The Water Is Rushing In

Abstract

The following narrative comes from the transcript of a statement by Marcie Roth given on June 15, 2010 before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response. In her statement, Ms. Roth recounted the experiences of Benilda Caixeta during the days following Hurricane Katrina. Benilda Caixeta’s story transfixed US Representatives and other government officials and, sadly, served as an appalling illustration of how the nation’s lack of disaster planning for the needs of people with disabilities brought about deadly consequences. Ms. Roth retold the story of Benilda Caixeta in public venues numerous times as an example of the importance of changing laws, policies, and practices used in the emergency management field in the US. Benilda Caixeta’s experiences also personally and professionally galvanized Ms. Roth to become a nationally recognized expert on the needs of people with disabilities in disaster.