April 2014 – The White House is currently readying for FEMA’s PrepareAthon, which will take place on April 30, 2014. The nationwide campaign is a community-oriented call to “action to increase emergency preparedness and resilience.” The day will include “specific drills, group discussions and exercises focused on preparing Americans to respond to spring hazards such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.” With a long track record of working alongside the “Office of Disability Integration and Coordination,” FEMA is developing emergency-preparedness plans that take into account accessibility for people with disabilities. Through mandates, including The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act and Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, FEMA is required to account for people with disabilities during emergency planning. This PrepareAthon will be an excellent opportunity to experience firsthand FEMA’s preparedness in providing accessible assistance for people with disabilities during an emergency situation.