The new animated version of Lanterman and Friends will offer practical guidance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and support staff to recognize online scams, identify red flags and take simple precautions to stay safe online.
/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, California’s 21 Regional Centers announced the launch of “Cyber Safety,” a new Lanterman and Friends animated series debuting May 12, 2026 on LantermanandFriends.org and the LANTERMANANDFRIENDS YouTube channel. The launch follows the successful launch of the emergency preparedness video series with MarkHamill in March, which has already been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.
With support from California Regional Centers, the new series is designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), families, direct support professionals, and service providers better understand the growing risks of online scams and digital manipulation.Research suggests that people with cognitive disabilities are approximately 48% more likely to experience identity theft than people without disabilities.. The series features Carolina Ravassa as cyber detective Eva Eldorado. Ravassa is known for numerous screen and voice roles, including Sombra in Overwatch, Raze in VALORANT, and Taliana Martinez in Grand Theft Auto V, along with voice work in animation and interactive entertainment.
Like other Lanterman and Friends releases, Cyber Safety was developed to make important public information content clearer, relatable, and memorable to audiences that may be underserved by traditional outreach materials.
“Rather than focusing on fear, the series emphasizes recognition, prevention and practical action, helping viewers understand not only that online fraud exists, but also how to notice warning signs, pause before responding, and seek support when something feels wrong.”
“Cyber threats often work by creating confusion, urgency or false confidence,” said Mark Wolfe, parent of a person served by Regional Centers and executive producer of the series. “This series is designed to help our I/DD viewers, their support and, frankly, anyone who watches them, recognize those patterns, slow down and better protect themselves before a scam turns into harm.”
The series was developed with technical advisory support from GET SAFE, whose work includes safety training for people with disabilities, professionals and organizations that support them. Cyber Safety was produced by Public Pixels Media, the animation and production company behind Lanterman and Friends. The technical advisor for the project was Matt Wilkins, Emergency Management and EHS Manager, Tri-Counties Regional Center.
“Cyber scams succeed when people are pressured to act before they have time to think,” Wilkins said. “What makes this series valuable is that it helps break down those moments into recognizable warning signs and practical responses. That kind of preparation can make a real difference for people with I/DD, the professionals who support them, and families alike.”
“I love playing the voice of cyber detective EvaEldorado in the new animated seriesLanterman and Friends. I have a long-standing connection to the I/DD community, from a theater group I worked with whose lead actor has Down syndrome, to today’s Comic Cons where I meet many gamers and animation lovers on the spectrum who tell me how the characters I voice have helped them with their own life experiences. Gamers naturally spend a lot of time online and the skills and safeguards that this series teaches everyone about cyber scams I believe will help prevent them from becoming victims,” said Carolina Ravassa, voice of cyber detective Eva Eldorado.
Launching on May 12, Cyber Safety joins the growing library of Lanterman and Friends of animated public information content created to help better understand the California Regional Center system and related life issues for people with I/DD, families, and service providers. The new series is available for free at LantermanandFriends.org yon the YouTube channel LANTERMANANDFRIENDS. Today’s release includes English and Spanish languages and sign language (ASL). Over time, 17 additional languages will be implemented.
About Lanterman and Friends
With over half a million views, Lanterman and Friends is the 5-time Webby Anthem award-winning public information initiative created to help make California Regional Center services and related life issues more understandable to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, and service providers.
About California Regional Centers
California’s 21 nonprofit Regional Centers coordinate and provide access to services and supports for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Working in collaboration with the California Department of Developmental Services, Regional Centers help people seek greater independence, opportunity and inclusion in community life.
About Public Pixels Media
Public Pixels Media is a California-based animation and production company that creates story-driven content for public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-focused organizations. Using experienced entertainment talent and efficient production methods, Public Pixels Media develops clear, engaging media that helps important information connect with diverse audiences.
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FUENTE Public Pixels Media; California Regional Centers