Shippensburg University Introduces Blue Envelope Program to Cumberland County

The Shippensburg University Police Department (SUPD), in coordination with the Office of Accessibility Resources, and the Shippensburg Borough Police Department, are pleased to announce the implementation of the Blue Envelope Program at Shippensburg University and within the Shippensburg area.

The Blue Envelope Program is primarily aimed to support drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and can also assist those with other communication difficulties, anxiety or conditions that may impact their ability to communicate during a traffic stop, accident or other interactions with police.

“This new tool breaks down communication barriers and ensures that Ship students and any individual who participates, regardless of their communication abilities, can effectively connect with campus police or borough police, when needed,” explained Shelbie D’Annibale, director of the Office of Accessibility Resources at Shippensburg University.

Drivers in the program can keep their driver’s license, registration and insurance information in the envelope along with emergency contact information. The front of the envelop indicates if the driver is on the on the autism spectrum and if they are verbal or nonverbal and can be given to law enforcement during an interaction with law enforcement.

The envelope also includes instructions for the driver to use when engaging with law enforcement. The back of the envelope provides tips for law enforcement to guide them through the interaction.

“We are committed to serving all members of our community and that means finding ways to enhance and adapt the ways in which we engage with individuals. As the first department in Cumberland County to implement the Blue Envelope Program, we hope to help this inclusive initiative grow throughout our area,” said Patrick Taylor, chief of the Shippensburg University Police Department and director of Public Safety.

Those interested in participating in the Blue Envelope Program, can pick up an envelope by visiting the Office of Accessibility Resources in Mowrey Hall 269, SUPD in the Reed Operations Center or the Shippensburg Borough Police Department.Staff in the Office of Accessibility Resources is also available to help students fill out their Blue Envelope.