Dr. Kate McCarthy-Barnett works for the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 1 as the Regional Disability Integration Specialist, located in Boston, Massachusetts. In this position, she leads the Agency’s commitment to integrate and coordinate the needs of people with disabilities, access and functional needs in emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.

Dr. McCarthy-Barnett has served as an appointed member to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 1 Regional Advisory Council and as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s planning team for the development of Guidance on Planning for Integration of Functional Needs Support Services in General Population Shelters. Her experience extends to serving as a member of the Rhode Island Incident Management Team.

In addition, Dr. McCarthy-Barnett serves as a member of the Rhode Island Lt. Governor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council and has served as Co-

Chair for the Statewide Special Needs Emergency Preparedness Workgroup. She is also Chair of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services State Rehabilitation Council and Co-Chair of the Council’s State Plan, Policy and Quality Assurance Committee. Dr. McCarthy-Barnett serves as Vice Chair of the Rhode Island Governor’s Commission on Disabilities and Char of the Commission’s Accessibility Committee. In addition, she has served on the US President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Communications Committee. She is a member of multiple committees and Boards of Directors focused on setting policy for individuals with disabilities Dr. McCarthy-Barnett has authored numerous articles and is known for her work on advancing emergency preparedness integration efforts for individuals with disabilities, access and functional needs.