Have you ever thought about how hard and frightening everyday emergencies could be if you had some type of communication disorder or autism. It could be a very stressful situation and in some instances, a dangerous situation.
The Bristow Police Department and Bristow Library are working together to change that. The department recently rolled out a program called the Blue Envelope Program. The program is deigned to help law enforcement and first responders, during an emergency or a traffic stop, to better understand and assist people who have difficulty communicating. The Blue Envelope is a place where one can keep items such as their drivers license, insurance verification, vehicle registration, and document that you do indeed have a communication barrier, in order to alert the officer to that fact. The department urges all families who may benefit from the program to join. To an adult or child with autism, a simple traffic stop can be a high stress situation.
The initiative came about after a local grandfather told his concerns to a library staff member, Kimberly England. The grandfather expressed concerns as to what would happen to his grandson, who has communication challenges, if he experienced some type of medical emergency, like a heart attack, while driving. How would law enforcement know about his grandson as one movement from him could be taken as an aggressive movement. The concerns led to a conversation with the police and that is how the Blue Envelope Program came about.
This program will provide a sense of security for families. It allows law enforcement to be informed so they don't have to be concerned about their safety and no one is harmed during the stop. The Blue Envelope Program is voluntary and free of charge. While it is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism, dementia, anxiety disorders, or other conditions that may affect communication, it is available to any Bristow resident who feels it could be helpful. Blue envelopes will be available at the Bristow Police Department and at Bristow Public Library.