Photo Provided The Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Special Connections are teaming up to promote the new Blue Envelope program. Pictured with the items are Alycia Clark, left, secretary of the Special Connections organization, and Cookie West, community and public relations specialist with the JCBDD.

STEUBENVILLE — The Blue Envelope program will officially be unveiled this week in an effort to improve communication for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health, and cognitive issues during encounters with safety forces.

Cookie West, community and public relations specialist with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said program packets are being rolled out Dec. 15 with a QR code and link to register.

Families of people with disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, dementia, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions, are encouraged to participate to help loved ones who may require additional accommodations or awareness during interactions with law enforcement.

Individuals will carry a blue envelope which contains essential information, including their ID, driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance card, and — for students or adults with disabilities — a one-page summary detailing their health and safety needs.

“We are now ready to share the link for Jefferson County residents to request a Blue Envelope packet,” West said. “After some informational sessions, some questions arose about individuals who walk or travel using SVRTA. Therefore, we decided to obtain lanyards for those who walk or use public transit, which will help officers and emergency personnel easily recognize participants in the Blue Envelope program. The purchase of these lanyards was made possible through the sponsorship of Jeffco Services, Inc.”

The goal is to reduce anxiety for concerned drivers and their families, provide important information to law enforcement, and improve communication during traffic stops and emergencies. The program is available for use throughout Ohio and is free to all county boards to distribute to the individuals they serve.

The packets include a blue envelope to keep important documents together, a wallet card that can easily be carried in a wallet or purse, a distinctive three-inch decal featuring the program’s logo, which can be discreetly placed on a vehicle’s windows, and a program brochure explaining how to use the items. Additionally, lanyards and wristbands are available for distribution to serve walkers and people who use public transportation.

JCBDD joined forces with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board to hold the informational sessions this past October to explain the program and help enhance communication during traffic stops and emergencies.

“Following discussions with law enforcement officers, we sought to implement a system that would assist pedestrians and individuals utilizing public transportation. Our objective is to establish a method for alerting officers or emergency personnel when an individual is enrolled in the Blue Envelope program and may experience communication challenges,” said West.

The Special Connections group, which is a collaboration between JCBDD, Crossroads Christian Church and the Special Needs Parents of the Ohio Valley Support Group Facebook page, were also a vital partner in implementing the program by giving insight on every aspect of the program. Secretary Alycia Clark, who is also the mother of an autistic child, said having the Blue Envelope initiative in place brings her a source of comfort.

“One of my biggest fears is if something happened to me and my son can’t communicate because he’s nonverbal. This will alleviate the stress,” Clark commented.

The program also coincides with the passage of Ohio H.B. 144, known as Keith’s Law, which was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in October. The law institutes a statewide database that will be available next year for people with disabilities to register, and also shares information similar to the Blue Envelope program.

“With these efforts working together, we’re increasing opportunities for the health and safety of people who may have difficulty communicating their needs, and it’s enhancing the safety of everyone who requires additional support,” West continued. “This will be very beneficial and creates a sense of relief for individuals who have these challenges and family members who support them.”

The cards will be numbered to correspond with registrants in the system so information will be available to safety forces when needed. The program is voluntary and open to anyone with a disability in the state of Ohio. All relevant information and next steps are located in the request form and residents who walk or utilize public transportation are also encouraged to make a request. Requests for a packet may be submitted by scanning a QR code or emailing blueenvelopeprogramjc@gmail.com.

Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program was made possible through a collaboration between the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, the Southern Ohio Council of Governments, and the Southern Ohio Advocacy Group.