The Inland Regional Center guide
We may not be Inland Regional Center, but we are the best darn guide that exists for it.
How do I reach Inland Regional Center?
Inland Regional Center serves two whole counties from one office, in San Bernardino. Visits are by appointment, so call first. Most things can be done by phone or online. IRC’s own website is inlandrc.org.
San Bernardino office
1365 S. Waterman Ave.San Bernardino, CA 92408
Is there an office in Riverside County? Not one IRC lists. The San Bernardino office serves both counties.
After hours? Call (909) 890-3000 and press 0.
Not with IRC yet? In Riverside County, call (951) 826-2648. In San Bernardino County, call (909) 890-3148. See the steps.
How do I reach my IRC service coordinator?
Your service coordinator is the IRC staff member assigned to you. They write your plan with you and arrange what IRC pays for.
- Call the front desk.Dial (909) 890-3000 and ask for your coordinator by name. Leave a message with a good callback number.
- Use the contact form.IRC’s Contact Us form can reach your coordinator. Give it 48 hours.
- No reply?Email community@inlandrc.org and explain who you’re trying to reach.
- Want a new coordinator?You can ask. A coordinator stays only when everyone agrees, under state law. Ask to talk with a supervisor.
What does IRC pay for?
IRC pays for services that let a person with a developmental disability do more for themselves and join in community life. A service has to be in your IPP, your written plan, first.
- Adaptive skills trainingA professional teaches everyday tasks at home, like washing up or fixing a meal, so they need less help over time.
- RespiteA caregiver takes over for some hours, so you can recharge.
- Behavior servicesSupport for behavior that makes daily routines hard.
- Day programsDaytime programs for adults, with skills practice and friends.
- Help living on your ownHelp for an adult who lives in their own place or is getting there.
- Social recreation and campSports, crafts, outings and camp.
- RidesTransportation to programs in the plan.
- DiapersOnce a child reaches age 3.
IRC pays only when no one else should. Medi-Cal, private insurance, IHSS and schools come first.
If you’re with IRC, you qualify for this
It’s adaptive skills training at home. A caring professional teaches the skills you pick, from toilet training and dressing to cooking, money and riding the bus. It works for kids, teens and adults.
- A caring professional comes to your home
- Every professional has a master’s degree
- 9.3 years of experience, on average
- Matched with someone who has helped people with the same struggle
- IRC pays, so your family pays $0
How do I become an IRC client?
IRC serves people of any age with developmental disabilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Getting checked is free.
3 years or older
- Autism
- Epilepsy
- An intellectual disability
- Cerebral palsy
- A condition very like an intellectual disability, or needing the same care
It started before age 18 and is expected to go on. It causes big trouble in 3 or more areas of life, such as self-care, speaking, learning or moving.
Younger than 3
Babies and toddlers with a delay or disability can get Early Start. Riverside County: (909) 890-4763. San Bernardino County: (909) 890-4711. Or refer online. Expect a call within 2 weeks, and a plan within 45 days.
Step by step
- Fill out the pre-application.Do it online (there’s a Spanish version), or call intake for your county.
- Intake calls you back.IRC returns intake calls within 1 to 2 business days, then gathers records and may do testing. It’s free.
- IRC decides.The law gives it up to 120 days. If you qualify, a service coordinator is assigned within 30 days.
Who qualifies, in more detail: our eligibility page.
What if IRC says no?
IRC must put a denial or cut in writing, in a Notice of Action. You’re allowed to challenge it.
- Send in your appeal.The notice explains how. It’s filed with the state rather than IRC.
- Pick how to resolve it.An informal meeting, mediation, a hearing, or several.
- Hear the result.It’s due within 90 days unless it’s continued.
Disability Rights California helps families appeal, free of charge.
Where can parents get support?
Ask your service coordinator. IRC’s website doesn’t list a family resource center right now. Your coordinator can point you to parent groups and support near you. You can also email community@inlandrc.org.
Quick answers
What does IRC stand for?
Inland Regional Center.
What area does IRC cover?
All of Riverside County and San Bernardino County. That includes cities like Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Victorville, Palm Springs and Temecula.
We live in Pomona or Claremont. Is that IRC?
No. Those are in Los Angeles County, with the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center. Check any address with our Regional Center lookup.
Can I apply in Spanish?
Yes. IRC has a Spanish pre-application and a Spanish Early Start form.
Can I record my IPP meeting?
Yes. Let IRC know at least 24 hours before.
Is IRC part of the state?
No. It’s a nonprofit. The state’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) contracts with it and oversees it.
Levi Life Skills provides adaptive skills training at home for Regional Center families, including IRC’s. We’re not Inland Regional Center, and this isn’t its website. We checked each fact on IRC’s and the state’s own websites. Out of date? Email levi@levilifeskills.com.