On November 16, 2024, the Autism Society Inland Empire (ASIE) and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department co-hosted a Safety Fair at the All Risk Training Center in Rancho Cucamonga, drawing over 250 participants. In partnership with the Inland Regional Center (IRC) Emergency Services and Service Access and Equity teams, the event focused on raising awareness about the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) while promoting safety practices that are inclusive, linguistically accessible, and culturally competent. This collaboration highlighted the strong partnership between local law enforcement and the I/DD community, underscoring their shared commitment to fostering safety, understanding, and inclusion.
A major highlight of the event was the continued introduction of the Blue Envelope Program, an innovative initiative designed to enhance communication between law enforcement and individuals with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and other disabilities, including mental health disorders.
“Attending safety fairs and building connections with local law enforcement are crucial steps for the I/DD community,” said Dr. CJ Cook, IRC’s Program Administrator who oversees Emergency Services and Police Interaction initiatives. “These events create opportunities for individuals and families to feel empowered, understood, and supported by those who serve our communities. Familiarity fosters trust, and trust is essential in ensuring everyone’s safety and inclusion.”
The Safety Fair featured interactive sessions, informational booths, and valuable community resources focused on I/DD awareness and safety preparedness. Families, caregivers, and individuals with I/DD had the chance to connect directly with law enforcement officers and emergency service personnel, building trust and fostering collaboration. Attendees participated in CPR demonstrations, learned essential protocols for managing challenging situations, explored emergency preparedness strategies—including the critical role of backup batteries—and discovered the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Safe Return program and services designed specifically for the I/DD community. This event strengthened community relationships and promoted a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
IRC’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Cultural Specialist, Estefania Peña, was also present to address questions from members of the DHH community who attended the event. Thanks to her dedication and hard work and ASIE’s effective promotion of the event, she successfully engaged with several families whose primary language is American Sign Language.
From left to right: IRC ASL Consultant Raul Castillo, IRC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist Estefania Peña, and IRC Emergency Services Coordinator Marquis Quinton.
Lavinia Johnson, Executive Director of the Inland Regional Center, shared her thoughts on the event: “This event is a vital step toward strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and the I/DD community. Working alongside ASIE and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, we are promoting inclusivity and ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only recognized but genuinely safeguarded in their communities.” She extended a special thank you to the agencies that took time from their busy schedules to attend, host booths, and provide essential training and information, making the event impactful and memorable for all involved.
Marquis Quinton, Emergency Services Coordinator at the Inland Regional Center, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The partnership between IRC, ASIE, and local law enforcement is vital in building a safer and more inclusive community. By working together, we can ensure that individuals with I/DD have the support they need in critical situations. Events like this Safety Fair highlight the strength of our collective efforts to improve communication and safety for everyone.”
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible police agencies and first responder teams who generously volunteered their time to make the Safety Fair successful. Special thanks to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, the Ontario Police Department Crime Prevention Team, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s SWAT team, the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department All Risk Training Center, and American Medical Response (AMR) for their invaluable participation. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Corporal Ermes Maqueira of the Ontario Police Department and Deputy Greg Jones of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for their steadfast support as valued partners in the Blue Envelope Program and their dedication to enhancing training for the I/DD community and officers. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to Melissa Cardona, Senior Resource Specialist at ASIE, for her and her team’s exceptional efforts in planning and executing this wonderful day. Your commitment and collaboration made this event both impactful and unforgettable for everyone involved!
By offering a platform for education and engagement, the Safety Fair played a crucial role in introducing the Blue Envelope Program, building relationships between law enforcement and individuals with I/DD, and promoting safety awareness. The November 16th event was an essential step toward fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every individual in the community feels safe, understood, and supported.
Posted by:
Related Posts
Share this Post