Among the first to receive a blue envelope is Sam Kanji with his mother Ilyse.Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Blue Envelope Program was kicked off during an Autism Advocacy Day event at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday.
The program, a collaboration between Massachusetts law enforcement and The Arc of Massachusetts, is designed to create a safer and more understanding environment during traffic stops for drivers with autism.
The way the program works is the state issues a blue envelope that holds a driver's essential documents - license, registration, and a contact card. Information printed on the outside of the envelope identifies the operator as a person with autism spectrum disorder.
It provides instructions for a police officer on how to better communicate with the driver, and how to reduce anxiety and stress the driver may have after being stopped or involved in an incident.
Among the first to receive a blue envelope was Sam Kanji.
His mother Ilyse said the program creates a safer environment for police and drivers with autism like her son. "Because he has somewhat garbled speech, police may think he's drunk or on drugs," she said. "It's reassuring to know that someone will see the blue envelope and know immediately about his diagnosis."
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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