Southern Ohio Council of Governments

01/17/2026

On Wednesday, Del. Walter Hall proposed a bill that could make the Blue Envelope Program a state law in West Virginia.

01/17/2026

Thanks to support from media like Hannah Buzza from WSAZ NewsChannel 3, more people are learning about the Blue Envelope Program. Hannah’s reports were instrumental in bringing the program to West Virginia.

I couldn’t be more excited to share that West Virginia House Bill 4053 has been introduced, establishing the Blue Envelope Program in West Virginia led by Delegate Walter Hall.

The Blue Envelope Program gives resources to both law enforcement officers and those with cognitive and developmental disabilities that can be used in the event of a traffic stop or other emergency.

I first reported on this initiative in July 2025, when SOCOG was working to expand the program across Ohio. From the start, I knew it was something special.

My first story caught the attention of local leaders in West Virginia who now have showed interest in bringing a similar program here—leading us to today. This is my third follow-up on the story, and it’s been the most fulfilling project I’ve worked on.

I’m so grateful to SOCOG for trusting me to get the word out about the project. I’m honored to of even have the smallest hand in potentally bringing the Blue Envelope Program to West Virginia and can’t wait to see this one through.

To learn more about the Blue Envelope Program: https://www.wsaz.com/2026/01/17/state-leaders-working-expand-blue-envelope-program-west-virginia/

01/15/2026

Due to the Level 2 Snow Emergency in Ross County, our offices will be closed today. Please use email to communicate with our in-office staff.

01/14/2026

ODDC Initiative Highlight: Ohio’s Blue Envelope Program

ODDC supported Ohio's Blue Envelope Program that helps drivers with disabilities feel safer and more confident during traffic stops.

Participants keep a special blue envelope in their car to store copies of their license, registration, insurance, and any notes about medical needs or accommodations.

An optional car decal lets officers know someone in the vehicle may need accommodations.

In an article from Spectrum News, they featured an autistic young man who said that the program reduces anxiety and helps him be more independent.

Law enforcement officials see it as a way to prevent misunderstandings, provide support, and build trust, while making traffic stops safer and more respectful for everyone.

Learn more about Ohio's Blue Envelope Program and more ODDC-funded initiatives in our most recent newsletter here: https://ddc.ohio.gov/media-and-news/dd-council-connection/1-dd-council-connection-resource

11/26/2025

The SOCOG office will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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11/16/2025

SOCOG is seeking the right person to fill the position of INVESTIGATIVE AGENT for Meigs and Gallia Counties.
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminology, social work, or a related field; excellent communication and writing skills; experience in developmental disabilities field; and a valid Ohio Driver's License with reliable transportation, you may be the person seek.
This is a full-time position with health, life, vision, and dental insurance. This position contributes to OPERS with an option of Deferred Comp. Rate of pay is based on experience.
Visit our website for a full description of the job, duties, and benefits.

To apply, submit and resume and SOCOG job application to Kelli Gothard at kgothard@socog.org. Application and resumes can also be dropped off or mailed to SOCOG, P.O. Box 456, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Phone calls are not accepted.

11/10/2025

The SOCOG office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day.

10/29/2025

SOCOG is looking for detailed-oriented, computer-savvy person to fill the position of Executive Assistant. This is a full-time position located in our Chillicothe office.
Full-time positions at SOCOG offer paid time off, paid holidays, OPERS, health, dental, vision, and life insurance. A full description of job duties and responsibilities can be found on our website at

To apply, submit and resume and SOCOG job application to Kelli Gothard at kgothard@socog.org. Application and resumes can also be dropped off or mailed to SOCOG, P.O. Box 456, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Phone calls are not accepted.

10/22/2025

Members of our SOAG Southern Ohio Advocacy Group were recognized yesterday for their contributions to the implementation of Ohio's Blue Envelope Program.
Blue Envelope Packet are available for free at all county board of DD offices in SOCOG's service area.

10/16/2025

Blue Envelope Packets, which include an envelope, car decal, wallet card, and instructional brochure, can be picked up for free all County DD offices in the SOCOG.

Ohio's Blue Envelope Program focuses on making traffic stops and other encounters between law enforcement and drivers with disabilities safer and less stressful.

10/15/2025

SOCOG has added an INSULIN INJECTION class to its 2025 schedule.

Date: December 1
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 40792 Laurel Cliff Rd, Pomeroy, OH 45769
Cost: $60

To register for this or any other SOCOG training class, visit our website at

The Southern Ohio Council of Governments was formed in March 1996 and began services in March 1997. The Council was created by Superintendents of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities in southern Ohio. The Council is a government entity created under Chapter 167 of the Ohio Revised Code, repre...

10/14/2025

Thank you to 10TV news in Columbus for brining attention to our Blue Envelope program.

The initiative was driven by concerns from people with disabilities who worry about being misunderstood during interactions with law enforcement.