News  Massachusetts Trial Court Launches Blue Card Initiative at Courthouses Statewide

BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Trial Court announced today that it has launched the Blue Card Initiative (BCI) at courthouses statewide to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during court visits. The voluntary program provides a resource to assist individuals navigate courthouses and facilitates communication with court personnel.

The Blue Card is a folder that helps individuals with ASD organize their court paperwork. It also serves as a colorful cue for court employees that an individual may have different communication or sensory needs. The Blue Card includes information on what to expect when entering a courthouse, passing through security, and appearing in a courtroom. 

The Blue Card Initiative originated within the Massachusetts Probation Service and is modeled on the Blue Envelope Program used by law enforcement. The initiative was developed in collaboration with The Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts State Police, and Sergeant Ryan Roettger of the Southbridge Police Department.

“For individuals with autism spectrum disorder, navigating an unfamiliar courthouse can be challenging. The Blue Card Initiative gives our employees a way to recognize individual needs and respond with appropriate assistance, helping make courthouse visits more accessible for the people we serve,” Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger and Trial Court Administrator Michael Coelho said in a joint statement.

As part of the statewide rollout, Trial Court employees have been trained as Blue Card Ambassadors, and the initiative is now available at courthouses across the Commonwealth. Individuals with autism may request assistance from a Blue Card Ambassador during their courthouse visit, even if they do not have a Blue Card.

Individuals can email masstrialcourt.bluecard@jud.state.ma.us to have a Blue Card mailed to them. Cards are also available at courthouse probation offices, clerks’ offices, court service centers, and law libraries.

The Blue Card Initiative reflects the Trial Court’s ongoing commitment to improving access to justice and providing responsive service to all court users.