Massachusetts courthouses have launched a voluntary Blue Card program to help autistic visitors organize paperwork and communicate their needs to court staff.
The Trial Court announced the statewide launch Nov. 2. The card is a folder that explains courthouse entry, security screening and what to expect in a courtroom. Its color also signals that a visitor may have different communication or sensory needs.
Trained employees, called Blue Card Ambassadors, can help during a courthouse visit. An autistic visitor can request their assistance even without a Blue Card, the court said.
Cards are available at courthouse probation and clerks' offices, court service centers and law libraries. Residents can also request one by mail by emailing masstrialcourt.bluecard@jud.state.ma.us.
The initiative began within the Massachusetts Probation Service and was developed with The Arc of Massachusetts, Massachusetts State Police and Southbridge police Sgt. Ryan Roettger. It is modeled on the Blue Envelope program used by law enforcement.
