Empowering independence: Blue Envelope program facilitates safer communication between drivers with disabilities and police

University of Delaware worked with Delaware Police to create a program aimed at facilitating clear communication for drivers with disabilities.

Sep 9, 2025

2 min

University of Delaware, in close collaboration with Delaware State Police, the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police, the Office of Highway Safety, and the Delaware DMV, has co-developed the Blue Envelope Program – now launched statewide as of Aug. 26, 2025.


The program offers no-questions-asked, no-ID-required, free envelopes that drivers with disabilities (including communication differences, sensory needs, mobility limitations, or other differences) can keep in their vehicle. The envelope includes space for emergency contact or medical notes, instructions for law enforcement and tips to ensure safe, respectful, clear exchanges during traffic stops.



The University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies helped review and approve the content and design to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. UD experts – including Sarah Mallory (Associate Director of the Center for Disabilities Studies) and Alisha Fletcher (Director, Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism) – are available to speak about how the program supports an underserved and underrepresented group and improves outcomes in law enforcement encounters.


Why This Matters:


  • Traffic stops can be stressful for drivers with disabilities and can lead to misinterpretations or heightened risk. The Blue Envelope helps reduce misunderstandings while preserving dignity and safety.


  • Delaware joins around 10 other states (including Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) in adopting a traffic-stop communication aid for drivers with disabilities


  • This is a practical, no-barrier solution that promotes equity, accessibility, and respectful law enforcement practices.


To speak with either Mallory or Fletcher to learn more about the program's development, impact and what’s next, email mediarelations@udel.edu

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

2 min

Spitting image: What the blunder by Philadelphia Eagles' Carter can teach us about teams

Social media caught fire when Philadelphia Eagles' defensive tackle Jalen Carter got tossed for spitting on Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott before the first snap of this year's NFL season opener. While the impact on the game was obvious, what unfolded on the field of play has lessons for the workplace and the boardroom. The University of Delaware's Kyle Emich can talk about the parallels between the two worlds when individuals let their teams down. Emich, a professor of management in UD's Lerner College of Business and Economics, said emotional events occur all the time in the workplace, especially in board rooms, where the atmosphere is often competitive. "Emotion regulation is a key part of harnessing motivation appropriately in a competitive context," Emich said. • Early on, the Cowboys were able to regulate their emotions to tap into the incident when they roared out to several seamless offensive drives. • Emich says the Eagles' young, inexperienced and not-yet-gelled defensive unit was unable to regulate their emotions and preserve their confidence (collective efficacy) after the incident. They were unable to stop Dallas in the first half. • Carter's act could also have served as an emotion regulation cue for both teams. The Eagles defense was unable to regulate and maintain stability, leading to a number of costly penalties. But the Cowboys seemed to have had the same issue when they retaliated with personal fouls of their own. •  In the end, the Eagles were able to come together under the leadership of their coach, Nick Sirianni, and quarterback, Jalen Hurts, to secure a 24-20 victory. To connect with Emich for an interview, visit his profile page and click on the "contact" button.

1 min

Colorado wildfires will have severe mental health impact on residents and firefighters

The historic wildfire season in Colorado includes some of the largest in its history, leading to firefighter burnout and resource shortages. University of Delaware epidemiologist Jennifer Horney says that first responders, as well as Colorado residents, will be at risk for both physical and mental health impacts of the fires. "The fires, and the expected flash floods and mud slides to follow, will also be a test of a reduced focus on, and investment in, federal disaster response and hazard mitigation," said Horney, professor and director of UD's epidemiology program. In addition to research on the impacts of natural disasters on public health, Horney also studies linkages between disaster planning and the actions communities and individuals take to prepare, respond and recover. To set up an interview, visit her ExpertFile profile and click on the "contact" button. Reporters can also email MediaRelations@udel.edu.

1 min

How AI will transform the economy: Predicting the next breakthroughs

AI is already revolutionizing the world around us. University of Delaware experts are at the forefront of this innovation, researching and inventing new ways to use AI in everyday life. Below are a number of UD experts who can discuss these topics and the breakthroughs being made.  AI meets the edge – Weisong Shi, Alumni Distinguished Professor and Chair of Computer and Information Sciences, explains how AI and edge computing will transform everything from self-driving cars to real-time healthcare. AI’s energy appetite – Steven Hegedus, Professor, dives into the massive energy demands of AI, with expertise in photonics and chip-level signal processing. Building AI from the hardware – Sunita Chandrasekaran, Associate Professor and leader of the First State AI Institute, focuses on AI hardware innovations shaping the future of computing. Email mediarelations@udel.edu to speak to any of these experts. 

View all posts