ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Special-needs drivers will have one more document to keep in their car.
It's not insurance or registration, but a blue envelope.
On Friday, Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Lehigh County Chiefs of Police Association revealed its new Blue Envelope Program.
The free program is geared toward drivers with autism spectrum disorder and those with conditions that may "hurt their ability to communicate during a traffic stop, accident or other interactions with police," a release said.
“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.”Donald Sabo
Applicable drivers would keep a blue envelope in their car.
On the front, the envelop notes the drivers' condition and if they are verbal or nonverbal. On the back, police can find tips to assist with their interaction.
Inside the blue envelope is a sheet, in both Spanish and English, that explains the program and provides contact information for individuals who could provide medical information or assistance in interacting with the driver, if needed.
“Traffic stops can be high-stress situations for most people, and for those with ASD or other conditions, even moreso,” Salisbury Township Chief of Police Donald Sabo said in the release.
“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.”
Bridge between drivers and police
Drivers should let officers know that they have a blue envelope and are encouraged to keep their driver's license, registration and insurance information inside the blue envelope, as well.
It's a program that Pediatrician Jill Colabroy with LVPG Pediatrics, said creates a meaningful bridge between drivers and police.
"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."Pediatrician Jill Colabroy with LVPG Pediatrics
“This is an excellent initiative to help people with autism successfully navigate a traffic stop," Colabroy said in the release.
"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."
Residents can get the blue envelopes from a Lehigh County police department, at Lehigh Valley Physician Group Pediatrics offices, or by requesting one at LVHN.org/blueenvelope.
