Blue Envelope Program
The Arc of Loudoun Proudly Supports the Launch of Blue Envelope Program in Partnership with Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
The Arc of Loudoun is proud to support the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in the launch of the Blue Envelope Program, a new initiative designed to foster safer, more supportive interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral, mental health and other conditions that may impact communication during high-stress situations such as traffic stops.
Launched on May 9, the Blue Envelope Program provides individuals with a light blue envelope to store important documents such as a photocopy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance information, and optional communication cards. The envelope also includes clear instructions to help guide both the driver and the deputy through the interaction, promoting mutual understanding.
The Blue Envelope program equips law enforcement with the tools needed to serve people with disabilities effectively. Drivers with any disability that may impact their ability to communicate during high stress situations, such as traffic stops, are supported during interactions with law enforcement knowing they will receive clear instructions.
When presented during a traffic stop, the blue envelope serves as a visual cue that the driver may need additional time, patience, or alternative communication methods.
Eileen Shaffer, Administrative Director of ALLY Advocacy Center said: “The Arc of Loudoun is proud to partner with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office to bring this vital program to our community. The Blue Envelope Program raises awareness and protects the rights of people with disabilities. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, people with disabilities continue to experience disproportionately higher rates of interaction with the criminal justice system. At The Arc of Loudoun, we advocated to bring this program to our community to enhance the safety of the person with a disability and law enforcement/ first responders. This is a meaningful step toward ensuring that people with disabilities feel safer and more understood during interactions with law enforcement.”
The Arc of Loudoun has a wonderful partnership with local law enforcement in Loudoun County, including LCSO and its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The Arc of Loudoun has been a partner since CIT inception in 2012, providing every CIT class with a tour of our campus, direct interaction with individuals with disabilities and disability awareness training. The Arc of Loudoun launched in 2022 its annual safety events that include practice traffic stops. The practice traffic stop provides an opportunity for law enforcement and those with a disability to role-play a traffic stop to reduce stigma and improve safety and communication. The Arc of Loudoun created Sensory Kits to distribute to law enforcement, first responders and the community. The sensory kits have proven beneficial and effective when law enforcement interacts with people with disabilities.
Lisa Max, CEO of The Arc of Loudoun. “We applaud the LCSO for launching this program. Programs like this support a just, equitable world for people with disabilities.
As part of the initiative, law enforcement officers across the county will receive specialized training to recognize the blue envelope and respond appropriately, using techniques rooted in patience, understanding, and respect.
The Blue Envelope Program is free to the public and requires no registration or documentation to participate. Blue envelopes are currently available at the following locations:
- The Arc of Loudoun
- Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters
- All LCSO Stations
- Leesburg Police Department
- Middleburg Police Department
- Purcellville Police Department
For more information, please visit thearcofloudoun.org or loudoun.gov/6181/The-Blue-Envelope-Program
Schedule an appointment today to prepare your Blue Envelope:
Email: ALLY@thearcofloudoun.org or
Request your Blue Envelope: