My Rights, My Voice

My Rights, My Voice is a resource toolkit developed in collaboration between Autism Queensland (AQ), University of Queensland, and Queensland Police to navigate preparedness and support positive interactions with police.

Section 1: Introduction to the toolkit

Encounters with police can be stressful, confusing, or overwhelming. This toolkit of information papers, tip sheets, and visual resources provide clear, practical information to help autistic people (and those supporting them) feel more prepared and confident in these situations.

Designed to be accessible for autistic people with a range of communication styles and support needs, the resources use clear language, visual supports, and step-by-step guidance. They also include practical strategies to support self-advocacy, such as requesting clarification, communicating support needs, and understanding legal rights. Recognising the diversity of the autistic community, the resources include guidance for minimally-speaking or non-speaking autistic people, including alternative communication options and ways to prepare for interactions with police.

The toolkit aims to support positive relationships between autistic people and the Queensland Police Service by:

• Reducing anxiety and confusion during police interactions.
• Preventing misunderstandings that could escalate situations.
• Increasing awareness and understanding of legal rights.
• Promoting safer, more positive interactions between autistic people and police.
• Empowering autistic people to navigate complex situations with greater confidence.

Section 2: Interactions with police and identifying an officer

Police officers work with the community to ensure a safe Queensland for everyone. For autistic people, interacting with the police may come with increased anxiety and difficulty. These resources are aimed to guide these police interactions and will help autistic people identify a police officer and police vehicles confidently, and how to prepare for situations if asked to enter a police vehicle.

• Download Identifying a Police Officer Information Paper here (or view the easy-read visual resource version here).
• Download Should I Enter a Police Vehicle Information Paper here (or view the easy-read visual resource version here).

Section 3: Access to your phone, personal information, and your rights

These resources are designed for autistic people and their support persons to provide information about when the police can access your phone and what rights you have in these situations. Additionally, you will find tips and step-by-step information on how to set up emergency contact information readily available for emergency situations or during interactions with police.

• Download Can Police Access My Phone Information Paper here (or view the easy-read visual resource version here).
• Download Setting Up Emergency Contacts Tip Sheet here.

Section 4: Being arrested

Understanding and navigating the process of being arrested can be overwhelming. These resources will help you identify if you are being arrested, your rights, and what to do if you are arrested.

• Download What If I Am Arrested Tip Sheet here (or view the easy-read visual resource version here).

This project is proudly funded & supported by the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre – Law School.

Special thanks to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for its valuable involvement in the development of  resources.

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