Posted on March 8, 2024
PROVIDENCE – On a busy Wednesday, State Rep. Greg Howard (R-Stonington) traveled to the Rhode Island State Capitol in Providence to testify in support of legislation Connecticut has successfully implemented to enhance communication between a police officer and a driver with autism spectrum disorder, called a blue envelope program.
Rep. Howard, a Ranking Member of the Connecticut’s Public Safety Committee and a Police Officer specially trained in Crisis Intervention and interacting with citizens with Autism, was invited by Rhode Island Westerly State Senator Victoria Gu and State Representative Sam Azzinarro to testify in support of the Rhode Island version of the blue envelope program that they have introduced in Rhode Island.
The blue envelopes available in Connecticut state: “I have been medically diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. My medical condition impairs my ability to communicate with others. As a result, I may have difficulty understanding your directions, and I may not be able to respond to your questions. I may also become physically agitated if you touch me or move too close to me. Please do not interpret my behavior as refusal to cooperate. I am not intentionally defying your instructions.”
Rep. Howard testified that the blue envelope program helps a police officer who might have trouble communicating with an adult with autism after a car stop or interaction. An adult could be easily agitated by bright lights and sounds. Implementation of the blue envelope program could prevent that sort of interaction, which might end up with the adult driver injured or arrested.