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At a recent St. Charles City Council meeting, officials announced a tool meant to make traffic stops calmer and safer for autistic drivers.
The “Blue Envelope Program” gives residents a simple way to communicate their needs during an interaction with law enforcement — and the department says it’s ready to start distributing them right away.
Key things to know:
The program: The envelope holds a driver’s license, registration, emergency contacts, and communication tips for officers — all in one place.
How it works: It alerts officers that the driver may communicate differently and encourages slowing down, adjusting tone, and taking a more supportive approach.
Key players: Officer Meghan Kramer partnered with the Autism Hero Project to develop the program locally, and West Valley Graphics donated the printing.
Growing trend: St. Charles joins communities like Naperville, Elgin, Downers Grove, Park Ridge, Bloomingdale, and Peoria that already offer the tool.
Residents can pick up a blue envelope at the police department, and local organizations that work with autistic individuals may soon serve as distribution hubs as well.
Watch the City Council meeting recording (topic discussion begins at about 5:00 mark).
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