FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inland Regional Center’s Annual Purchase of Service Survey Highlights Positive Trends in Language Access and Cultural Sensitivity
San Bernardino, California – November 13, 2024, Inland Regional Center (IRC), a non-profit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, has disclosed early results from its annual multilingual Purchase of Service (POS) survey. The survey is ongoing and intends to evaluate the service effectiveness of IRC and guide the efforts of identifying key problem areas for clients and families in accessing regional center services. It is available in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Spanish, English and American Sign Language (ASL).
According to the survey results, key findings include improved language accessibility and cultural sensitivity. Most respondents reported that they had received communication in their primary language, had a better experience with interpretation services, and had access to translated Individualized Program Plans (IPPs). Improvement in this area highlights a better understanding and utilization of IRC’s services among our diverse community.
The survey also revealed that families and clients are well-informed about IRC activities and events. Participants noted that factors in improving knowledge of IRC’s services and engagement are the use of social media efforts and the listening sessions conducted throughout the year.
IRC recognizes that while the overall feedback is positive, the survey also points at areas for improvement, particularly survey participation in languages other than English and Spanish, which remains low, and customer service experience and response time to email communications need attention. IRC leadership is aware of these concerns and is evaluating strategies to continue its commitment to improvement.
“Our agency is working hard every day to reduce barriers to access to services, and we acknowledge the positive feedback,” said Dr. CJ Cook, Program Administrator of Inland Regional Center. “However, we understand and recognize that there’s always more to do. We are analyzing the survey results as they come and will use the feedback to continue improving our services and build better programs and activities to enhance our services further.”
The annual POS survey is critical for IRC to collect insights directly from the individuals and families it serves. It plays a vital role in shaping the organization’s future programs, services, and activities.
IRC encourages clients and families to participate in the ongoing survey, which is open until 12/29/2024. “Their input is essential to us and will help us satisfy the various demands of the community and keep improving,” added Dr. Cook
For more information about the POS survey or IRC’s services, please visit www.inlandrc.org or contact [email protected].
About Inland Regional Center:
The Inland Regional Center (IRC) is a non-profit agency with a dedicated team of 1,300 staff members that has supported individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy since 1972. IRC serves as a vital resource, empowering over 54,000 clients in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to achieve greater independence. Through comprehensive case management and service coordination, IRC connects individuals with developmental disabilities to essential services and community resources throughout the Inland Empire, enhancing their quality of life and supporting their journey toward personal growth and inclusion.
Contact:
Monica Munguia
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