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As we approach the end of 2024, it’s inspiring to reflect on the journey that Inland Regional Center (IRC) has undertaken this year, marked by significant achievements, community partnerships, and groundbreaking initiatives that have enhanced the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our region. Here’s a look back at some of the key milestones and highlights from the year.

Community Outreach and Inclusion Initiatives

This year, a highlight among our initiatives has been the Blue Envelope Program, developed in partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Autism Society Inland Empire (ASIE). This program has strengthened trust and understanding between law enforcement and the I/DD community, bridging communication gaps to ensure safer interactions. It stands as an innovative example of community-driven collaboration, working to make San Bernardino County a more inclusive and supportive place for all.

We also introduced our new Mobile IRC Van, set to officially launch in 2025. This outreach tool is designed to enhance accessibility throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Equipped to provide training sessions, emergency services, and intake assessments, the mobile unit will be a valuable resource for reaching underserved areas and supporting clients in rural and remote communities.

Events that Bring Us Together

The 2024 Service Access and Equity Conference, held at the Riverside Convention Center on May 4^th, brought together leaders, community advocates, and service providers dedicated to promoting inclusive access and equitable opportunities within our communities. The event featured expert-led sessions focused on reducing disparities in service delivery for underserved populations, including individuals with I/DD, monolingual speakers, and marginalized communities. Attendees explored innovative strategies, shared best practices, and collaborated on initiatives designed to enhance cultural competency, language access, and resource availability. The conference also hosted a client art show, with art being provided by In-Roads Creative Programs.

The IRC CAC Annual Bingo-Rama event, held on August 3^rd, was an exciting and community-centered gathering hosted by the Inland Regional Center’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC). Designed to bring together clients, families, and community members, this event offered a lively atmosphere filled with rounds of bingo, prizes, and plenty of opportunities for social interaction. The Bingo-Rama not only provided a fun activity but also served as a platform to empower clients, encouraging social engagement and fostering a sense of community among participants.

Alongside the bingo games, attendees enjoyed light refreshments, connected with IRC staff and CAC members, and learned about upcoming events and resources available through IRC. The Bingo-Rama exemplified IRC’s commitment to creating inclusive, client-focused events that support community building and personal empowerment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our Early Start and Lanterman Vendor Fairs gave our Service Coordinators the opportunity to connect directly with vendors, enhancing their knowledge of programs to enhance the lives of the clients on their caseload. The Intermediate Care Facility Vendor Fair held on October 29 created a “Spooktacular” environment for vendors, and staff to network and celebrate the vibrant IRC community spirit.

The 2024 Fall Festival in Riverside was another memorable event, bringing thousands of clients, families, and staff together to celebrate, share resources, and create lasting memories. The tremendous turnout highlighted the importance of community bonding and the positive impact these events have on building strong, supportive connections among families.

Training and Education: Empowering Our Team and Partners

Training continued to be a cornerstone of IRC’s commitment to service. This year saw the completion of our Cultural Humility Train-the-Trainer program, an initiative under the DDS directive to foster inclusivity and awareness. With over 1,000 staff members trained, this program has equipped our team with vital skills to serve our diverse community more effectively.

In August, we launched our first I/DD Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) classes for the San Bernardino County Probation Department, with a commitment to train all officers in the coming months. These sessions are already making a difference by enhancing officers’ understanding and preparedness when interacting with the I/DD community. Simultaneously, our training teams continued to provide CIT training to graduates of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Academy, in collaboration with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, ensuring ongoing support and readiness for law enforcement personnel across the county.

Additionally, IRC has successfully trained over 1,000 staff members on implicit bias. Implicit bias training is essential to increasing awareness of unconscious biases that may affect decisions, interactions, and practices in the workplace and with those we serve. This type of training helps staff recognize and address their own biases, fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment where all clients and team members feel respected and valued. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a culturally sensitive and aware organization, ensuring that all individuals we serve experience compassion and understanding.

IRC has also prioritized disaster preparedness this year, implementing ongoing training programs for both staff and community members. This includes active shooter training, which equips participants with critical skills to respond effectively in emergencies. We also introduced the IRC EOC 101 training specifically for first responders, providing them with an in-depth understanding of IRC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) protocols and our coordinated response in crisis situations. This commitment to disaster readiness reflects our dedication to safeguarding our clients, team, and the broader community.

Continuing our focus on best practices, IRC has also provided ongoing Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) training for staff. This training is critical to the regional center system, as it emphasizes the importance of seeing each individual as unique and centering support around their personal preferences, goals, and needs. Person-Centered Thinking ensures that clients are more than just recipients of services—they are empowered individuals with active roles in shaping their support plans. By fostering this approach, IRC strengthens its commitment to providing personalized, respectful, and effective services that honor everyone’s right to self-determination.

Promoting Self-Sufficiency and Support for Families through Community Outreach

This year, IRC proudly piloted ESL and ASL classes for parents and vendors, expanding language access and breaking down barriers for non-English-speaking families. These classes empower parents to advocate for their children more effectively and improve communication between vendors and clients, making essential services more accessible for all.

This year, IRC also made significant strides through Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) projects, which provided vital resources to our diverse community. Through LACC, IRC funded initiatives that included language access training, crisis intervention programs with cultural humility, and culturally tailored outreach to underserved communities, such as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Native American populations. LACC programs ensured that community members received services in their preferred languages and cultural contexts, enhancing inclusivity and bridging gaps in access to support. These projects reflect our dedication to providing equitable, responsive services that respect the unique cultural backgrounds of all individuals and families within our service area.

One such initiative was the Native American Coalition, hosted by IRC in collaboration with San Bernardino Children and Family Services. This coalition brought together community members, advocates, and service providers to address the unique needs of Native American individuals with I/DD, fostering awareness, improving access to resources, and supporting cultural competence within service delivery. This partnership underscores IRC’s commitment to inclusive and culturally relevant services, particularly for populations historically underserved in the regional center system.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the successes and challenges of this past year, we also look forward with optimism and commitment. In 2025, we plan to continue expanding our initiatives, enhancing our training programs, and strengthening partnerships to ensure that IRC remains a cornerstone of support, advocacy, and empowerment for all.

From all of us at Inland Regional Center, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the individuals and families we serve.