A small symbol. A safer first response.
A black butterfly on a driver's license or ID quietly tells first responders: this person has a hidden disability.
Hidden disability identifier · Maryland born
A mother-and-son idea
Eric worried about friends with hidden disabilities being misunderstood in an encounter with police. He and his mother, Linda, turned that worry into a law.
From Maryland to a national audience
Their advocacy carried the butterfly from a family prayer to HB 707, signed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore—and now toward all 50 states.
Future video story · WMAR-2
Soon, hear Eric and Linda explain the idea in their own words.
01 · The story
After George Floyd was murdered, Eric Carpenter-Grantham cried—not for himself, but for friends on the spectrum whose reactions to a traffic stop might be misread. "We gotta do something now," he told his mother.
He wanted a symbol that could speak before a misunderstanding turned dangerous. He prayed on it; they considered a star; he chose the butterfly — for hope, peace, freedom and change. Eric and his mother, Linda, carried that idea from Silver Spring to Annapolis—and wrote the law together.
Read the full story
The first butterfly drew its colors from the disability awareness ribbon.
Maryland required a black butterfly for the driver's license. It became the movement's mark.
The movement's blue honors Eric's late father—and stands for calmness and acceptance.
02 · Where we stand
One mother-and-son idea changed Maryland law. Now Eric and Linda are forming a nonprofit to help carry the butterfly to every state.
HB 707 was signed May 13, 2025. The first butterfly IDs were issued October 1, 2025.
HB 280 was filed in January 2026 and is now moving through committee.
A DC bill is moving—another step toward making the symbol understood everywhere.
A DC bill is moving—another step toward making the symbol understood everywhere.
03 · In the news
The story is reaching families, first responders, public leaders, and viewers nationwide.
Honored at the ceremony closing Disability Pride Month — alongside an inaugural Legacy Award for Rep. Steny Hoyer.
Maryland Matters and WTOP report the surge past 22,000 — more than 25,000 have requested it since IDs began printing.
The DC DMV testifies in support as the butterfly moves toward the nation's capital.
04 · Take action
A symbol this simple can travel. Your action can help it reach the next family, lawmaker, and first responder.
Add your name to the call for a hidden-disability butterfly ID in every state.
Add my nameHelp carry Eric and Linda's 50-state effort forward.
DonateStart the conversation about Eric's ID Law in your state.
Bring it to my state