Opportunity Center Visits Sheriff To Promote Blue Envelope Program

(By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator)

Sheriff Fredrick Stevens welcomed guests to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office to learn more about Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program, which enhances communication when an individual with a developmental disability interacts with a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop. Sheriff Stevens’ guests were Seneca County Opportunity Center Director, Amy Miller; Opportunity Center Activity Coordinator, Joe Coleman; and Opportunity Center advocate, Reuben Villarreal.

Blue Envelope packets are free and available to anyone with a developmental disability and can be used for a driver or a passenger.

“They fill it out and include special information about what you might need to know as a law enforcement officer if you encounter someone with a developmental disability,” Miller told the Sheriff. “They can add all of their information in the envelope, like copies of their driver’s license, insurance card and registration.”

The easily recognizable Blue Envelope lets a deputy or other officer immediately know that the driver or passenger has a developmental disability, creating better understanding during the interaction and giving the officer the knowledge to offer needed accommodations.

The packets include a window decal to show law enforcement and first responders that someone in the vehicle participates in the Blue Envelope Program. Participants can also carry a Wallet Card, which is a smaller version of the Blue Envelope.

In the end, the program promotes inclusion, safety, and enhanced comfort for the individual during a traffic stop.

The Blue Envelope Program is sponsored by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, the Southern Ohio Council, and the Southern Ohio Advocacy Group.

Miller has been visiting local law enforcement offices to promote the Blue Envelope Program and Keith’s Law, which created a volunteer, statewide database for individuals with developmental disabilities. The database allows first responders to know if someone in the vehicle during a traffic stop or emergency may have difficulty communicating. The law was named after Keith Jesse, who worked with Rep. Gary Click on the legislation. The law went into effect on Jan. 19.

Sheriff Stevens provided input as Rep. Click developed the law. The Sheriff has a young family member with autism, so his personal experience coupled with his professional experience were valuable resources during the creation of Keith’s Law. The Sheriff is grateful for Miller’s efforts to promote both Keith’s Law and the Blue Envelope Program.

“I’m grateful to Amy, Joe, and Reuben for visiting the Sheriff’s Office. These types of resources are important tools that help our deputies serve the community better,” Sheriff Stevens said.

Sheriff Stevens also talked with Miller, Coleman, and Villarreal about the possibility of collaborating on creating and distributing seatbelt covers for people with autism and disabilities that would serve the same purpose as the Blue Envelope Program. They would be a visible sign to law enforcement during a traffic stop or emergency that someone in the vehicle may need special accommodations.

Villarreal later presented the idea to the Aktion Club, and the members voted to support the project. Updates on the project will be posted on the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at a later date.

Blue Envelope packets can be picked up for free at the Seneca County Opportunity Center. For more information on the center, visit www.senecadd.org.