Judy has been a TRA rider for five years. More recently, in 2022, she joined TRA’s Board of Directors. For Judy, it’s a privilege to be both a registered rider and a board member – she gets to see the organization from different sides. Judy has a vision impairment but refuses to let it stop her from enjoying life to the fullest. Her vision has gradually diminished to almost total blindness. At the age of four she was night blind but told herself – “It’s dark, nobody can see in the dark!”
As a TRA rider Judy deeply appreciates the volunteer drivers and feels safe when she rides with them. Knowing there is someone there waiting when she finishes a medical appointment is a comfort and gives her more independence.
Judy uses several ride services for different destinations. ParaTransit is her choice for getting to her synagogue, Temple Beth El. New Rochelle Cares, a membership organization, provides transportation to in-town medical appointments, errands, and other activities. TRA provides medical transportation throughout the lower Hudson Valley and southeast Fairfield County, CT. When Judy was working; she would take Para to work, her husband would pick her up for the ride home.
Very much open to new experiences Judy said “You must be open. The ride services aren’t all the same, but all have something to offer, and do a great job. Choose them like you choose your friends.”
Years ago, Judy completed the NY City Marathon. She was coached by the Achilles Track Club (now Achilles International) whose goal is to “break down barriers to race start lines and empower the disability community to cross the finish line.” Judy started the race early with her husband and a friend. They were the last to finish, after dark. At the finish line she received the finisher’s medal. Her support team did not – that is, not until Judy declared they wouldn’t leave until they too received medals.
A long-term docent at the Jewish Museum, Judy continued to give museum tours as her sight diminished. Eventually a colleague would accompany her, stopping at the works of art, where Judy would discuss the artwork with the guests on tour.
Judy has a message. We have to learn to live in the world with trust in people. The lack of trust and love is dismaying. She feels all the people with TRA are loving and caring, she knows when she gets in a car, she is going to be safe. This, Judy thinks, is a model for the world.
Judy stated, “In my life, many doors have closed but so many have also opened, you have to be open.” Judy feels she is blessed and understands the blessedness.
Her ending words “I just wanna have fun!”
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