At Inland Regional Center (IRC), collaboration is at the core of our mission to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have access to the resources they need to lead safe and fulfilling lives. Over the past several months, IRC has strengthened its partnership with the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal, launching key initiatives focused on fire safety, disaster preparedness, and improving first responder interactions for individuals with I/DD, their families, and caregivers.

Fire Safety Training for Individuals with I/DD

Recognizing the need for accessible fire safety education within the I/DD community, the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal, in collaboration with the Autism Society Inland Empire (ASIE) and the IRC Emergency Services Coordinator, is developing a specialized Fire Safety Training. This interactive and engaging program is designed to equip individuals with I/DD with essential fire safety knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively in an emergency.

Recently, IRC and ASIE hosted a focus group with individuals with I/DD to support the Fire Marshal in designing the training and determining the best delivery methods. Feedback from this focus group will play a crucial role in shaping the curriculum, ensuring the program is strengthened by input from those it aims to serve.

The curriculum will cover:
✔️ Identifying fire hazards at home and in the community
✔️ Practicing evacuation plans in case of emergencies
✔️ Understanding the role of firefighters and how they assist during emergencies
✔️ Learning how to call 911 and communicate important details

The training is scheduled to launch later this year following the successful completion of a pilot program.

Expanding the Blue Envelope Program to First Responders

The Blue Envelope Program, developed in collaboration with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, is a pioneering initiative designed to enhance communication between first responders and individuals with I/DD, autism, or other conditions that may affect their ability to navigate high-stress situations.

Building on its success, the next logical expansion of this program is to include firefighters, EMS personnel, and other emergency responders, as they are often the first on the scene during accidents or disaster situations.

To support this effort, IRC and the Fire Marshal’s Office have partnered with law enforcement agencies to train first responders on effectively using the Blue Envelope in real-world emergency scenarios. This initiative fosters a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate approach to assisting individuals with disabilities during emergencies.

Disaster Preparedness: Building a More Resilient Community

On February 5, 2025, IRC, in partnership with 24Hr HomeCare and the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal, hosted a Disaster Preparedness Class to equip individuals with I/DD and their caregivers with essential emergency response skills.

Understanding the distinct challenges that wildfires, earthquakes, and extreme weather events present for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), IRC’s Emergency Services Coordinator, Marquis Quinton, partnered with the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal’s Office to deliver a comprehensive and accessible disaster preparedness training. This training equipped participants with essential knowledge and practical resources to proactively plan, respond effectively, and stay safe during emergencies.

Looking Ahead

IRC’s growing collaboration with the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal is part of a broader effort to enhance safety, preparedness, and emergency response for the I/DD community. Through these initiatives, we are equipping individuals, caregivers, and first responders with the knowledge and resources needed to build a safer and more inclusive future.

IRC remains committed to strengthening partnerships and advocating for innovative safety solutions. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops and training sessions in 2025!

Posted by:

Dr. CJ Cook, DBA

As Program Administrator, CJ is responsible for the proactive oversight of various units within IRC, including Community Management, Service Access and Equity, and Training and Development. CJ's oversight extends to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), equity in the Purchase of Service (POS), and the National Core Indicator (NCI) project. Furthermore, CJ is tasked with managing the IRC's Performance Contract with DDS and overseeing Emergency Services.