Massachusetts Courts Launch Autism Support Cards

People with autism spectrum disorder can now request a voluntary Blue Card for help during courthouse visits across the state.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Autism

Wide view of a quiet stone courthouse corridor with arched windows, polished granite floor, and a single bench, suggesting calm, navigable public space. — Massachusetts Trial Court launched its statewide Blue Card Initiative this week, letting visitors with autism spectrum disorder request a voluntary card signaling communication or sensory needs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should government offices do more to accommodate people with disabilities?

Massachusetts Trial Court has launched the Blue Card Initiative at courthouses statewide to support people with autism spectrum disorder during court visits. The voluntary program gives visitors a card that signals they may have specific communication or sensory needs, and court employees have been trained as Blue Card Ambassadors.

Why it matters

Navigating an unfamiliar courthouse, with its security screening, paperwork, and courtroom procedures, can be challenging for people with autism spectrum disorder. The initiative was modeled on the Blue Envelope Program used by law enforcement and developed with The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts State Police.

The announcement describes a statewide program rollout rather than a study, and no outcome data, enrollment counts, or effectiveness measures were reported. The program's design draws on the existing Blue Envelope Program used by law enforcement.

The players

Massachusetts Trial Court

The state court system that launched the Blue Card Initiative across its courthouses statewide.

The Arc of Massachusetts

A statewide advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and a partner in developing the initiative.

Massachusetts State Police

The state law enforcement agency that partnered in developing the initiative, which was modeled on the Blue Envelope Program used by police.

The details

A Blue Card is a visual cue that a visitor may have specific communication or sensory needs. The card helps people organize court paperwork and includes information about what to expect when entering a courthouse, passing through security, and appearing in a courtroom. Individuals with autism can also request help from a Blue Card Ambassador even if they do not have a card. Blue Cards are available at courthouse probation offices, clerks' offices, court service centers, and law libraries, and people can request one by emailing masstrialcourt.bluecard@jud.state.ma.us.

Blue Card Initiative launch reported November 2, 2026.

Health Landscape

The Blue Card builds on the Blue Envelope Program, a law enforcement approach that signals a person's disability to first responders. Extending similar cues to courts reflects a broader effort to make public institutions more accessible to people with autism spectrum disorder.

If you or a family member has autism spectrum disorder and needs to attend a Massachusetts court, a Blue Card can help you prepare for security screening and courtroom procedures. Requests can be made by emailing masstrialcourt.bluecard@jud.state.ma.us, and you can also ask any court employee for help even without a card.

The takeaway

The Blue Card gives people with autism a low-effort way to signal their needs and get help at Massachusetts courthouses. Anyone who expects to visit a court can request a card in advance or ask a Blue Card Ambassador for assistance on arrival.