FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Corona Police Department Joins Regional Blue Envelope Coalition
Corona, CA — June 24, 2026 — Inland Regional Center (IRC) is proud to announce that the Corona Police Department has officially joined the Blue Envelope Program Coalition, a regional initiative developed in partnership with the Autism Society Inland Empire and supported by 39 law enforcement and fire service agencies across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing communication, accessibility, and safety for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autistic individuals, and members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community
Pictured (left to right): Dr. CJ Cook, Inland Regional Center; Audrey Maqueira, Autism Society Inland Empire; CBAT Morena Melendez; Lieutenant Megan Samano; Officer Desiree Grimes; Beth Burt, Autism Society Inland Empire; and Marquis Quinton, Inland Regional Center.
The Blue Envelope Program supports positive interactions between first responders and individuals with disabilities through education, awareness, and practical communication tools.
The program provides individuals and families with resources such as lanyards, bracelets, keychains, discreet vehicle decals, and the Blue Envelope itself for drivers who self-identify as having an IDD, including autism, or who are DHH. During traffic stops or other interactions with law enforcement, the Blue Envelope can be presented to help reduce communication barriers by conveying important information about an individual’s communication preferences, support needs, accommodations, and other disability-related considerations. This enables first responders to respond more effectively, appropriately, and safely.
Beyond providing communication resources, the Blue Envelope Program promotes community engagement, training, education, and outreach. These efforts increase awareness of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities while equipping law enforcement, fire service personnel, and emergency medical responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate support during emergency and non-emergency encounters.
The San Bernardino model emphasizes collaboration among public safety agencies, community organizations, individuals with disabilities, members of the DHH community, families, advocates, and service providers. By building relationships before an emergency or law enforcement interaction occurs, the program strengthens trust, improves communication, and supports positive outcomes for everyone involved.
As a regional center serving more than 60,000 individuals with developmental disabilities throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties, IRC is committed to advancing safety, independence, and inclusion. In partnership with the Autism Society Inland Empire, IRC works alongside law enforcement, fire service agencies, community organizations, advocates, individuals with disabilities, and families to expand training, outreach, and resources that strengthen community safety and accessibility.
By joining the Blue Envelope Coalition, the Corona Police Department demonstrates its commitment to inclusive community policing, increased awareness, and enhanced safety for all residents.
“This partnership reflects our shared dedication to building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” said Audrey Maqueira, First Responder Community Liaison for the Autism Society Inland Empire.
“Through the Blue Envelope Program, we are strengthening collaboration between first responders and the individuals we support every day,” said Marquis Quinton, Emergency Services Coordinator for Inland Regional Center. “This program is a vital step toward ensuring effective communication, increasing understanding, and empowering community members to feel confident and supported during encounters with emergency personnel.”
The continued expansion of the Blue Envelope Program throughout the Inland Empire reflects a growing regional commitment to inclusive and accessible public safety practices.
About Inland Regional Center
Inland Regional Center serves more than 60,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Supported by more than 1,500 dedicated staff members, Inland Regional Center is committed to promoting inclusion, independence, and access to services that empower individuals to live meaningful, productive, and self-directed lives within their communities.
Funding Acknowledgment: The Blue Envelope Program is funded through Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funding provided by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
Media Contact
Dr. CJ Cook
Program Administrator, Community Services
Inland Regional Center
[email protected]
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