William Rush: Journey Out of Silence

William (Bill) L. Rush chronicled his extraordinary life from childhood until graduation with distinction from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in Journey Out of Silence, first published in 1986. This is the story not only of the struggle to cope with major physical disabilities, but also the struggle to develop and maintain an identity as a human being with normal desires and with ambitions for a responsible place in the community. This second edition, published through Lulu.com, brings Bill's exceptional story back into print.

Bill's Journey is as relevant today as it was when first published, before the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States of America. This landmark federal disability rights legislation was passed to guarantee equal access to society under the law. However, many Americans with disabilities struggle even today, for any access to society, let alone equal access. Bill's achievement of attaining his college degree will encourage generations of Americans with disabilities who will follow him, to strive for their own place in American society. It will inspire all persons with disabilities to work to find their place in their own societies.

Bill Rush passed away in 2004. He was a recognized leader in the disability rights movement on a local, state and national level. He worked in paid and volunteer capacities as a journalist, writer and activist. His passion was to support the disability rights movement through his gifts of writing and speaking. Having Journey Out of Silence back in print allows Bill to continue to be an incisive agent of change in the disability rights movement.