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“Blue Envelope" Bill Supporting People with Autism Passed
- senrobynkennedy
- Jan 5, 2024
- 1 min read
Focusing on eliminating barriers that lead to life changing experiences for our community is always a priority and the “Blue Envelope” bill is just one example of how we can create change, specifically for persons with disabilities. Yesterday, I voted alongside my colleagues, with the leadership of Senator Comerford, to pass An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder. This bill would create a voluntary program that would make blue envelopes that people with autism could carry with them while driving and hand over to a police officer in the event they are pulled over. This will help law enforcement officers better understand the actions of individuals with autism.
The envelope’s guidance—which would be created by a coalition of advocates, Chiefs of Police, and the RMV—would help law enforcement officers to better understand the actions of individuals with autism, who are more likely to have increased sensitivities and communication challenges in stressful situations. Many people with autism display no physical markers to alert others to their disability. Without adequate training, it is possible that law enforcement could misread the actions of an individual with autism. Every year, numerous people with Autism Spectrum Disorder suffer psychological trauma and physical injury as a result of such misunderstandings. Use of force can be significantly more psychologically harmful when directed at individuals with autism.
For more details contact, giselle.riveraflores@masenate.gov
This is a fantastic and incredibly practical initiative. It's so refreshing to see a simple, proactive solution being implemented to address such a significant real-world challenge for the autism community. Initiatives like this underscore the profound importance of having the right tools to bridge communication gaps and foster understanding. This extends beyond just external interactions; it also applies to the internal journey of self-discovery many adults undertake. For many who suspect they might be on the spectrum, finding a clear starting point for this journey is crucial. I've found that a well-designed autism assessment for adults can be an invaluable resource in providing that initial clarity and empowering individuals on their path to self-advocacy.