Hope to the Rescue launch “Wallet Cards” in Ohio

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A local organization and the Zanesville Police Department have teamed up to implement a new system.

Hope to the Rescue is launching the wallet card in Ohio. This card has already been implemented in Florida. The card serves as tool to help people with disabilities communicate clearly with law enforcement and first responders.

“The wallet cards will be extremely helpful with law enforcement, EMS, fire departments,” Zanesville Police, Interim Chief, Douglas Merry said. “It will explain to the responding party of exactly what the problem is. If he’s nonverbal or if he’s acting what would seem strange to a normal person or another person, this card will explain he has a problem and why he’s doing it.”

Hope to the Rescue is providing the wallet card to everyone in the State of Ohio.

“I’m super excited,” Hope to the Rescue, Director, Cheryl Coles said. “We’ve been waiting almost two years to release these IDs and we’re reaching out to people in the community to obtain their free wallet card. They can call (740)252-9518 or stop in at the Masonic Temple. We will be glad to help them login, register all their information, fill out for their id. Then their id will be mailed to them.”

The wallet card was developed through a partnership between Disability Independence Groups, the Coral Gables Police Department, and the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.