FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inland Regional Center Hosts Groundbreaking Blue Envelope Training Events for Clients, Parents, and Board and Cares
San Bernardino, CA – January 13, 2025 – The Inland Regional Center (IRC) proudly announced the success of two impactful Blue Envelope Training sessions held earlier this month. These events, designed to enhance communication and foster inclusiveness between first responders and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), brought together key stakeholders from across the community.
Board and Care Training
The first session, held on January 8, 2025, welcomed Board and Care vendors to IRC. This training provided an in-depth introduction to the Blue Envelope Program, emphasizing its significance, practical functionality, and strategies for seamless integration into daily interactions. At the conclusion of the training, vendors received Blue Envelope car decals for their company vehicles, as well as lanyards, bracelets, and keychains for the clients residing in their facilities—ensuring the program’s visibility and accessibility for those it serves.

Board and Care Blue Envelope Training
Parent and Client Training Day
The second event, a large-scale community training held on January 11, 2025, brought together parents and clients at IRC. Organized in collaboration with local agencies—including the Autism Society Inland Empire (ASIE) and various law enforcement agencies—the session equipped attendees with essential tools for fostering positive and compassionate interactions between first responders and individuals with disabilities.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department conducted a live traffic collision demonstration for attendees.

San Bernardino County Fire Department Fire Investigator Shawn Reiss spoke to attendees about the traffic collision scenario.
The Planning Process
The success of the Blue Envelope Parent and Client Training Day was the result of a comprehensive two-month planning process involving extensive coordination and collaboration with key law enforcement agencies. IRC led multiple strategic planning meetings to align goals and logistics, ensuring that every aspect—from resource distribution to community engagement—was meticulously addressed.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Menifee Police Department, Fontana Police Department, Ontario Police Department, and San Bernardino County Fire Marshal played integral roles in shaping the session content and providing valuable insights to strengthen the curriculum. Their participation in training exercises and panel discussions gave attendees a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use the Blue Envelope Program during real-life scenarios.
Additionally, ASIE collaborated closely throughout the planning process, ensuring the event was culturally competent and accessible to diverse community members. The involvement of the Chino Police Department’s Community Relations Specialist—along with K-9 Susie—enriched the event, boosting participant engagement and fostering meaningful connections that made the experience unforgettable.

Chino Police Department Community Relations Specialist Andrea Fletcher, along with K-9 Susie, welcomed and greeted the attendees.
About the Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program is an innovative initiative designed to improve communication during law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, dementia, anxiety, or other conditions requiring accommodations.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Jones and IRC Client Advocate Gregory Harrison presented a Blue Envelope interaction scenario, demonstrating how to assist a lost individual for the attendees.
Highlights of the Training Events
- Interactive Demonstrations:
Participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, exploring the effective use of Blue Envelope materials in real-world scenarios with law enforcement partners. - Law Enforcement Expert Panels:
Partnering law enforcement agencies hosted resource booths, shared information about department-specific programs, and provided valuable insights into improving communication and dispelling misconceptions about law enforcement interactions. - Networking Opportunities:
Families, clients, and law enforcement officers connected over coffee and donuts before the session and participated in a luncheon that fostered community partnerships and collaboration for a more inclusive future. - Language Support:
Translation services in multiple languages, supported by the Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) grant from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), were available throughout the event to ensure accessibility for all participants. - Blue Envelope Material Distribution:
At the end of the training, participants received Blue Envelope car decals for their vehicles, along with lanyards, bracelets, and keychains for their loved ones.

Detective Jason Kaub from the Menifee Police Department spoke to attendees about how the Blue Envelope can enhance communication between law enforcement and an individual experiencing frustration.

Corporal Ermes Maqueira from the Ontario Police Department discussed ongoing training efforts to ensure all officers are knowledgeable about the Blue Envelope and the characteristics of developmental disabilities.

Sgt. Nathan Wesike from the Fontana Police Department debriefed attendees on a traffic stop involving an individual with a developmental disability, demonstrating the use of the Blue Envelope.
The Inland Regional Center extends its gratitude to all who contributed to making these events a success, including the dedicated local agencies and community members whose collaboration continues to drive impactful changes.
For more information about the Blue Envelope Program or upcoming IRC events, visit Inland Regional Center | Serving Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties or contact us at [email protected].
If your agency or department is interested in partnering with IRC or would like to request free Blue Envelope, disaster preparedness, or active shooter training, please contact us at [email protected].
You may also visit the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s website for more information about the Blue Envelope Program. Blue Envelope Program – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Media Contact:
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