To foster understanding and effective communication between emergency dispatchers and individuals with developmental disabilities, Inland Regional Center (IRC) recently partnered with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to host a comprehensive training session. This training aimed to equip dispatchers with the knowledge and skills to interact appropriately and empathetically with the intellectually and developmentally disabled (I/DD) community.
“Dispatchers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities,” said Ruth Armstead, IRC Service Access and Equity Manager. “This training is essential in helping them understand the unique challenges faced by the I/DD community and how to respond effectively.”
Kenneth Armstrong, IRC Manager of Training and Development, added, “Collaborating with DBH and the Sheriff Department on this training has been incredibly impactful. Together, we’re ensuring dispatchers are better prepared in their interactions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.”
Core Values and Mission
Inland Regional Center is a nonprofit, community-based agency that serves over 52,000 individuals with developmental disabilities across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Rooted in the core values of independence, inclusion, and empowerment, IRC’s mission is to provide support and resources to individuals with I/DD to help them live fulfilling lives.
Historical Context and Importance
Before the enactment of the Lanterman Act, individuals with I/DD were often institutionalized and marginalized. The training provided a historical overview of this context, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of these individuals in modern society. The session highlighted how institutionalization once dictated the lives of people with I/DD, leading to their abandonment and mistreatment.
“Understanding our history is crucial to making progress,” noted Dr. CJ Cook, IRC’s Program Administrator for Community Engagement, Service Access and Equity, Emergency Services and Training. “By acknowledging the past mistreatment and marginalization of individuals with I/DD, we can ensure that we never repeat those mistakes and instead strive for a more inclusive and supportive society.”
Understanding Developmental Disabilities
The training covered various developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Each of these conditions was explored in detail to provide dispatchers with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with these disabilities. The session also offered practical advice for dispatchers when interacting with individuals with I/DD. This included communication techniques to ensure clarity and understanding, as well as behavioral insights to better respond to and support individuals during emergencies. By equipping dispatchers with these tools, the training aimed to enhance their ability to interact appropriately and empathetically with the I/DD community.
Impact and Future Goals
Inland Regional Center’s Sheriff Dispatch training is a significant step toward bridging the gap between emergency services and individuals with developmental disabilities. By enhancing the awareness and skills of dispatchers, IRC aims to ensure that individuals with I/DD receive the support and understanding they need during crises and emergencies. The training reinforces the commitment to inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that all community members are treated with dignity and respect.
As IRC moves forward, it plans to continue these training sessions, broadening their reach and impact. Over the next 10 months, the IRC Training and Development Team, along with the Service Access and Equity Team, will host several training sessions for the San Bernardino County Probation Department while continuing to support the Sheriff’s Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program in collaboration with DBH, the lead agency. The ultimate goal is to foster a community where everyone, regardless of their abilities, feels safe, understood, and valued.
“Our commitment to continuous training and development is unwavering,” said Lavinia Johnson, IRC Executive Director. “By expanding these programs, we aim to create a community where inclusivity and understanding are at the forefront, ensuring that all individuals receive the respect and support they deserve.”
If you have any questions, you can contact IRC by emailing [email protected].
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