Blue Envelope program kicks off in Lehigh County
LEHIGH COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and the Lehigh County Chiefs of Police Association are teaming up to launch a Blue Envelope Program to help special-needs drivers and law enforcement better communicate when they interact.
The free program is aimed at drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can also apply to drivers with other communication difficulties, anxiety, or conditions that might hurt their ability to communicate during a traffic stop, accident, or other interactions with police.
Under the program, drivers would carry a blue envelope in their vehicle, which notes the driver is on the autism spectrum and indicates if that person is verbal or nonverbal. The front of the envelope has instructions for the driver on what they should do during a traffic stop. The back of the envelope has tips for police to help their interaction go as smoothly as possible.
Inside the blue envelope is a sheet that explains the program and has contact information for those who could provide medical information or assistance in interacting with the driver if need be. The sheet explains that ASD can impair the driver’s ability to communicate, that they may have difficulty understanding or responding to questions, or display physical signs of being uncomfortable.
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Drivers in the program are instructed to let law enforcement know they have a blue envelope and to retrieve the envelope when asked by police. It’s recommended that ASD and other special-needs drivers keep their driver’s license, registration, and insurance information in the blue envelope along with the information sheet that contains the emergency contacts.
“Traffic stops can be high-stress situations for most people, and for those with ASD or other conditions, even more so. This program helps interactions go as smoothly as possible. The blue envelope is something all officers in Lehigh County will be trained on and recognize,” said Salisbury Township Chief of Police Donald Sabo.
The program creates a bridge between drivers and police and the patient and family information page inside the envelope is available in English and Spanish.
“This is an excellent initiative to help people with autism successfully navigate a traffic stop. Speaking with law enforcement in a stressful situation, such as a traffic stop, can be difficult for many teens and young adults. This simple communication tool can help ease that discomfort, and it`s a great way to build awareness and enhance interactions,” says Pediatrician Jill Colabroy, MD, with LVPG Pediatrics,
Blue envelopes can be obtained in several ways: from a police department in Lehigh County, at Lehigh Valley Physician Group Pediatrics offices, or by requesting one at the LVHN blue envelope webpage.
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