Last October, Ohio enacted Keith’s Law, an important piece of legislation that officially took effect this January. This new law represents a major step forward in improving safety, communication and understanding during emergency situations involving people with disabilities across Ohio.
What Is Keith’s Law?
Keith’s Law expands Ohio’s existing Communication Disability Database to include individuals with all types of disabilities, not just communication-related disabilities. Under this updated law, countywide 9-1-1 systems can now access and share relevant, voluntary information to help first responders better understand a person’s needs before arriving on the scene.
The purpose of this expanded database is simple but powerful: to help emergency personnel respond more effectively, safely and compassionately when assisting individuals with disabilities.
How the Disability Database Helps:
Individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and caregiver, may choose to voluntarily register information in the statewide disability database. This information can include details that may help emergency responders better communicate or provide appropriate support during a crisis.
When a 9-1-1 call is placed, authorized emergency agencies can securely access this information, allowing first responders to:
- Understand potential communication, sensory, or mobility needs
- Adjust their approach during high-stress situations
- Reduce misunderstandings and unnecessary escalation
- Improve overall safety for everyone involved
Importantly, all information in the database is confidential and not considered a public record under Ohio law.
Why Keith’s Law Matters:
Previously, the database only included individuals with specific communication disabilities. Keith’s Law removes that limitation, recognizing that people with a wide range of disabilities may require unique considerations during emergencies.
The law is named in honor of Keith Jesse, whose advocacy helped bring this idea to life. His efforts emphasized the importance of giving first responders the tools they need to act quickly and appropriately. During an emergency, every second counts.
State leaders who supported the legislation emphasized that individuals with disabilities may face challenges that require specialized responses, and that this law benefits both the disability community and emergency professionals.
What Qualifies as a Disability Under Ohio Law?
Ohio law defines disability broadly, including (but not limited to):
- Intellectual disabilities
- Hearing, vision, or speech impairments
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Traumatic brain injury
- Serious emotional or mental health conditions
- Orthopedic or mobility impairments
- Learning disabilities such as dyslexia
- Serious health impairments
This inclusive definition ensures that the database reflects the real-world diversity of needs within the disability community.
Disability Verification Form (House Bill 144):
To participate, individuals or families may complete the House Bill 144 Disability Verification Form, which allows them to add or remove a person from the database. The same form also allows people to remove associated license plate numbers from the database.
The form is available through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and is designed to protect privacy while improving emergency response outcomes.
Additional Safety Resource: The Blue Envelope Program
In addition to Keith’s Law, families may also want to explore the Blue Envelope Program, a nationally recognized initiative used by many law enforcement agencies.
The Blue Envelope Program helps facilitate calmer and clearer interactions during situations such as traffic stops. The goal to create better interactions are for individuals who may have communication, sensory, or cognitive challenges, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
A Blue Envelope typically includes:
- Driver’s license, registration, and insurance documents.
- A brief explanation that the individual may need extra time or accommodations.
- Helpful guidance for officers on reducing stress and improving communication.
While participation varies by community, this program is another example of how small tools can make a meaningful difference in safety and understanding.
Supporting Safety, Understanding and Inclusion:
At RMS, we believe that safety, dignity and understanding should always be at the center of community support services. Laws like Keith’s Law—and programs like the Blue Envelope—help create environments where individuals with disabilities are better protected and respected, especially during emergencies.
We encourage families, caregivers, and self-advocates to learn more about these resources and consider whether participation may be right for them.
If you have questions or would like help navigating available supports, RMS is always here to help.
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