(March 29, 2017) Recently, we highlighted a high tech solution developed in Seattle, in the form of a smartphone app, to help prevent tragedies when police are called to deal with people experiencing a mental health crisis.
In Illinois, lawmakers are employing a decidedly more low-tech method to achieve the same goal. (“New ID cards will help citizens, police,” The Times, March 22)
Modeled on a similar program in Florida, anyone 16 and older with a diagnosed mental or physical disability can get a free state identification card that will help explain habits that might seem out of the ordinary to a law enforcement or other first responders.
"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. To better communicate with me, it can be helpful to speak slowly and clearly, repeat questions, and allow time for responses."
The wallet cards became available last January as part of a new state law sponsored by Illinois state Representative Stephanie Kifowit and state Senator Linda Holmes, whose goal is to make sure those with disabilities have a safe, effective way to communicate with authorities.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with an intellectual, developmental or mental disability, such as epilepsy, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism or schizophrenia can get them for for free at any driver's license facility in the state.
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.
Good for 10 years, as a state-issued photo identification card it also serves as proof of disability when accessing certain services and programs that require it.
Rep. Kifowit said knew she needed to come up with a solution after a constituent approached her with concerns about her autistic son.
"This card will serve as a tool to foster communication between the public and our first responders," said Kifowit. "Hopefully it will de-escalate any stressful situation, it will help first responders do their jobs, and in essence it will keep our loved ones safe."
To obtain a "Person with a Disability Wallet Card," you must have a doctor fill out a form, available on the Secretary of State’s website, and bring it to a driver services facility. For more the details on the program, click here.
De-escalating police encounters with people with severe mental illness is a good thing for both the individual and for law enforcement. While we applaud this relatively low-cost and easily implemented measure to address preventable tragedies in Illinois, more needs to be done. The state has taken steps that give it high grades in several categories we track, but still faces severe shortages of public psychiatric beds.
To learn more about how Illinois stacks up against other states in various categories of psychiatric care and our policy recommendations, please visit our interactive US map.