READING, Pa – The Blue Envelope Program is a new initiative to communicate important information in a short window of time.
“The first thirty seconds of a car stop are probably the most important part of that because there’s this variable of the unknown,” said Chief Anthony Kuklinski with Hamburg Borough Police.
Now, through a multi-agency effort, those in the autism community can hand over a blue envelope of important information to the police.
This envelope explains the person’s situation and includes things like registration and car insurance information.
“An individual on the autism spectrum’s ability to respond to an officer may be difficult,” said District Attorney John Adams.
“The fact that they can present this blue envelope will not only help them but help the police officer,” Adams added.
One man spearheading this effort says he’d like to see more programs like this one for adults with autism.
“I would like to see more programs and initiatives for adults,” said Alex Mann, Autism Awareness Advocate.
“I agree they are typically centered around younger kids on the spectrum. I went through some of these programs myself; you get to a certain age, and there’s not a lot out there,” he said.
Mann has spoken to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country. The Blue Envelope program could signal a societal shift to address challenges those with autism face.
“I’d absolutely love to see more programs and even just like training on things to make people with autism be a better part of this world,” Mann said.
Those gathered here say they want all law enforcement agencies in Berks to encourage participation in the program.