The Inland Regional Center (IRC) recently hosted the highly successful Lanterman Program Vendor Fair on August 15, 2024, at the IRC Conference Building in San Bernardino. This event brought together IRC vendors and service coordinators in an atmosphere of collaboration, connection, and community spirit. Organized by the dedicated Community Engagement Team and the Service Access and Equity Team, the fair highlighted the importance of building strong relationships to serve better the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

This event was planned and executed under the leadership of Tania Sanchez, IRC’s event developer, whose meticulous planning and dedication ensured its success.

A Day of Connections and Collaboration

The Vendor Fair was a vibrant showcase of IRC’s diverse services and resources. Vendors from various sectors, including board and care facilities, education, transportation, and work programs, to name a few, set up booths to provide information, answer questions, and meet the IRC Service Coordinators. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as service coordinators moved from booth to booth, engaging in meaningful conversations and forging new partnerships.

Strengthening the Network

One of the primary goals of the Vendor Fair was to fortify the network of services accessible to IRC clients. The event focused on deepening the understanding of available resources and establishing key points of contact at each vendor agency for future collaboration. This direct engagement empowers Service Coordinators to effectively guide clients to the services that best meet their individualized needs.

Quotes from the Event

Many participants shared their enthusiasm for the event and the valuable connections made. Here are some highlights:

• “The Vendor Fair was an incredible opportunity to meet face-to-face with the service coordinators. We were able to discuss our programs in detail and understand the specific needs of the clients they work with. This will improve our collaboration in the future,” said a representative from a local IRC Vendor.
• “I appreciated the chance to connect with so many vendors in one place. It opened my eyes to the variety of resources available. I feel more confident now in recommending services to my clients,” shared an IRC service coordinator.
• “Events like this are essential for building a cohesive support network for our clients. The personal connections we made today will translate into better, more personalized care for the individuals we serve,” noted a member of the Community Engagement Team.

Looking Forward

The success of the IRC Lanterman Vendor Fair is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Community Engagement and Service Access and Equity Teams. Their efforts have strengthened existing partnerships and laid the groundwork for new collaborations that will benefit IRC clients for years to come.

As we look to the future, the IRC remains committed to fostering these vital connections and ensuring that all individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the comprehensive support they need to thrive. The Vendor Fair was just one of many steps toward this goal, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our community.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a resounding success. Together, we are making a difference.

Stay Connected

For more information about the Inland Regional Center and upcoming events, please visit our website, inlandrc.org, and follow us on social media. Let’s continue to build a stronger, more inclusive community together.

The IRC Lanterman Vendor Fair was a shining example of what can be achieved when dedicated professionals come together with a shared purpose. We look forward to many more successful events and the continued growth of our supportive network.

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Community Engagement

Inland Regional Center's Community Engagement Unit can be reached at [email protected]