Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is launching a program for drivers on the autism spectrum, titled the Blue Envelope Program.
The program’s goal is to reduce anxiety for drivers during traffic stops, mainly by providing law enforcement with information to promote empathy and patience. Vermont DMV worked with the University of Vermont Autism Collaborative to develop this program.
All Vermonters registered with the program receive a physical blue envelope. This envelope signals to law enforcement that the driver has autism. From there, officers can use printed instructions on the envelope to adapt their approach and create a safe environment.
These envelopes can also hold crucial drivers’ documents.
Wanda Minoli, Commissioner for the Department of Motor Vehicles, said “The blue envelope is a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and understanding. It is an important step forward to see that every driver can feel safe and respected on the road. We hope to build bridges between law enforcement and the autism community, and to foster a culture of awareness and compassion that benefits everyone involved.”
For more information, or to request a blue envelope, visit the DMV website.
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