New state ID card aims to keep people with disabilities safe

March 24--A new type of identification card designed to ease interactions between police and people with disabilities has yet to become commonplace in the Sauk Valley, but local law enforcement is in favor of it.

The wallet cards, available for free at any driver's license facility, are for anyone 16 or older who has been diagnosed with an intellectual, developmental or mental disability, such as epilepsy, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism or schizophrenia.

People with such disabilities, "their brains don't always process things the way we want them to process," said state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, who created the program with state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora.

The program is modeled on a similar one in Florida. The wallet cards became available Jan. 2, part of a state law sponsored by the two lawmakers, whose goal is to make sure the disabled have a safe, effective way to communicate with first responders and others.

The cards will help explain habits that might seem out of the ordinary.

"My medical condition may impair my ability to communicate with others, especially with strangers or in stressful situations," the introduction on the card reads. "Please do not interpret my behavior as refusal to cooperate."

It adds, "To better communicate with me, it can be helpful to speak slowly and clearly, repeat questions, and allow time for responses."

Kifowit knew she needed to come up with a solution after a mother approached her with concerns about her autistic son.

The cards could help not only if someone were to get pulled over or stopped by an officer, but also if a person is unconscious or has been seriously injured, Dixon Police Chief Danny Langloss said. "The more information we can have, the better we can help them."

"I think that would be outstanding," said Whiteside County Sheriff's Lt. John Booker, who has yet to see such a card.

As a state-issued photo ID, the card also serves as proof of disability when needed to access certain services, programs, or activities. It is good for 10 years.

Kifowit is eager to get the word out.

TO GET A CARD

"This is the first step of a good partnership with the community and the police department," she said.

To obtain a "Person with a Disability Wallet Card," you must have a doctor fill out a form, available on the Secretary of State website, and bring it to a driver services facility.

The cards are free to anyone 16 and older with a diagnosed mental or physical disability.

Go to shawurl.com/31c1 for all the details on the program.

Go to cyberdriveillinois.com and click on "publications/forms," then "persons with disabilities," for a copy of the form.

___

(c)2017 the Daily Gazette (Sterling, Ill.)

Visit the Daily Gazette (Sterling, Ill.) at www.saukvalley.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.