Autism Speaks supports Representatives Torres and Rutherford in introducing bipartisan bill for Blue Envelope Programs nationwide

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) introduced the Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act, bipartisan legislation to provide federal funding to support, expand, and create Blue Envelope Programs across the country. Blue Envelope programs help improve communications and interactions between law enforcement and public safety personnel and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), or other features that may affect communication with first responders.

Blue Envelope Programs provide individuals with a clearly identifiable envelope that can hold their driver’s license, vehicle registration, emergency contacts, and other helpful information, helping first responders understand a driver’s needs during traffic stops and other encounters. Programs can also provide individuals with other Blue Envelope-branded items (i.e. lanyards, pins, and seatbelt covers) to help facilitate improved interactions.

In California’s 35th Congressional District, the Inland Regional Center, Autism Society Inland Empire, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department partnered to launch the San Bernardino County Blue Envelope Program, which has been adopted by numerous police departments in the region. Similar programs exist in 29 States nationwide: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia.

“The Inland Empire’s Blue Envelope Programs have been a success, and this bipartisan bill would support and expand similar programs across the country. For individuals with Autism, developmental disabilities, or other communication challenges, encounters with law enforcement and other first responders can be confusing or overwhelming, and Blue Envelope Programs helps foster positive and safer interactions,” said Rep. Norma Torres. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Rutherford on this legislation to help provide law enforcement and community members the tools, resources, and training needed to launch and run Blue Envelope Programs across the country.”

“As a former sheriff and lifelong law enforcement officer, I believe nothing is more important than the safety and security of all members of our community,” said Rutherford. “That includes individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and others who may face communication challenges when interacting with law enforcement officers and first responders. To keep members of the autistic community safe, it is important that officers have the tools they need to reduce misunderstandings that can arise from differences in communication. That is why I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation with Representative Torres to support blue envelope programs nationwide to help improve communication and safety for all.”

“I hear from autistic drivers all the time about the anxiety they carry into traffic stops -- the fear that they won’t be understood,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. “Blue Envelope programs give drivers a simple yet effective way to communicate their needs, and they give officers the tools to respond with confidence and respect. We are grateful to Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Rutherford for championing this bipartisan effort. By prioritizing community-centered training and implementation of Blue Envelope initiatives nationwide, this bill expands access to a model that empowers autistic people to navigate traffic encounters on their own terms and ensure that a routine traffic stop stays just that - routine.”

The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act will:

• Authorize grants for law enforcement agencies to create, expand, and improve Blue Envelope Programs, in partnership with nonprofits that provide services and resources for individuals with ASD, I/DD, or other features that may cause communication barriers;
• Provide training and resources for law enforcement, in addition to voluntary training for members of the public;.
• Protect the privacy of participants by not allowing a registration component;
• Prioritize programs that are built to last, involve multiple law enforcement agencies, and involve experienced community partners with direct links to participants and their families.

The Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act is endorsed by: Major County Sheriffs Association, Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, International Association of Chiefs of Police, San Bernardino County Sheriffs’ Department, San Diego County Sheriffs’ Office, Pomona Police Dept., Chino Police Dept., Fontana Police Dept., Ontario Police Dept., Autism Society, Autism Speaks, Autism Society Inland Empire, Inland Regional Center, Easterseals, Easterseals Southern California, The Arc of the United States, National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, PD Avengers — Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s, American Psychological Association Services, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD).

Read the bill text and one pager.