by Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, mcbdd.org
As parents of young children with developmental disabilities, you do everything we can to help your children navigate the world safely and successfully. While the focus is often on daily routines, therapies, and educational support, it is also important to prepare for emergency situations. Fortunately, there are several resources and programs for parents to use to help first responders better understand and support children with developmental disabilities during emergencies.
Two of these valuable resources are the Blue Envelope Program and ROTH ID Tags.
The Blue Envelope Program is designed to improve communication between people with developmental disabilities and law enforcement officers or other first responders. Families provide vital information about their child and their needs inside an actual blue envelope which they place inside the vehicle glovebox.
The envelope contains important information such as emergency contacts, communication preferences, medical considerations, and other details that may help responders help more effectively during a stressful situation. Families can include information about sensory sensitivities, communication methods, calming techniques, and emergency contacts. A blue sticker is then placed on the vehicle’s rear window to alert first responders to its presence. In Ohio, families can request a Blue Envelope by contacting their local County Board of Developmental Disabilities or through participating law enforcement agencies, such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Another important resource is the ROTH ID Tag.
These identification tags can be attached to car seats, wheelchairs, strollers, backpacks, or other equipment frequently used by an individual with a disability. The tag contains critical information such as the child’s name, emergency contacts, medical needs, allergies, and communication supports. In an emergency, this information can help first responders quickly identify and help a child when family members or caregivers may not be able to communicate. A unique feature of the ROTH ID Tag is a detachable wristband that can remain with the child throughout the emergency response process. Roth ID tags may be purchased or requested through the ROTH ID Tag website, Target stores or some local County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
In addition to using these tools, families should also contact their local police department or sheriff’s office to ask whether they maintain a Special Needs Registry or Autism Registry. Many law enforcement agencies offer voluntary programs that allow families to provide information about a loved one’s communication style, behaviors, medical needs, sensory sensitivities, and emergency contacts. This information can help officers and dispatchers better prepare for interactions and emergencies involving children with disabilities.
Taking a few minutes to complete a Blue Envelope, attach a ROTH ID Tag, or enroll in a local registry can provide valuable peace of mind. These simple tools help ensure that first responders have access to important information when every second counts and can lead to safer, more positive interactions for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
