On July 31, 2025, Inland Regional Center (IRC), in collaboration with the Autism Society Inland Empire (ASIE) and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, hosted the Bridging the Gap: Law Enforcement and Autism/Developmental Disabilities Conference at IRC.

This important event was made possible through funding from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) as part of the Language Access and Cultural Competency initiative. The conference brought together representatives from eighteen law enforcement agencies across the region, including participants from as far as Indio and Barstow.

In addition, individuals from the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community, as well as those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), were invited to share their lived experiences—promoting meaningful dialogue and fostering greater understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Key highlights included an officer panel focused on launching inclusive programs within law enforcement agencies—such as the Blue Envelope initiative, Safe Return protocols, and other critical community engagement efforts designed to better support individuals with I/DD and those who are DHH.

Attendees also participated in interactive case study discussions with members of the I/DD community and explored real-world scenarios through a virtual simulation experience.

Inland Regional Center would like to extend a special thank you to Audrey Maqueria, ASIE’s First Responder Community Liaison, for her outstanding efforts in coordinating department participation and helping bring this vital conference to life.

This event was thoughtfully planned and executed in collaboration with IRC’s Service Access and Equity Team.

If your agency is interested in partnering with Inland Regional Center on future trainings or initiatives, please contact us at [email protected].

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.