Staying Safe and Understood: Using Disability Self-Disclosure Cards with Law Enforcement

At Fitness to Drive, we work with individuals who experience a range of disabilities that can impact how they communicate or respond in high-stress situations—especially while driving or interacting with police. For many of our clients, including those with brain injuries, autism, aphasia, or developmental disabilities, routine traffic stops or police encounters can quickly become overwhelming or misunderstood.

That's why we strongly recommend Disability Self-Disclosure Cards—simple but powerful tools designed to keep these interactions safe, respectful, and clear.

What Are Disability Self-Disclosure Cards?

Disability self-disclosure cards are wallet-sized cards that clearly and concisely explain that the individual has a disability that may affect their communication, behavior, or ability to process information. The goal is to give law enforcement officers the context they need to avoid misinterpretation and reduce the risk of escalation.

These cards typically include:

• A brief statement about the person’s disability

• Specific communication challenges (e.g., difficulty understanding directions, speech impairment, delayed response time)

• Tips for how officers can help (e.g., speaking slowly, avoiding sudden movements)

• Emergency contact information

  
  

Some cards also include a calming statement or a visual icon like the "invisible disability" symbol, which further indicates that the disability may not be immediately apparent.

Sample Self-Disclosure Card

Why Are These Cards Important?

Invisible disabilities—like autism, aphasia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or certain developmental disabilities—are not always obvious. In the high-pressure context of a traffic stop, a person might:

• Struggle to make eye contact

• Have difficulty following verbal instructions

• Seem nonresponsive or confused

• Have speech that is slurred or delayed

  
  

Without context, these behaviors might be mistaken for intoxication, defiance, or mental instability. A self-disclosure card helps prevent those misinterpretations and keeps the interaction focused on safety and understanding.

Real-World Benefits for Our Clients

Clients at Fitness to Drive are often regaining or adapting driving skills after life-changing diagnoses. A brain injury survivor may be perfectly capable of safe driving but could freeze or panic when suddenly approached by an officer. Someone with aphasia might not be able to answer basic questions quickly. A person on the autism spectrum may become distressed by bright lights, loud voices, or rapid questioning.

By simply handing over a card that states, “I have a brain injury and may have difficulty understanding complex instructions. Please speak slowly and clearly”, our clients can advocate for themselves in a calm, effective way.

Additional Protection: The Invisible Disability Icon in Colorado

Colorado offers an additional layer of protection for drivers with invisible disabilities through its Invisible Disability Identifier Program.

Here’s how it works:

• Individuals with qualifying invisible disabilities can request to have an invisible disability icon added to their Colorado driver’s license or state ID card.

• This same icon can also be added to a vehicle registration, indicating that someone associated with the vehicle may have an invisible disability.

  
  

This icon serves as a discreet way to alert law enforcement and emergency responders that the person may have communication or behavioral challenges—even if they aren’t outwardly visible. This program is completely voluntary and requires a healthcare provider’s verification.

To apply:

Visit the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Invisible Disability Identifier Program page and download the required forms. Your healthcare provider will need to verify your disability, and you’ll submit the forms when renewing or updating your license or vehicle registration.

Use a Self-Disclosure Card with The Blue Envelope

Another great way to alert officers to potential problems with communication is by participating in the Blue Envelope Program. Please see last months’ blog on this topic. You may want to keep your self disclosure card with your registration and insurance information together in the Blue Envelope for your local jurisdiction.

Tips for Using Your Disclosure Card Effectively

1. Keep it in an easily accessible spot—your wallet, glove compartment, or center console.

2. Practice presenting the card calmly during simulated interactions. We can help you rehearse this during Fitness to Drive driver training sessions or you can sign up for our Mock Traffic Stop workshop.

3. Pair it with a visual symbol, like a medical alert bracelet or visor card.

4. Inform family members or caregivers about the card in case they need to speak on your behalf.

   
   

Final Thoughts

At Fitness to Drive, our goal is not just to help clients regain driving skills, but also to navigate the real-world challenges that come with driving while living with a disability. Self-disclosure cards and the invisible disability icon are small tools that can make a huge difference in ensuring a safe, respectful interaction with law enforcement.

If you or someone you love could benefit from one of these tools, don’t hesitate to ask us. We can help you design a personalized disclosure card, practice using it, and complete the documentation needed for Colorado’s invisible disability identifier.

Driving is independence. Let’s protect it—together.