Thanks to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funding provided by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program has grown into a groundbreaking community safety and engagement initiative with a lasting impact across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, as well as throughout California.

Over the past four years, IRC and the Autism Society Inland Empire have worked closely with first responders, caregivers, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), individuals with communication barriers, and community members to help shape and strengthen the program through research, focus groups, surveys, and ongoing community feedback.

These collaborative efforts have helped the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program expand beyond expectations, creating strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, caregivers, and community organizations. Together, these partnerships have promoted safer, more inclusive, and more effective interactions between public safety personnel and the communities they serve.

The program was created to strengthen interactions between law enforcement, first responders, and individuals with I/DD, including individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, as well as individuals who are DHH or who experience communication barriers. Built on the principles of dignity, safety, inclusion, and voluntary participation, the program emphasizes education and awareness while allowing individuals and families to choose whether to participate, without requiring enrollment in a registry program.

As the initiative continues to grow, the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program will further expand throughout Riverside County in partnership with the Autism Society Inland Empire, advancing its mission of community education, collaboration, and safer interactions between first responders, individuals with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.

A Community-Driven Approach

Unlike traditional compliance-based models, the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program centers on education, community outreach, awareness, and collaboration. Developed in partnership with individuals with I/DD, members of the DHH community, caregivers, and public safety partners, the program has established best practices and comprehensive training curriculum designed to promote safer, more inclusive, and more effective community interactions.

The program does not replace officer discretion or agency safety protocols. Instead, it provides tools, awareness, and specialized training that help first responders better recognize and respond to community members with varying communication and support needs.

Training has been provided to:

• Law enforcement officers (LEOs)
• Fire personnel
• EMS responders
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff
• Parents and caregivers
• Service Providers
• Individuals with disabilities, including individuals who self-identify as having an I/DD, individuals who are DHH, and individuals with communication barriers, regardless of whether they are served by IRC.

Program Achievements

The program has already demonstrated significant regional and national impact.

Key Accomplishments Include:

• 23,000 Blue Envelope materials distributed
• 125 training courses conducted
• 2 large scale scenario-based training courses
• More than 5,000 deputies, officers, first responders, and EOC staff trained throughout San Bernardino County, Riverside County, across California, and in agencies throughout the United States.
• Development of a comprehensive training curriculum for individuals and caregivers
• Creation of a growing video library for ongoing education and awareness
• Identification of best practices for inclusive public safety engagement
• Development of How-To Guides and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for statewide expansion
• Pilot awareness training conducted with the California Highway Patrol (CHP)
• Consultation provided to agencies throughout California and across the United States that are exploring adoption of the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program model

Strong Public Safety Partnerships

The collaboration currently supports agencies throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, including:

• Chino PD
• Ontario PD
• Fontana School Police Department
• Barstow PD
• Riverside City PD
• Fontana PD
• San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
• Menifee PD
• Redlands PD
• San Bernardino County Fire Department
• San Bernardino County Office of the Fire Marshal
• Upland PD
• San Bernardino City PD
• AMR/REACH
• Ontario Fire Department
• Rialto PD (early stages)
• Colton PD (early stages)
• Corona PD (final stages)
• Riverside City Fire Department

Recognition as a National Model

The success of this initiative has received recognition at the federal level through H.R. 6602. Sponsored by Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA) and supported by Congressman John Rutherford (FL), the legislation aims to establish a pilot program that would support the expansion of the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program model throughout the United States.

The strength of the project comes from its continued commitment to building trust, increasing public awareness, and ensuring that individuals with disabilities, families, and caregivers have a voice in how public safety systems engage with their communities. Through collaboration, education, and community partnership, the program continues to serve as a model for safer, more inclusive interactions nationwide.

Looking Ahead

The work is far from over. The project will continue expanding throughout San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and beyond in partnership with the Autism Society Inland Empire, with ongoing efforts focused on community outreach, education, training, and public safety engagement.

As additional agencies, families, advocates, caregivers, and community members join the initiative, the San Bernardino Blue Envelope Program continues to demonstrate how meaningful collaboration, awareness, and inclusion can help create safer, more supportive, and more accessible communities for individuals with disabilities and their families.

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.