Hunter McFerron, Guy Toles, & the Tools for Life Team | October 18, 2024 - Atlanta, GA

Martha Elizabeth Rust, an Associate Director of Research Operations for the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) passed away on July 20, 2024. Martha was a tremendous advocate for the disability community, educating others at every opportunity about the importance of access to assistive technology to empower individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. 

She was a valued advocate, leader, and friend. Her colleagues describe her as the ultimate team player who genuinely cared for others. 

Martha began working in various roles for Tools for Life, the state of Georgia’s Assistive Technology Program, in 2006. During her 18 years with the program, she served in several roles and became the Director/PI of Tools for Life this past year. She considered the role a tremendous honor and continued to lead the program’s efforts to serve the disability community with the same passion and dedication. 

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to know and work alongside Martha Rust for 18 years,” said Liz Persaud, former Outreach Manager of Tools for Life. “Martha's contributions to the disability community are immeasurable. She was a beacon of compassion and hope, touching the lives of countless individuals and their families. Watching her expertly match people with disabilities to assistive technology and other equipment, enabling them to lead more independent lives, was truly inspiring.”

“I am deeply grateful to Martha Rust,” noted Rachel Wilson, an Occupational Therapist Assistant and former Tools for Life member. “During my first day at Tools for Life in 2014, she welcomed me warmly and closely collaborated to onboard me into the world of technology, demonstrating a genuine commitment to helping people live their best lives through Assistive Technology. Her wealth of knowledge and unique approach to accessibility profoundly impacted everyone she met.”

Considered an expert in the field of assistive technology, Martha presented at numerous international, national, regional, and state conferences for assistive technology and served on several disability-related committees. She often joined other state directors of assistive technology programs to share the stories of success through partnerships and collaborations including this year’s Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity.

“Throughout the years, we had the opportunity to co-present at three different conferences where we focused on increasing recreation opportunities and providing accessible recreation for all.” Said Bora Lee, Utah’s Assistive Technology Program Director. “Martha was an amazing friend and an outstanding colleague who was dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve independence. Martha’s belief in the potential of every individual and her commitment to making a difference was truly inspiring.”  

Martha’s love for sports and people with disabilities led her on a journey to become a travel referee for the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA). Her commitment to refereeing rugby games took her on countless adventures around the United States as well as abroad.  She embraced opportunities to officiate different rugby events, even championship games. Most recently, Martha traveled to Santiago, Chile to referee the 2023 Parapan American Games. Martha invested her time and was committed to being the best in this fast-paced and dynamic sport and she was a respected member of the wheelchair rugby community. 

“Martha was instrumental during the Covid-19 period in ratcheting up TFL’s training presence and even reached out to other AT Act programs who were hit by the pandemic, to partner with them to maintain contact with individuals we serve.” added Ben Satterfield, a research associate at CIDI and longtime friend. “She led the team in developing a series of training sessions aimed at maintaining independence during the isolation.”

Martha is survived by her mother, siblings and nieces. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and benefitting from her kindness, energy and optimism.