The Wallet Card

 

Wallet Card
WALLET CARD PROJECT AIDS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Wallet Card fosters understanding within communities

Albion, Michigan (July 19, 2018) — The Albion Department of Public Safety is reaching out to the community in an effort to encourage individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to obtain a free Wallet Card. The Wallet Card Project facilitates effective communication between law enforcement and persons with disabilities to avoid any misunderstandings. In addition to being a valuable resource for residents, our local department will also receive training on The Wallet Card and ASD.

 Chief Scott Kipp stated, “As Chief of Public Safety I am well aware of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the fear family members have of their loved ones with autism having to deal with law enforcement.  It is my hope that this program will help educate our officers and lesson the fears within our community.”

 The Wallet Card is a free resource available for teens and adults with ASD. The card helps individuals communicate clearly with law enforcement and includes information such as the person’s name, disability, emergency contact, and any specific triggers. The Wallet Card may be requested for free online at www.justdigit.org/wallet-cards. In addition, individuals applying for the card can watch a short video (closed captioning available) that explains how to use the card and provides tips on how to safely interact with law enforcement.

 About the Wallet Card Project: The Wallet Card Project was developed through a partnership between Disability Independence Group Inc., the Coral Gables Police Department, and UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and is being used by other law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

Click the link to be taken to The Wallet Card webpage:  https://www.justdigit.org/wallet-cards/