By: Monica G. Munguia, Community Engagement Program Manager
What an incredible day of connection, celebration, and community!
Perris, Ca – On Saturday, April 25, 2026, families, community members, and partners came together at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris for the 2026 Autism Acceptance Walk organized by the Autism Society of Inland Empire and the turnout was nothing short of amazing. With over 3,000 participants in attendance, the energy throughout the day truly reflected the strength and unity of our community.
A Strong IRC Presence
This year was especially meaningful for Inland Regional Center (IRC), as we proudly participated as a sponsor and hosted two resource booths. Our team had the opportunity to connect directly with families, individuals, and community partners, sharing information, answering questions, and building relationships.
Our booth welcomed approximately 800 visitors, each conversation reinforcing the importance of access to information and meaningful engagement. It was inspiring to see so many people eager to learn, connect, and support one another.
Highlighting the Blue Envelope Program
One of the key features was the booth assigned to the Blue Envelope Program, shared in collaboration with the Autism Society Inland Empire (ASIE). This initiative sparked important conversations around safety, communication, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Families and community members showed great interest in learning how this program can support safer, more informed interactions in everyday situations.
Celebrating Leadership and Innovation
A special moment of the day was the recognition of our very own CJ, Program Administrator, who received the Safety Innovator Award. This recognition was well-deserved and warmly celebrated by attendees. Also, the opening statements from Vince Toms, our Community Services Director in front of such a large audience was a proud and meaningful moment for IRC, highlighting the impact of leadership and dedication to improving safety and services for our community.
More Than a Walk
Beyond the walk itself, the event was filled with opportunities for connection:
- Families exploring resources and services
- Community partners sharing valuable tools and information
- Microenterprises highlighting our clients’ talents
- Children and adults enjoying activities, food, and entertainment
- Conversations that strengthened relationships across our network
Every step taken that day represented more than participation, it represented belonging, advocacy, and collective impact.
Looking Ahead
Events like the Autism Acceptance Walk remind us why community engagement matters. When we come together, we create spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
We are grateful to everyone who stopped by, connected with our team, and helped make this event a success. We look forward to continuing this momentum and building even stronger connections in the months ahead.
We can’t wait to see you at our Spring Fling Event on June 6th. For more information visit: IRC Spring Fling 2026 | Inland Regional Center
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