Photo ID's for the Developmentally Disabled

Last month I wrote to the Assistant Commissioner of DDD-NJ to implement a Photo ID program for the Developmentally Disabled. There is no such system in place right now. I have not gotten a response.

I believe it is important for this population to have picture identification, whether it is for medical care or for a police description of the client. I do not think these disabled clients should overwhelm the DMV in NJ solely for ID purposes. It should not be a costly thing to do and can be extremely beneficial and cost efficient in the long run.

There is a new demand for patients going for medical care to produce a form of identification. The developmentally disabled population can include moderate to severe to profoundly disabled clients, and some with severe Autism, like my son, can exhibit extreme and dangerous behavior. It is not practical or safe to take them to the Motor Vehicle Office or the County Office.

Another use for the Photo ID's is to help identify the client in case they run away or they can not be found. A recent picture, with a facility or organization involvement, printed on the ID can be extremely helpful. Similar Photo ID's are now used in local schools.

This is something that should have been in place a long time ago. Even if the client can not carry the ID, a caretaker can bring it or it can be on file and used as needed.

DDD should seriously make an effort to have a program in place for the benefit of the Developmentally Disabled.

The government should create a Bill to have every DDD contracted Agency mandate a picture ID system for their clients. It can be a life saver.

UPDATE: I received a response fromt he Assistant Commissioner, who is now the former Commissioner, stating, "...it would be hard for me to justify a new expenditure of this sort when there is State-issued photo ID available through the DMV".

RESPONSE: From what I believe, most of the DDD population do not have Photo ID's. The special-ed schools and facilities I have experience with do not Photo ID the clients. This is very unfortunate.