Drivers with autism or communication differences in Cook County can pick up a free blue envelope to keep with their license and registration. The envelope signals a driver's communication needs to officers during traffic stops.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office announced the Blue Envelope Program on June 22 in partnership with The Autism Hero Project, an Illinois-based nonprofit. The office promoted the program again on its official X account Wednesday, Oct. 7, reaching Cook County residents directly.

For Park Ridge and Niles residents, the nearest pickup spot is District 2 – Skokie Courts, 5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 140, Skokie. No sign-up is required, and no personal information is collected.

Here is how it works. A driver keeps the blue envelope in their car with their license and registration inside. When pulled over, the driver hands the envelope to the officer. Printed on the envelope are tips for the officer on how to communicate effectively and reduce anxiety during the stop. Inside are instructions for the driver and reference materials the officer can read quickly.

The program also includes materials for encounters on foot or in public spaces, not just traffic stops.

Other suburban pickup locations include District 3 – Rolling Meadows Courts at 2121 Euclid, Room 122, and District 4 – Maywood Courts at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Room 114. Envelopes are also handed out at community engagement events.

Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said in the June 22 announcement that the program "reflects our commitment to compassion, understanding, and professional policing by providing officers with valuable information that can help reduce stress and improve communication during traffic stops and other encounters."

Tamika Leché Morales, founder and president of The Autism Hero Project, said at the launch that the program equips first responders with knowledge to approach situations with patience. Her organization is customizing free Blue Envelope templates for first responders across Illinois and Florida and working to advance state legislation that would mandate the program statewide.

The Blue Envelope Program originated in Connecticut in 2020 and has since spread to jurisdictions across the country. Envelopes are available at the Skokie Courts location and at other courthouse sites listed on the Cook County Sheriff's Office website.