Arizona launches program to assist drivers on autism spectrum

Arizona is starting a program designed to help those who have autism communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops.

The voluntary Blue Envelope Program, which includes education for law enforcement officers, follows a model used in Connecticut, according to a release from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The envelope will have instructions for the driver and law enforcement officer to follow and advise the officer that the driver may respond differently to instructions in situations that can increase anxiety.

To provide the necessary groundwork and training, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is partnering with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the University of Arizona’s Police Department, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities training program.

“When I heard about this program in Connecticut, I was extremely fascinated and intrigued to see if we could incorporate it here in Arizona,“ ADOT MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said.

“MVD is thrilled to be partnering with DPS and the University of Arizona Police Department to help calm what can otherwise be potentially stressful situations.”

Training with officers and volunteer drivers to simulate a traffic stop with the blue envelopes will take place next week at the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus.

The envelopes are expected to be available through ADOT MVD offices, various law enforcement locations as well as other locations across the state starting in May.

For more: azdot.gov/BlueEnvelope .