Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine last week signed a new law – dubbed Keith’s Law – expanding Ohio’s communication disability database to include all individuals with disabilities and connecting it to countywide 911 systems to aid first responders during emergencies.
Sponsored by state Reps. Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, the law builds on Ohio’s existing Communication Disability Law, which allows individuals with medically diagnosed communication disabilities – or those who regularly transport them – to voluntarily register with a database linked to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.
The system alerts officers during traffic stops that someone in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating, helping reduce misunderstandings or conflicts.
Under Keith’s Law, that database will now expand to include individuals with any type of disability and will share information directly with county 911 systems.
Dispatchers will be required to relay relevant details to first responders, ensuring they are prepared to deliver specialized assistance when responding to calls.
“In an emergency, every second counts, and it’s vital to know when a special needs individual is involved. Equipping first responders with this critical information can help deescalate situations and save lives,” Click said in a statement.
Lorenz said the measure strengthens both safety and understanding.
“These individuals often face challenges that require thoughtful and specialized responses,” he said. “This legislation gives first responders the tools they need to better understand and support them.”
The statewide database will be administered by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities in partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
