This is to petition the State of South Carolina to add an option on driver’s licenses for individuals with special needs or invisible disabilities, which may cause challenges or breakdowns in communication during a routine traffic stop with law enforcement.

This request is both deeply personal and vital for public safety. Our 17 year old daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury at just 19 months old following a serious accident. While she has worked hard to overcome many challenges, her disability is not always visible to others. In high stress situations, such as being stopped by a police officer, she may struggle to process instructions quickly or respond in a way that seems typical. This can lead to unnecessary confusion, fear, and potentially unsafe outcomes, both for her and the officer involved.

Other states have already recognized the importance of this measure. For example, Maryland recently passed legislation allowing drivers to voluntarily indicate a disability on their license. May I suggest a discreet butterfly symbol for the State of South Carolina. This small addition serves as a proactive safeguard, alerting law enforcement that communication may require additional patience or understanding, while protecting the rights of the disabled individual.

We believe South Carolina should follow this example. Adding such an option would:

   •   Protect individuals with invisible disabilities by ensuring their unique needs are acknowledged.

   •   Enhance officer safety by reducing the risk of miscommunication during traffic stops.

   •   Affirm our state’s commitment to inclusivity and disability rights.

I respectfully urge you to support and champion this initiative in our state legislature. Families like mine, and countless others across South Carolina, would be grateful for your leadership in making sure our loved ones are both protected and understood.