DeLand police to join Florida’s Blue Envelope and Blue Card Program in 2027

The DeLand Police Department will join Florida’s Blue Envelope and Blue Card Program on Jan. 1, 2027, to help improve interactions between officers and drivers with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. Officers began training for the program Friday ahead of the launch.The free, voluntary program allows drivers with autism to carry a blue envelope containing a copy of their driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. Instructions on the outside of the envelope alert officers to the driver’s condition and provide communication recommendations.Starting Jan. 1, eligible Floridians can request a blue envelope, a wallet-sized blue card or a digital card from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the Volusia County Tax Collector’s Office. The blue card provides the same guidance as the envelope in a portable format.Traffic stops can be challenging for individuals with autism. Some drivers may avoid eye contact, take longer to answer questions or s