Project Blue Able

Project Blue Able is a pilot project jump-started by Access 2 Independence of the Eastern Iowa Corridor and the Iowa City Police staff to facilitate communication and break down barriers between first responders and community members with disabilities.

The idea of Project Blue Able is not new and was inspired by programs we found across the country. The primary source of inspiration comes from another state program in Connecticut where drivers on the autism spectrum, or with hearing or vision impairments, carry blue or green envelopes to hand officers during a traffic stop. The envelopes contain information on their disability and contact info for care providers. Another example of a similar endeavor is Illinois’ program where their Secretary of State issues a unique State ID to persons with certain disabilities. The card has a variety of uses such as for identification, proof of disability, aid in emergency situations, and more.

The collaboration between Access 2 Independence & the Iowa City Police Department

Given the diversity of interactions in traffic stops, as well as in other everyday interactions, the hope of PBA is to give those with disabilities a new level of agency when interacting with local law enforcement and first responders. Partnering with A2I allowed the ICPD to learn more about the barriers those with disabilities may have while communicating with the police.

Initial Action & Public Sessions – March 2020

Two presentations and listening sessions were held early March of 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, at Mercer Park and the Iowa City Public Library. While both sessions provided important insight from stakeholders, the session held at the Iowa City Public Library was the most impactful. Connections were made between various groups that were interested in the project including Johnson County Optimae Connection, the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa, Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic, National Stuttering Association – Iowa City chapter, and more.