In Southern California we are challenged year-round with wild-fires, high wind events, and power outages that require us to always be prepared. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) Community is not prepared, and our clients are at an elevated risk of being harmed in a natural or man-made disaster. To assist in keeping our I/DD Community informed, safe, and prepared, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has provided the twenty-one Regional Centers with funding to hire Emergency Services Coordinators (ESC) to address this critical issue.

We are proud to announce our new ESC, Marquis Quinton, has joined our team as of April 12, 2022. Marquis comes to Inland Regional Center (IRC) with an abundance of experience in the I/DD Community and disaster preparedness.

Here at IRC, Marquis will assist in preparing IRC staff, vendors, clients, and families for any disaster and/or emergency, both natural and man-made. As well, Marquis will provide mutual aid and assistance to other Regional Centers. Marquis will also serve as a liaison between all twenty-one Regional Centers, local and state agencies, and other local responding agencies. Marquis will also collaborate with local utility companies to prepare for planned outage/shutoff that may impact IRC clients.

If you have any questions for the newest member of our team, please email [email protected].

Posted by:

Dr. CJ Cook, DBA

CJ Cook is the Manager of IRC's Community Engagement Team. He oversees special events, outreach efforts, public relations, public input meetings, and brand management. He also has oversight of Community-Based Organizations that receive grant funding from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC), equity in the Purchase of Service (POS), and the National Core Indicator (NCI) project. Finally, he also oversees the IRC's Performance Contract with DDS.