Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Media Lab is designed exclusively for Inland Regional Center (IRC) consumers.

  • Although we have a detailed list of acceptance requirements for potential students, here are a few important ones:

    • Our students are between the ages of 18-59.

    • They must be able to follow directions and fulfill hygienic needs independently.

    • They must be able to communicate their wants and needs verbally.

    • They must not have a consistent history of disruptive, aggressive, or otherwise dangerous behaviors.

  • No, we teach students at all skill levels, beginner to advanced.

  • There are no grades with The Media Lab. Instead, we help develop personal goals for you to work on and we keep track of these goals throughout the year. If a goal seems to be too easy or too hard, we can help make adjustments so you can reach your goals at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

  • Since The Media Lab is funded by Inland Regional Center, you’ll need to contact your Consumer Service Coordinator (CSC) at IRC and he/she can get the enrollment process started.

  • Your Consumer Service Coordinator (CSC) at IRC will be able to assist you with setting up transportation. Many of our students use IRC funded transportation which includes the bus, Dial-A-Ride, or a private transporter.

  • There is no cost to you. The Media Lab is funded by Inland Regional Center.

  • The Media Lab will help you develop a demo reel and resume, which you can use to apply for jobs. Students that are interested in seeking paid employment will be referred to his/her IRC Service Coordinator for potential referral to the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).

  • Unfortunately, we do not accept students who are not part of Inland Regional Center.

  • Our highly collaborative days start off with a studio meeting each morning, where we join with our hybrid students to discuss the goals, projects, and schedule for the day. Then, we work together to accomplish our production goals - from script writing to filming to editing. We end with an afternoon studio meeting to wrap it all up.

  • Yes! The Media Lab provides time off for students during some holidays. We also offer a Summer Break and Winter Break, so students can rest and recharge in between sessions. A calendar of these holidays is provided to students each year.

  • During the pandemic, we began offering hybrid learning opportunities. These are ongoing and primarily online. With the hybrid option, students participate primarily during Zoom while in-person students are at The Media Lab in the studio from 9 AM to 3 PM.

  • Our program operates Monday – Friday, 9AM – 3PM.

  • Unfortunately, we do not accept private of SDP funding at this time.

  • If you have a concern or a complaint regarding any services provided by The Media Lab staff, please speak with the Program Director and/or Program Manager. Grievances can also be provided by letter and/or email. If the issue is unable to be resolved, a meeting will be scheduled with the student, caregiver, conservator (if applicable), Program Director and/or Program Manager, IRC Service Coordinator and other appropriate staff at IRC.

    Additionally, appeals and complaints can be filed with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Information on the appeals and complaints procedure can be found on the DDS website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/general/appeals-complaints-comments/