OPWDD Disability ID Card. It Seems OK, BUT!

         In New York State "A new state law now makes identification cards available to people who have a medically diagnosed developmental disability. These new I/DD ID cards are meant to be presented to law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to aid in the communication process." This law was spearheaded by my assemblyman Angelo SantaBarbara, a man I have much respect for and the father of a child who qualifies for this card.

         The moment the card was available, online support groups for families with kids with developmental disabilities began sharing that the cards were available and many families ordered them for their loved ones. But I see potential issues with this and I want to ensure that no one is injured in the use of this card.

         The front of the card looks like this

         The back looks like this

           While in theory, this seems like a great idea, the first thing this little card reminds me of is the cards that were carried in the 70's and 80's by the deaf. Initially created to help the deaf community have an easier way to communicate with stores, modifications quickly were used for begging. And not long after that, people who weren't deaf also carried the cards and used them to ask for money. While I doubt the formal state cards would be used this way, forgers create fake money and it won't take long for them to create fake state ID cards if they can figure out a way to scam money from it.

          Next, I am concerned about how we teach our kids how to use these. In order to be disabled enough to need the card, would the child be able to learn how to use it appropriately? It seems to me that the vast majority of those with developmental disabilities who need the card would not understand it's use. A person who is non-verbal and agitated if touched may simply not be able to pull the card out and show it to someone.

          I am also concerned about all those people who have communication problems, are non-verbal or easily agitated and do not have a developmental disability. For instances, those with hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries or other health problems that are not a developmental disability. If our first responders are used to being offered the card, someone with similar behaviors may be treated poorly because they don't have the card.

          And what if they travel? If the person travels to another state and who is not in somewhat familiar surroundings be able to remember to use the card if they get separated from their loved ones while on vacation. I keep picturing the person separated from his family in Texas. Stores and buildings that aren't familiar. People who talk with an accent. Would the sensory overload make it too hard for them to remember to pull out the card?  And if they try to show the card will that state have first responders trained to accept the card and adjust their behavior appropriately?

         Finally, I am concerned about the first responders in New York who may not be trained to use the card. Our police are taught to tell people to put their hands up. If people reach for their pockets, they are assumed by the police to be carrying a weapon. How do we now retrain the police to assume a non-complaint, agitated person who is reaching for something in their pocket is reaching for this card and not a weapon? Honestly, I don't think we can. I believe that either a person with a dd will be killed reaching for the card, or a police officer will be killed assuming that they agitated person is reaching for a card and not a weapon.

         We have medic alert bracelets and necklaces that can be used to alert first responders to medical concerns of a person. We should be looking at using this proven method to alert for a developmental disability. The police already scan for them and it can be reinforced to do so more. They can be used for anyone who has a condition that would make their communication difficult. The deaf. Those with traumatic brain injuries. Mental illness. Diabetes. We could even create them with a "my original language is" note for immigrants.

       This idea wasn't well thought out. I am praying that no one is killed as a result. We can do better. Let's rethink this. I would love to hear your opinion. Especially if you are a family member or a first responder. And feel free to contact your senator or assemblyman or OPWDD with your concerns or support too!