WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio (WTAP) - A new law set to begin in January is geared to help first responders and those with disabilities communicate.
Keith’s Law, which was passed and signed by Governor DeWine in October and goes into effect January 19, aims to improve the interactions between those with disabilities, especially communication disabilities, and first responders.
Individuals can voluntarily disclose their disability to first responders so that they will be aware of it before they arrive at the scene of a 911 call, traffic stop or another emergency.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has been involved in a blue envelope program and a safe dispatch program that closely mirrors Keith’s Law.
“It’s for individuals who have some sort of developmental disability, mostly drivers. Maybe you’re on the spectrum or some type of anxiety, maybe non-verbal or something like that. You can apply through the Department of Developmental Disabilities for this packet. In the blue packet, you can have your driver’s license, all your current information, and also the reason why you’re having a problem communicating with law enforcement,” said Sheriff Warden.
Keith’s Law isn’t just for drivers with a disability, but also could be used for someone who regularly drives a disabled person.
Sheriff Warden recalled a time when Keith’s Law would have been utilized in the past.
“I talked to a father from northern Ohio whose son was stopped at a traffic stop here. When I reviewed the videos, the officers did a fantastic job. But it was that individual who was stopped that was on the spectrum and had a developmental disability,” said Warden. “He later told his father, and I talked to him several, several times. The father was very thankful for what we did. But, in that instance, had the officers known right up front, it would’ve gone even smoother, mostly for the driver, and how we dealt with him. And in that traffic stop, everything went fine, and he was sent on his way.”
Those with a disability who want to participate in Keith’s Law can submit a disability verification form to the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
“I think it’s a great initiative; it’s an awesome law that has been put in place. It creates that smoother transition between communication between law enforcement, fire, and EMS,” Warden said.
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