06/09/2026
Have you heard about Keith’s Law and Ohio’s Disability Verification Program?
A lot of families haven’t — and it’s something every parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child, teen, or adult should know about.
Keith’s Law was signed in October 2025 and expands Ohio’s Communication Disability Law. The goal is simple:
👉 Help first responders understand when someone in a vehicle has a disability that may affect communication, processing, or behavior.
Here’s what that actually means in real life:
✔ You can voluntarily add a disability to a secure statewide database
Under Ohio Revised Code 3304.23, families can submit a verification form to add (or remove) a person or license plate from the disability database.
This includes disabilities such as:
• autism
• intellectual disabilities
• speech/language impairments
• hearing or vision impairments
• traumatic brain injury
• serious emotional disturbance
• orthopedic impairments
• specific learning disabilities (including dyslexia)
• mental health conditions that affect communication or interaction
✔ This information is NOT public
R.C. 5502.08 makes it clear:
The disability database is confidential and not a public record.
✔ It connects directly to law enforcement through LEADS
If a person with a disability is driving — or regularly rides in a vehicle — officers can be notified before they approach the car that someone inside may have difficulty communicating, processing instructions, or responding quickly.
This helps reduce misunderstandings, stress, and potentially unsafe interactions.
✔ It’s voluntary and meant to protect, not label
This program exists to give first responders context so they can approach with patience, awareness, and the right communication strategies.
For many neurodivergent individuals, that awareness can make a huge difference.
Want to learn more or enroll?
Ohio’s official page is here:
https://dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/safety-security/keiths-law
This important legislation, known as Keith's Law, builds upon Communication Disability Law, enabling first responders to have information shared by people with disabilities when responding to countywide 9-1-1 calls.
