Many disabilities and special needs situations are invisible to the eye. Unfortunately, this means some individuals with disabilities won’t get the understanding or accommodations they need. This is often evident in interactions with law enforcement personnel on the road. Thankfully, there’s a new and free way to promote awareness and public safety.
Louisiana is distributing free vehicle decals to identify individuals on the Autism spectrum and those with Needs Accommodations. Keep reading to learn more about this initiative and how to get your decals at no cost.
Why Needs Accommodation and Autism Decals are Important
The importance of Autism and Needs Accommodations decals cannot be understated. Without clear evidence of disabilities and accommodation needs, police may not have the information they need to appropriately adjust their actions or procedures. As a result, disabled people may be misunderstood and mishandled in testy situations.
These decals quickly and silently convey that a driver or passenger in the car has a disabling condition. They enhance the safety and well-being of these people and promotes awareness of these conditions in general.
What You Need to Know About Disability Decals
There are two vehicle decals available to Louisianans – one for those on the Autism spectrum and one for those with a Needs Accommodation. The Autism decal is yellow and shaped like a puzzle piece, and the Needs Accommodation decal is orange and shaped like a rectangle. The decals should be adhered to the bottom corner of your vehicle’s rear window. They’ll be easily visible should you have a run-in with law enforcement while on the road.
Note: You are not required to display the decal on your vehicle; you can remove it anytime.
Who Can Get an Autism or Needs Accommodation Decal?
You can get a decal if you’re a resident of Louisiana and have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or have a Needs Accommodation. To prove that you need the decal, follow the below instructions:
- Check your driver’s license. Do you have an Autism or Needs Accommodation indicator on it? If you do, simply go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and pick up your decal. If you don’t have an indicator on your license, go to the next step.
- Make an appointment with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. They will have you fill out a form. To be granted a decal, you must have a statement from a medical professional indicating your diagnosis. You’ll then be able to get your decal.
How Much are Disability Decals?
The decals are 100% free. You won’t have to pay a cent to get yours. And even if you lose a decal, you don’t have to pay for a replacement. So, there’s no monetary barrier to getting your decal.
If you have an applicable disability, the time to get your disability decal is now. And you have the information you need to get started. For more help or to make an appointment to obtain a decal, go to the OMV website here. You can also contact the office here. Safe travels!
