Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on People with Disabilities and a father of an adult son with autism, today welcomed the launch of the Autism Awareness – Visor Card Program, a new statewide initiative developed by the New York State Police to support safer, more effective communication during public interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum.

“For years I’ve worked to highlight the real challenges that families like mine face when it comes to communication and understanding in public settings,” said Santabarbara. “This program is exactly the kind of step forward we’ve been calling for – a simple but powerful tool that can make encounters safer, calmer, and more respectful for people on the autism spectrum and for law enforcement officers alike.”

Over the past several decades, autism diagnoses have become increasingly more prevalent. Today, it is estimated that 1 in 45 adults in the United States is on the autism spectrum. Many individuals experience communication differences, heightened sensitivity to lights and sounds, and difficulties with social interaction – all of which can present unique challenges during encounters with law enforcement.

To address these challenges, the New York State Police developed the Autism Awareness – Visor Card, a communication tool featuring visual icons that Troopers can use to provide instructions and reduce confusion or fear. Each patrol vehicle will now be equipped with a visor card, and members of the public will also be able to download and print the card for personal use directly from the State Police website.

“With more than one million public contacts each year, programs like this make a real difference,” added Santabarbara. “As both a legislator and a father, I am proud to stand alongside the State Police in supporting this initiative. It reflects the progress we’ve been working toward in Albany – building a safer, more inclusive state for individuals with autism and their families.”