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Draft:William Louis Rush

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William Louis Rush
Born1955
Omaha, Nebraska
Died2004
Cause of deathPneumonia
NationalityAmerica
Other namesBill Rush, William L. Rush
Alma materUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln
Occupation(s)Author, journalist, and disability rights advocate

William Louis Rush (1955–2004), commonly known as Bill Rush, was an American author, journalist, and disability rights advocate. Best known for his autobiographical book Journey Out of Silence, Rush's life and work centered on advancing the rights and representation of people with disabilities. A 100% disabled individual, Rush was unable to walk, talk, or sit in his wheelchair without supportive braces and restraining straps.[1]

Early life and education

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was born in 1955 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Lois and James Rush.[2] Complications during his birth, including a displaced umbilical cord that restricted oxygen flow to his brain for nearly an hour, resulted in cerebral palsy.[3] The condition, caused by damage to the cerebral cortex that controls voluntary movements, affected his speech and mobility but was neither fatal nor progressive.[4] He attended J.P. Lord School, excelling academically despite significant physical challenges.[5]

In the late 1970s, Rush became the first quadriplegic student to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). While on campus, he partnered with Mark Dahmke, a software developer who helped develop a voice synthesizer.[6] The device allowed Rush to communicate by typing words phonetically, which were then vocalized, providing him with a functional "voice".[7][8] In addition to the synthesizer, Rush used a headstick—a long stick attached to a headband—and a language board to communicate. He also utilized a Selectric typewriter for completing homework and writing articles. His room was equipped with environmental controls, enabling him to operate various electrical devices remotely.[9][10]

Rush graduated with honors in 1983 from UNL's journalism program, becoming a symbol of resilience and advocacy for accessibility in higher education.[11][12]

Career

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Rush began his career as a journalist and advocate, working for the League of Human Dignity as a staff writer for its newsletter, On the Level. He contributed articles, op-eds, and letters to publications such as the Omaha World-Herald, the Lincoln Journal, and the Lincoln Star. In these writings, he highlighted barriers faced by people with disabilities, advocating for accessible schools, public transportation, and public spaces in Nebraska.[13]

In 1986, Rush published Journey Out of Silence, a memoir chronicling his life, education, and advocacy efforts. Written painstakingly using a stick attached to his forehead, the book resonated widely, gaining attention for its candid portrayal of living with a disability in the pre-Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) era.[14]

Rush served on the Nebraska Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and the board of Nebraska Advocacy Services. He also contributed to public information campaigns, including the creation of brochures aimed at promoting dignity and understanding in media representation of individuals with disabilities.[15] Rush testified before Congress in support of the ADA and lobbied for legislation allowing people with disabilities to marry without losing Medicaid benefits.[16] He also authored a manual for newsrooms, encouraging respectful and accurate reporting on disability issues. Through his writings, activism, and public speaking, he helped shape policies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). His writings include Journey Out of Silence and articles like "Bus Not Meeting Everyone's Needs" and "Failure to Pass Americans with Disabilities Act Too Costly".[17]

Personal life

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In 1988, Rush met Christine Robinson, an occupational therapist, at a conference on alternative communication methods.[18] Their relationship grew into a partnership that culminated in their marriage in 1999. Rush campaigned successfully for policy changes allowing him to marry without losing critical Medicaid benefits, setting a precedent for others in similar situations.[19]

Despite his physical limitations, Rush embraced activities that challenged societal expectations. In a 1984 article, he described his experience dancing, an activity he pursued despite the risk of alarming onlookers. His words captured his determination to live life on his terms:

"The band was playing rock 'n' roll, and I wanted to dance. Push me out on the dance floor".

Death

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Rush passed away at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 13, 2004, at the age of 49,[20] from pneumonia and complications related to severe neck injuries originally sustained when he was struck by a car in 1998. He was remembered as a pioneering advocate and a champion for disability rights.

Awards and recognition

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In 1980, Bill Rush was prominently featured in Life magazine's January issue in an article titled "The Expanding World of Bill Rush," written by editor Anne Fadiman.[21][22] The seven-page article detailed Rush's journey as a journalism student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and his collaboration with Mark Dahmke, who developed a voice synthesizer to aid Rush's communication. The article received the United Cerebral Palsy President's Award, which was presented to Fadiman in Kansas City for its insightful portrayal of disability and innovation.[23]

In 1993, Rush was honored with the Nebraska State Victory Award, part of the nationwide awards program sponsored by the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. The award recognized Rush for exemplifying strength, tenacity of purpose, integrity of effort, and courage in overcoming the challenges of cerebral palsy. As part of this honor, Rush represented Nebraska at the seventh annual Victory Awards gala on April 27, 1993, in Washington, D.C., and was subsequently nominated for a national Victory Award in 1994.[24]

Television adaptation

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Following the publication of the Life article, Bill Rush and Mark Dahmke sold the movie rights to the Konigsberg Company, a California-based production house.[23] In August 1980, CBS announced plans for a television movie inspired by Rush's life and his partnership with Dahmke, stating the film was expected to be ready for television by the next season. The movie, produced by Frank Konigsberg, was scripted by Nick Arnold, a writer with cerebral palsy, to ensure an authentic and sensitive depiction of the subject matter. The project was envisioned as a fictionalized portrayal of Rush's life, with events rearranged for dramatic effect. Both Rush and Dahmke retained creative input, with plans to contribute additional material during the summer of 1980. However, despite the initial announcements, the filming never commenced.[25]

Bibliography

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Publications

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  • Rush, Bill. "ADAPT." Nebraska Rehabilitation and Community Newsletter, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, September 1995.
  • Rush, Bill. "A Perfect 'Roll' Model." Nebraska Rehabilitation and Community Newsletter, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, December 1994.
  • Rush, Bill. "A Personal Spiritual Journey Testimony." First Baptist Church Tower, Vol. 3, Issue 26, 1996.
  • Rush, Bill. "Belonging and Compliments: Both are Necessary." Nebraska Rehabilitation and Community Newsletter, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, October 1995.
  • Rush, Bill. "First Baptist Lincoln Gets a Very Special Thank You!" The Messenger – American Baptist Churches of Nebraska, Summer 1991, p. 7.
  • Rush, Bill. "The Perfect Memory." Prentke Romich Inc. Current Expressions Newsletter, Summer 1992.
  • Rush, Bill. "On the Road – Finally." Nebraska Rehabilitation and Community Newsletter, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, July/August 1996.
  • Rush, Bill. "ADAPT – Empowerment NOT Terrorism." Nebraska Rehabilitation and Community Newsletter, Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Department of Education, December 1994.
  • Rush, William. "A Model to the Community." Christian Single, November 1992, pp. 32–33.
  • Rush, William. "Adding Insult to Injury." RN, September 1991, pp. 21–25.
  • Rush, William. "Dalton's Legacy." In Beneath the Surface: Creative Expressions of Augmented Communicators, edited by Sarah Blackstone, International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, ISAAC Series: Vol. 2, 2000.
  • Rush, William. "Harvesters with Disabilities: A Journey Testimony." Journal of Religion, Disability & Health, Vol. 7, Issue 4, 2003.
  • Rush, William. "Invisible Healing: The Personal Testimony of a Quadriplegic." Presbyterian Survey, March 1994, pp. 18–20.
  • Rush, William. "It's Time to Deliver on Promises to Americans with Disabilities." Lincoln Journal Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, April 27, 1996.
  • Rush, William. Journey Out of Silence. 1st Edition, Media Publications & Marketing, 1986, ISBN 0-939644-21-5
  • Rush, William. "Liberating Myself." In Speaking Up and Spelling It Out, edited by Melanie Fried-Oken and Hank Bersani, Jr., pp. 148–152. Baltimore: Brookes, 2000.
  • Rush, William. "My Turn to Speak." Communication Outlook, Vol. 13, No. 3, 1992, p. 19.
  • Rush, William. "The Making of a Square Hole." On the Level: Newsletter of the League of Human Dignity, Lincoln, Nebraska, November/December 1999.
  • Rush, William. "Write with Dignity." Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Center Publication, School of Journalism, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1983.

Unfinished

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  • Rush, William L. (29 October 2019). Our Life Our Way: A Memoir of Active Faith, Profound Love and Courageous Disability Rights. Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-1-64515-927-8.

Selected Articles

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  • "Bus Not Meeting Everyone's Needs"
  • "Failure to Pass Americans with Disabilities Act Too Costly"
  • "Getting to Cabaret Not Easy"
  • "Selleck Quads Not So Different from Most Students"

References

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  1. ^ "Extensions of Remarks" (PDF). congress.gov. May 5, 1976. p. 12704.
  2. ^ 1987 OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN OF AMERICA. 1987. p. 1242. ISBN 978-99973-1-081-1.
  3. ^ Fadiman, Anne (February 4, 1981). "A tale of two friends". The Lutheran. p. 4.
  4. ^ Johnson, Gordon (March 16, 1979). "Student to master gilded oration from computer box". Daily Nebraskan.
  5. ^ The Lutheran, Volume 19. Lutheran Church in America. 1981. p. 5.
  6. ^ "I lifted the telephone receiver for extension 315, and the voice, in low, measured tones, said...". Omaha World Herald. September 23, 1979.
  7. ^ Synergist. National Student Volunteer Program. 1982. p. 28.
  8. ^ "BYTE - the small systems journal" (PDF).
  9. ^ "A Voice for Bill". onComputing. 1979. p. 48.
  10. ^ Graf, Bill (October 29, 1979). "Voice machine topples students communication barrier". Daily Nebraskan.
  11. ^ Communicating Together. Blissymbolics Communication Institute. 1987.
  12. ^ Steve, Jordon (May 7, 1983). "Cerebral Palsy Victim Credits Team Efforts on His Graduation". Omaha World Herald.
  13. ^ Zone, The Spinal Cord Injury (15 December 2004). "William Rush, quadriplegic activist, dies at 49 | News". Spinal Cord Injury Zone!.
  14. ^ Hansen, Matthew. "Quadriplegic activist dies at 49" (PDF). JNews. p. 21.
  15. ^ "William L. Rush, Author and Journalist (1955-2004) – Mark Dahmke". www.mark.dahmke.com.
  16. ^ Zone, The Spinal Cord Injury (15 December 2004). "William Rush, quadriplegic activist, dies at 49 | News". Spinal Cord Injury Zone!.
  17. ^ Zone, The Spinal Cord Injury (15 December 2004). "William Rush, quadriplegic activist, dies at 49 | News". Spinal Cord Injury Zone!.
  18. ^ Rush, William L. (29 October 2019). Our Life Our Way: A Memoir of Active Faith, Profound Love and Courageous Disability Rights. Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-1-64515-927-8.
  19. ^ Zone, The Spinal Cord Injury (15 December 2004). "William Rush, quadriplegic activist, dies at 49 | News". Spinal Cord Injury Zone!.
  20. ^ "85-year-old Neb. woman swims to stay in shape". Deseret News. 11 June 2011.
  21. ^ ""Iran" Amazon Rain Forest; The Expanding World of Bill Rush". Life Magazine. January 1980. pp. 90–98.
  22. ^ "Life magazine story is about 2 UNL students". Lincoln Journal Star: 18. January 3, 1980.
  23. ^ a b "Story of UNL students wins president's award". Lincoln Journal Star. May 17, 1980. p. 4.
  24. ^ "Bill Rush honored with Victory Award". Lincoln Journal Star. April 16, 1993. p. 9.
  25. ^ Hrnicek, Alice (August 27, 1980). "Filming will begin soon on UNL duo". The Linoln, Nebraska. Vol. 105. p. 4.
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