Safety resources are especially important for autistic individuals with complex needs because they help reduce real‑world risks and support greater independence. Many autistic people may face challenges such as difficulty recognizing danger, navigating unfamiliar environments, communicating in emergencies, or responding to unexpected situations, which can increase vulnerability to accidents, wandering, or exploitation. Safety support includes clear tools, preparation, and training—providing individuals and families with practical strategies to stay safe while promoting autonomy and confidence.

• Nearly half (49%) of autistic children have wandered or eloped from a safe place, according to a 2012 Pediatrics study. One‑third of those who wander are unable to communicate their name, address, or phone number when found.
• Autistic individuals are seven times more likely to encounter police compared to non‑autistic peers.

The Autism Society Inland Empire and Inland Regional Center have played a critical role in addressing these safety needs by training law enforcement, fire, and EMS, connecting families to resources, offering education and tools to prevent emergencies, and partnering with community systems to build safer, more inclusive environments for autistic individuals with complex support needs.

The Autism Society Inland Empire co‑created the Blue Envelope Program in partnership with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Inland Regional Center. This program supports people who may communicate differently during interactions with law enforcement or other first responders, including individuals with Autism, developmental disabilities, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Blue Envelope offers a simple, effective way for individuals to share important information about their communication needs and support, helping make these encounters safer and more predictable for everyone.

This model includes tools for both drivers (the Blue Envelope) and non-drivers (lanyards, stickers, keychains, and seatbelt covers), ensuring that individuals of all ages and communication styles can use the Blue Envelope Program in everyday settings. The program was shaped directly by feedback from individuals and families throughout its development.

2026 Agencies Participating in the Blue Envelope Program in The Inland Empire

Last updated: April 2026

San Bernardino County

• • Chino Police Department
  • Fontana Police Department
  • Fontana Unified School District Police Department
  • Ontario Police Department and Ontario Fire Department
  • Redlands Police Department
  • San Bernardino Police Department
  • Upland Police Department
  • San Bernardino County Fire/Office of Fire Marshal (Hesperia and San Bernardino)
  • San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Stations include: Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear, Central. Chino Hills, Colorado River, Fontana, Hesperia, Highland, Morongo Basin, Needles, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, Twin Peaks, Victor Valley, Victorville, Yucaipa

Riverside County

• • Menifee Police Department
  • Riverside Police Department and Fire Department
  • Riverside County Sheriff's Department: Cabazon, Colorado River, Hemet, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Lake Matthews, Moreno Valley, Palm Desert, Perris, San Jacinto, Southwest (Temecula), Thermal

Coming Soon

• • American Medical Response (AMR)
  • Rialto Police Department
  • San Bernardino County Fire/ Office of Fire Marshal

The Autism Society Inland Empire Health Passport is a practical, family‑centered tool designed to help autistic individuals and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) receive safer, more compassionate, and more effective care in medical settings. It provides a quick, easy‑to‑read summary of a person's communication style, sensory needs, medical history, behavioral support, calming strategies, and preferred approaches to care. Medical providers can use the passport during emergency visits, hospital stays, routine appointments, or behavioral health interactions to reduce misunderstandings, minimize stress, and support patient comfort.

These passports can be used on their own or paired with the Blue Envelope Program, offering an additional layer of recognition and guidance for first responders and healthcare teams. Many local fire departments and EMS agencies have already received specialized training on both tools, helping ensure that autistic individuals and those with complex care needs are better understood and supported during emergencies.