The Blue Heart Initiative

See the blue heart.

A small sticker on a car, a front door or a wheelchair. When first responders see it, they pause and adjust their approach.

The Blue Heart Initiative builds trust between first responders and people with visible and non-visible disabilities, before an emergency happens.

Extra time. Simple words. Calm approach.

How it works

Through training, tools and trust-building events, responders are prepared, families feel supported and our community grows closer.

The Blue Heart sticker

A voluntary visual cue for your home, vehicle, wheelchair or personal belongings.

Trained responders

First responders learn to approach with calm, patience and awareness when they see the symbol.

Blue Heart Social

Relaxed community events where families and first responders connect long before any crisis.

A small symbol that says everything.

The Blue Heart sticker is a simple, voluntary visual cue. It lets first responders know someone in your household may have unique communication or sensory needs.

The sticker does not disclose any diagnosis. It simply signals awareness. Your privacy is always respected.

What it communicates

  • May need extra time to process or respond
  • May use alternative forms of communication
  • May experience sensory sensitivity or anxiety

Where to display it

  • Vehicle rear windshield
  • Front door or entryway of your home
  • Wheelchair, backpack or therapy equipment

What responders do when they see it

When first responders see the Blue Heart, they are reminded to approach with care and patience.

  • Pause and assess before issuing commands
  • Use a calm tone, simple language and patience
  • Expect differences in communication or behavior
  • Prioritize de-escalation and mutual safety

Already carry a Blue Envelope?

The Blue Envelope helps during traffic stops. The Blue Heart covers home, school and public places too. You can use both.

Blue Heart Social

A community event that brings families and first responders together in a safe, friendly setting. No emergencies and no pressure, just conversation and connection.

Meet and connect

Meet local police officers, firefighters and EMTs in a relaxed setting.

Explore vehicles and equipment

Tour patrol cars, fire trucks and ambulances.

Hands-on activities

Fingerprinting, helmet fittings, safety demonstrations and games designed for all abilities.

Learn the dos and don'ts

What to do during an emergency and how to communicate with first responders.

Open conversation

Share information, ask questions and tell responders what helps.

The next Blue Heart Social will be announced here.

“I loved that they had the opportunity to engage with our students with disabilities and learn more about them.”
Elementary school principal
“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to be involved with something that means so much to the kids.”
Commander, Firestone Police Department

Get a sticker

Stickers are voluntary. Ask any partner agency for a sticker.

Firestone Police Department

9900 Park Avenue, Firestone, CO 80504

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

303-833-0811 Firestone's Blue Heart page

Frederick Police Department

333 Fifth Street, Frederick, CO 80530

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

720-382-5700 Frederick's Blue Heart page

Dacono Police Department

512 Cherry Avenue, Building B, Dacono, CO 80514

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

303-833-3095 Dacono's Blue Heart page

Frederick-Firestone Fire District

8426 Kosmerl Place, Frederick, CO 80504

Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

303-833-2742 Fire district's Blue Heart page

In an emergency, call 911.

Bring Blue Heart to your community

We want communities across Colorado to recognize the blue heart. If you lead a police, fire or EMS agency, a school or a clinic, we would like to hear from you.

Email us hello@seetheblueheart.org

What we can share

  • Training on how to respond when you see the Blue Heart
  • Stickers, flyers and brochures for families
  • How to host a Blue Heart Social

Started by parents

A group of parents saw that existing supports did not fully address what families need, especially when a parent or caregiver is not there during an emergency.

They built the Blue Heart Initiative with the Firestone Police Department, so first responders have the information they need and families can count on a consistent, caring response.

Our mission

To build a safer, more inclusive community by creating trust, training and connections between first responders and people with visible and non-visible disabilities, including neurodivergence and mental health conditions.