VIDEO: Secretary Benson recognizes 5 years of communication impediment designation program, urges eligible Michiganders to apply

Confidential designation promotes safer interactions between drivers and law enforcement

LANSING, Mich. – In a video released today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Xavier DeGroat, founder and CEO of the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation, marked five years of the communication impediment designation at the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), highlighting the program’s role in increasing accessibility and supporting better, safer interactions between drivers and law enforcement.   

"Five years ago, Michigan took action to create safer, more understanding interactions between law enforcement and Michigan residents with communication challenges,” said Secretary Benson. “Our office created the communications impediment designation for Michigan residents, which helps alert law enforcement to the needs of the people they interact with – including Michiganders with autism or any other medical diagnosis that might make communication difficult. Today, this program continues to build trust, improve communication, and create safer, more supportive interactions with Michigan drivers.”  

“The communications impediment designation doesn’t just help foster understanding and clear communication – it can help reduce anxiety for drivers during interactions with law enforcement,” said DeGroat. “It also gives officers the opportunity to adjust environmental factors - like flashing lights and sirens - for individuals who may be sensitive to external stimulation. The designation is voluntary and free, and law enforcement can only see it if they are looking up someone’s ID in an emergency or at a traffic stop. But we believe there are more Michiganders who could benefit from it.”  

Michigan Public Acts 92, 93, and 94 of 2020 took effect July 1, 2021, to create the state’s communication impediment designation. Drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing, autistic, or have another medical diagnosis that may make it difficult to communicate may request the designation be placed on their record by submitting a communication impediment designation form to MDOS by mail, fax, email, or in person during a visit to a branch office. The designation is not printed on the physical driver’s license, ID or vehicle registration, but is digitally accessible by law enforcement when they look up a driver’s ID in an emergency or during a traffic stop.  

The communication impediment designation program is voluntary and confidential. There is no cost to apply. A licensed physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, audiologist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, or physical therapist must certify that the person applying requires special considerations when communicating.   

Visit mi.gov/sosaccess for more information on accessibility and accommodations. Residents can book a visit to any Secretary of State office up to six months in advance online at mi.gov/sos or by calling (888) 767‑6424. 

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