**Media Advisory: BPD and a member of Boise’s Cross Disability Task Force will be available for interviews at 12:00 today at City Hall West, 333 N. Mark Stall Place.
Ada County public safety partners are introducing the Blue Envelope Program, a new voluntary initiative designed to support drivers wanting assistance communicating with police officers and other first responders.
The program is supported by the Boise Police Department and the Boise Fire Department as well as Ada County Paramedics, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Eagle Police Department, Garden City Police Department, Kuna Police Department, Meridian Police Department and Star Police Department.
Participants in the Blue Envelope Program can use the envelope to communicate if they have hearing, speaking or other communication related needs during a traffic stop or other public safety interaction. Drivers can store the blue envelope in their vehicle and use it to hold essential documents such as vehicle registration and proof of insurance, along with optional personal information and guidance for both the driver and responding officer.
"The Blue Envelope Program is about improving communication, building trust and ensuring people feel understood during interactions with first responders," said Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison. "We're proud to partner with public safety agencies across Ada County to provide this optional resource."
The program will officially launch at the All Abilities Welcome event in Boise on September 12, 2026, where attendees can pick up a free Blue Envelope and learn more about the program.
Developed in coordination with the City of Boise’s Cross Disability Task Force, the initiative is especially beneficial for individuals with invisible disabilities, as well as caregivers who frequently transport individuals who may have unique communication needs.
Caregivers may also include additional information inside the envelope to assist first responders in the event of a crash or medical emergency. Participating agencies are training their personnel on the program to help create more consistent and effective interactions throughout Ada County.
"The Blue Envelope Program is an important step toward making interactions with law enforcement and first responders safer for people with disabilities. A person may communicate differently, need more time to process information, have difficulty hearing or speaking, or respond to a stressful situation in ways that can easily be misunderstood. In an interaction with law enforcement, those misunderstandings can have serious consequences. The Blue Envelope gives people with disabilities and first responders another tool to communicate, understand one another, and ultimately keep everyone safer. The Cross Disability Task Force is proud to have worked alongside our public safety partners to help bring this program to our community," said Jeremy Maxand, member of the Cross Disability Task Force for the city of Boise and Executive Director for Living Independence Network Corporation.
“I want to thank the members of the city's Cross Disability Task Force for helping to bring this program to Boise,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “In this city, we take care of one another, and the Blue Envelope Program is an innovative way to ensure Boise remains a safe and welcoming place for people of all abilities."
“When first responders interact with the public, clear communication is critical,” Ada County Paramedics Deputy Chief Janny Wing said. “Our responders are trained to assess and care for people, but sometimes having additional information can help us better understand what someone needs. This program will allow us to have information quickly so we can focus on providing the most appropriate care for the situation.”
Participants are encouraged to complete the envelope form with as much or as little information as they feel comfortable sharing. Blue Envelopes stay with the user and can be stored in a vehicle or glove box.
Participation in the program is entirely voluntary. Individuals can request a free Blue Envelope by contacting the City of Boise Accessibility Program on the Blue Envelope Program webpage, picking one up at the All Abilities Welcome event on September 12 from10am -12pm at the Ann Morrison Park Old Timers Shelter, or by visiting one of the following locations:
Ada County Sheriff's Office – Driver's License Offices
- Boise - 400 N. Benjamin Lane, Suite 101
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. - Meridian - 736 S. Progress Ave.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. - Star - 10769 W. State St.
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
City of Boise
- City Hall West
333 N. Mark Stall Place
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. - City Hall – Office of Community Engagement (3rd Floor)
150 N. Capitol Blvd.
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Participants may also request a Blue Envelope Program window cling and other related materials.
This effort is separate from the Ada County Sheriff's Office Aware Care program; however, individuals are encouraged to participate in both programs. Together, the two programs provide first responders with valuable information that can help improve communication and response during emergency and law enforcement interactions.
For more information, visit the Blue Envelope Program webpage.
