As Public Safety Committee Chair, I've championed initiatives that protect our most vulnerable residents while strengthening community-police relations. The Blue Envelope Program accomplishes both objectives.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr said: “One of the most meaningful things we can do in government is to implement policies and laws to ensure that all of our residents are safe and are treated fairly and respectfully. The Blue Envelope Program has worked in other communities to improve communications and safety when law enforcement encounters a driver who has specific disabilities that heighten the probability of miscommunication. By providing law enforcement with notice of a disability and the training to manage it, we are helping to ensure the safety of the driver, the police officer and the public.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Terrance Raynor said: “The Blue Envelope program gives an officer an immediate awareness that a driver may have unique communication or behavioral responses during their interaction. It will invaluable to help to avoid any misunderstandings. This is a great tool in conjunction with the Autism Awareness training that recruit officers and veteran officers receive at the Westchester County Police Academy.”
Director of the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities Evan Latainer said: “The Blue Envelope Program is another example of Westchester County taking positive steps to assist and also protect both the disabled community and our law enforcement to be better prepared when interacting together. Having the appropriate training is so valuable for everyone involved. Thank you to County Executive Ken Jenkins for pushing this initiative forward.”
Westchester Institute for Human Development Manager of Prevocational Programs Eleanor Evangelista said: “As someone that works with young adults with disabilities, this program is so important to our population as they work towards their personal independence and important life goals. As the mother to a 26-year-old son on the autism spectrum, who obtained his NYS Learners Permit and requested driving lessons on his birthday this past Saturday, this definitely lightens the pause I feel when I imagine him out the road in the near future.”
CEO of The Arc Westchester Tibisay Guzmán said: “The Arc Westchester is grateful to the New York State Sheriffs’ Association for introducing the Blue Envelope Program, which will now be available in Westchester County. Many individuals with autism are driving on our roadways, and this program provides law enforcement with a valuable visual tool to recognize when someone may have difficulty responding or communicating during a traffic stop. It offers reassurance and promotes greater safety for the individuals we support and their families.”