Santa Maria Police Begin ‘Blue Envelope’ Initiative For Autism Awareness Month

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Santa Maria Police Department is participating in the “Blue Envelope” program for Autism Awareness Month.

Support organizations in neighboring communities have been thrilled to hear about it.

The nicknamed ‘Blue Envelope’ program started in Connecticut during 2020 and it has spread across the country since then.

It’s aimed at improving communication between officers of law enforcement and people on the autism spectrum.

The Blue Envelope simply holds the driver’s license, registration, and insurance information, and is a visual cue for the officer to implement certain accommodations.

In addition to the envelopes, there now are car decals, bracelets, lanyards, and additional items that have have the same purpose in public settings.

Last year’s Senate Bill 664 aimed at making it statewide failed to pass, but many communities are implementing the program at local levels of their own accord.

Santa Maria is one of those communities, and officials at the Central Coast Autism Awareness Center hope it will serve as impetus for neighboring communities to follow suit.

Not limited to autism, drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing can qualify, as can those with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and developmental disabilities.

The program is self-implemented, voluntary, and best of all, free of charge.

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