04/10/2026
YUMA POLICE DEPARTMENT’S 1st ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENT
Yuma, AZ —
The Yuma Police Department invites community members and families with loved ones diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend its first annual Autism Awareness event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Facility located at 3483 South Avenue 4E.
This event is specially designed for the neurodivergent community. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet officers, helping to build familiarity and trust with those who may one day provide care, aid, or emergency support.
The department will introduce its version of the “Blue Envelope” program, modeled after the Arizona Department of Transportation’s program. The program is intended to support drivers and passengers on the autism spectrum by providing guidance for both individuals and officers, helping to ensure safe and effective interactions during traffic stops. ADOT envelopes will also be available for distribution, and we would like to thank them for their partnership in helping to bring this important resource to our community. Guidance on what information families can share with dispatchers to better assist during emergencies will also be provided.
Recognizing that individuals on the autism spectrum may be at a higher risk of wandering and may be drawn to water, the event will also feature participation from partners with the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance to promote awareness and preparedness around water safety.
We will also offer free fingerprinting services for attendees, providing a valuable resource for our community.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Yuma Snow On The Go and Chick-fil-A for their support in sponsoring this event.
The Yuma Police Department looks forward to strengthening connections with the community and supporting families through education, awareness, and collaboration.
Information Released By: Sergeant Christina Fernandez
