COLUMBUS, Ohio – Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) have announced a significant achievement: more than 2,000 license plates have been registered in a voluntary database aimed at supporting individuals with communication disabilities.
This initiative allows those with medically diagnosed communication challenges to enroll in a law enforcement database, ensuring that officers are aware of any potential communication difficulties during traffic stops. This proactive measure is designed to minimize misunderstandings and enhance safety for both drivers and law enforcement.
Governor Mike DeWine praised the program, stating, “Having this information right up front helps law enforcement officers approach these situations with greater understanding, creating a smoother interaction for everyone involved. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all individuals feel safe when interacting with law enforcement. I encourage anyone with a communication disability to participate.”
To enroll, individuals must obtain a verification form from a licensed physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist confirming their communication disability. The completed form should then be submitted to the BMV.
Kevin L. Miller, Director of OOD, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “This has been a game changer for individuals with communication disabilities. By opting in, their needs are flagged for law enforcement, while specific disabilities—such as being Deaf, hard of hearing, or having autism—remain private.”
Charlie Norman, BMV Registrar, emphasized the importance of the database: “Access to this information is an invaluable resource for Ohio law enforcement, improving communication and fostering trust, community stability, and officer safety.”
For more information on the program, including an awareness video and the verification form, please visit OOD’s Communication Disability Law webpage.
OOD is dedicated to empowering Ohioans with disabilities, promoting employment opportunities, and enhancing independence.
