Safety for Individuals with Complex Needs When Interacting with First Responders

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.

Blue Envelope Program
https://ieautism.org/the-blue-envelope-program/
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 (as of 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

Emergency Room Passports – Autism Society Inland Empire
https://ieautism.org/emergency-room-resources/
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.

Autism Society Options Policy

This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.

All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.