Raul Acosta

We mourn Rudy's passing, but celebrate his productive life, unforgettable personality, keen sense of humor andmost of allremarkable advocacy for people with disabilities. BRBRBorn into a large family in Presidio and raised in Odessa, Texas, Rudy was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy at age two. He was totally paralyzed and had difficulty breathing. Unable to use a wheelchair, he relied on a customized gurney to get around. BRBRAt 12, Rudy was placed in a nursing home because his family could not support his complex needs. He lived in a series of facilities in various parts of the state until age 30, when he finally got services and supports to move into his own apartment in Lubbock. BRBRAs a teenaged resident of an Odessa nursing home, Rudy was educated through the school district's homebound program. He graduated from Permian High School in 1984; then enrolled in Odessa College that fall. He received an associate of arts degree in May 1990, a product of his determination and the incredible support of college staff. In pursuit of a bachelor's degree in psychology, Rudy entered UT Permian Basin; then transferred to Texas Tech University. He accepted his diploma in December 1998, as classmates gave him a standing ovation.BRBRRudy's focus on getting a college degree never wavered. He once explained his motivation came from the certainty that it would better qualify him to help people who had real problems.BRBREighteen years of institutional confinement left an indelible mark on Rudy. He devoted the rest of his life to a passionate and powerful campaign to create community alternatives to nursing homes and state institutions. BRBRRudy thrived in the community. He built a big and strong network of friends. He reconnected with family. He became a vocal and effective advocate for community living and developed strong ties with others in the disability community. BRBRRudy joined the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities TCDD Partners in Policymaking class in 1997, graduating the next year. In 2000, he was appointed to the TCDD by then Gov. George Bush. He was a member of the Advocacy, Inc. board of directors at the time of his death.BRBRIn 2002, the Texas State Independent Living Council SILC honored Rudy with its Outstanding Consumer Award, describing him as the embodiment of the independent living philosophy for refusing to allow his disability or other people to control his life or his outlook on life.BRBRRudy lived in Austin for the past few years, closer to the legislators and decision-makers he wanted to influence. His many friends and associates will carry on the fight for more and better community services, but Rudy's voice will be sorely missed.BRBRRudy is survived by his siblings Maria del Carmen Arras, Angie Barron, Minerva Acosta, Corina Acosta, Nancy Ann Acosta, Roblado Arras and Fidel Arras; and a host of nieces and nephews, including Eric J. Carrasco, his beloved buddy. BRBRHe is also survived by Pansy Case, the devoted and loving friend who provided personal assistance support for Rudy for more than 27 years; James and Mary Lou Headlee of Odessa, friends who Rudy considered to be family; and scores of people throughout the country who cherish the privilege of knowing Rudy as a friend and colleague.BRBRAn Austin memorial service for Rudy is planned for Friday, Feb. 22 at Weed-Corley-Fish, 3125 N. Lamar. Viewing begins at 9:30 a.m., with services following at 10:30. A second service and burial are planned for Tuesday, Feb. 26, 1:00 p.m. at the Memorial Gardens Chapel in Odessa.BRBRPersons wishing to remember Rudy with a donation are invited to contribute to a fund to help Pansy with expenses co the Pansy Case Assistance Fund, Advocacy, Inc., 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd., 171-E, Austin 78757; or contribute to support the work of EveryChild, 8400 N. MoPac Expressway, 201, Austin 78759.

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Memorial Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
1:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

Pansy Case Assistance Fund, Advocacy, Inc.
7800 Shoal Cr Blvd. #171-E
Austin, TX  78757

EveryChild
8400 N MoPac Expwy #201
Austin, TX  78759