Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Date: June 29, 2026

 San Bernardino, CA — Inland Regional Center (IRC), in partnership with 24-Hour Home Care, the IRC Client Advisory Committee (CAC), and the Autism Society Inland Empire, hosted the IRC CAC Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) Client Safety Conference on June 27, 2026. The event brought together individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and community partners to promote safety, preparedness, and inclusion.

This collaborative conference was designed to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities, as well as those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) or experiencing communication barriers, whether served by Inland Regional Center or not, with accessible, person-centered safety education that reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Inland Empire.

The event featured several informative breakout sessions focused on safety and community engagement. Fire Investigator Shawn Reiss of the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal’s Office presented on Fire Safety, while Sgt. Nathan Weiske and Officer Romero of the Fontana Police Department provided an overview of the Blue Envelope Program. Sgt. David Weibert of the Fontana School Police Department led a session on Online Safety for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The keynote address was delivered by Corporal Ermes Maqueira of the Ontario Police Department, who highlighted the department’s Autism Awareness Program Initiative. Through these presentations, the event fostered education, engagement, and inclusive dialogue, empowering participants with practical knowledge and resources to enhance safety, emergency preparedness, and community awareness.

Purpose of the Conference

The purpose of the conference was to further IRC, 24 Hour Home Care, and the Autism Society Inland Empire’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement by ensuring equitable access to critical safety information, resources, and support services. The event aimed to raise awareness and enhance participants’ practical skills in key areas such as personal and community safety, emergency and crisis preparedness, and access to community-based programs and resources. Through educational presentations and collaborative discussions, attendees were empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to promote safety, independence, and inclusion within their communities.

Stephen Donahue, Co-Chair and representative of 24-Hour Home Care, emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusion in making the conference a success.

“This conference reflects what is possible when community partners come together with a shared commitment to safety, inclusion, and empowerment,” said Donahue. “We are proud to support an event that provides meaningful, accessible resources to individuals with diverse needs and helps strengthen their confidence in navigating everyday safety challenges.”

The conference highlighted initiatives such as the Blue Envelope Program and promoted inclusive safety strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with I/DD, those who are DHH, and individuals experiencing communication barriers.

Greg Harrison, IRC Client Advocate and co-chair of the conference, highlighted the importance of centering on the voices of those served.

“This conference represents the power of bringing the voices of individuals we serve to the forefront,” said Harrison. “By creating opportunities for education, engagement, and shared learning, we are helping individuals with I/DD build confidence, strengthen their independence, and better navigate safety in their everyday lives.”

Greg Harrison was also recognized by the Autism Society Inland Empire for his dedication to advancing the Blue Envelope Program throughout California. Through his leadership, advocacy, and development of educational resources, including a video library on the Blue Envelope Program and other safety initiatives, he has helped expand awareness of the program and promote safer, more inclusive interactions between individuals with disabilities and law enforcement agencies statewide.

Funded through the LACC Grant provided by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), this initiative ensured that all participants had access to culturally and linguistically appropriate information, reinforcing IRC’s commitment to equity, empowerment, and community safety throughout the Inland Empire.

Special Acknowledgment
Inland Regional Center extends a special thank you to the planning committee for their dedication, leadership, and collaboration in making this event a success. The committee was comprised of Ismeth Estrada, IRC Consumer Services Tech; Dr. Imari Nicoloff, representing the Autism Society Inland Empire; Joshua Souder, IRC CAC President; Marquis Quinton, IRC Emergency Services Coordinator; and Co-Chairs Stephen Donahue and Greg Harrison. Their insight, expertise, leadership, and lived experience were instrumental in shaping a meaningful, inclusive, and impactful conference.

Inland Regional Center also extends its sincere appreciation to the many partner agencies and departments whose collaboration was instrumental in the success of this event, including 24-Hour Home Care, the Ontario Police Department, the Ontario Police Explorers, the San Bernardino County Fire Marshal’s Office, the San Bernardino County Fire Department Station 231, the Fontana Police Department, the Fontana Police Citizen Volunteers, and the Fontana Unified School District Police Department. Their dedication to community safety, education, inclusion, and advocacy helped make this conference a meaningful, informative, and empowering experience for all participants.

These agencies not only supported and participated in the conference but also continue to serve as valued partners in advancing the administration, training, and implementation of best practices for the Blue Envelope Program throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties and beyond. Their leadership, expertise, and ongoing collaboration have been instrumental in the program’s growth and success, helping to expand its reach and impact across the region. Through their continued commitment, they play a vital role in strengthening community partnerships, enhancing public awareness, and promoting safer, more inclusive interactions for individuals with disabilities and the communities they serve.

Through their commitment to training, community engagement, and public awareness, these partners help foster stronger relationships between law enforcement, first responders, community organizations, and individuals with disabilities. Their collective efforts promote safer, more informed, and more inclusive interactions, while strengthening advocacy, understanding, and support for the diverse communities they serve.

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About Inland Regional Center

Inland Regional Center is a springboard to greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Inland Empire. We are a nonprofit, community-based organization that has provided support to individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy since 1972. Today, we serve more than 60,000 individuals in Riverside and San Bernardino counties through comprehensive case management and service coordination, supported by over 1,500 dedicated employees.

Media Contact:
Dr. CJ Cook
Program Administrator, Community Services
Inland Regional Center
909-890-3000
[email protected]