Understanding Basic Systems

Developmental Disabilities

Isaac Bush and his family members have formed partnerships with health care providers, schools, government, the Special Olympic and other groups involved with Isaac’s life. Their story is a testament to creating a full life by building partnerships and relationships outside the family

Isaac Bush: Giving It His All

When Isaac was born he was diagnosed blind, deaf, unable to suck or swallow, extremely floppy upper torso and bilateral clubbed beet. At eight days he had a CAT scan and was diagnosed with A-Genesis Corpus Calosum, a condition of the main pathway between right and left-brain not developing. He is also Pituitary Deficient and has other disabilities.

His mother, La Vada “Sam” bush, learned to tube feed him and he was then sent home. His parents were told to love him but not expect to “keep” him, as he couldn’t possibly live. If he did live, they were told, he would be totally non-functional. He surprised the doctors and lived. Doctors then said he would be nonverbal/a-social, would never be able to speak, see or identify or articulate what he might see. However, his vision improved dramatically and he now sees very well with glasses. In addition, his hearing is excellent, if sometimes selective.

When Isaac was born his family had insurance but his dad was forced into an early retirement and after eighteen months the family lost the insurance. It was a struggle then to find medical assistance for Isaac. Because his father had opened a small clock and watch repair business Isaac did not qualify for SSI or Medicaid. He did qualify for medical assistance under the then “handicapped Children’s Program of Alaska” (HCP). A few years later TEFRA was enacted for children that met the criteria and Isaac became eligible. What a blessing. He and his family have been so very grateful for the medical care Isaac has received. Because he did have the insurance of TEFRA Medicaid he has been able to travel to Seattle for Treatment and care he couldn’t receive in his home state as well as the needed ongoing medical care and oversight at home. With the advent of Denali Kid Care his medical needs were guaranteed to be met, at least until his eighteenth birthday. Of course there were still the criteria for care and for travel to be met but he definitely met those. Since he turned 18 he has his own Medicaid account. It is so important for him to have the assurance of that ongoing care. It helps to assure that he will be able to continue working and doing his horse back riding and other activities.

Isaac has been very successful in life. He is a well-liked and respected young man with many friends and acquaintances throughout the state. He counts three of our state legislators as personal friends; two of whom he had known since he was an infant. At his high school in Fairbanks, he spent three years as manager of the football team and was voted most inspirational member. He also received academic pins from the athletic program for maintaining honor roll grades all three of those years while working with the football team as well as in his senior year. He was in JROTC for three years and served as the Senior Class Representative on Student Council his senior year. In May 2002 Isaac graduated with honors and proudly wore the gold cord. He received the Presidential Award of Excellence as well as the Gold Medallion for earning over 24 credits when only 22 were required.

Isaac has done some public speaking and hopes to do more. He has addressed the state Health Education Social Services (HESS) finance committee in Juneau and has read a speech to the governor of Alaska regarding the needs and financing for people with disabilities. He was a guest page on the floor of the state Senate during one of his many trips to Juneau. He was a speaker at the Unity Dinner for Key Campaign in Fairbanks this year.

Isaac has been a member of the Key coalition for several years and is also a sitting board member of a local infant learning program, the Alaska Center for Children and Adults/Project TEACH. He is a graduate of that program and is pleased to “give back.” He is active in his church and enjoys a little hunting or fishing but his favorite hobby is conversing on CB radios. He is also a percussionist and enjoys having friends over to jam on Saturday afternoons. His parents are glad to oblige.

Isaac, now nineteen, has been riding with Special Olympics since the age of nine. He was chosen as the representative from the state of Alaska to compete in the equestrian events at the World/International Special Olympics games in Dublin, Ireland in June 2003. He is proud and honored to be chosen to represent his state and the United States in this very distinctive way. His parents are extremely proud of him, not just for his ability to ride, but we are also humbled by the fact that he has grown to be an honorable, honest, and caring young man. He will make an excellent representative at the games no matter how he rides, as his spirit and love for people make him a very special person.

He is looking forward to the extra training and coaching it will take before he goes to the games in Dublin. Her likes and respects the various coaches and enjoys working with them. He is determined to do his best and to be someone his country can be proud of, whether he wins or not. He wants to do his best and be able to say, “I gave it my all.”

News Update

Isaac went to the games in Ireland and won both a gold and a silver medal. In fact, he won the very first gold that was taken by the U.S. contingent at the 2003 games.

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