Insight Beyond Eyesight with Rochel Bodek and Esther Markowitz

JOWMA (Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association) Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the personal journeys of Rochel and Esther, the inspiring founders of Insight Beyond Eyesight, as they share their experiences living with vision impairment. They discuss the assistive technologies and accommodations that make everyday life easier, both at home and in professional settings. We explore how they manage parenting, cooking, and household tasks, as well as how community members can foster a more inclusive environment for those with vision impairments. From dispelling common myths to discussing the latest advancements in accessibility, this conversation is full of valuable insights and inspiration.

Rachel (Rochel Yenti) Bodek holds a degree in Teacher of the Visually Impaired from Hunter College. She is visually impaired herself and has some family members with the same eye condition. Rachel teaches blind and visually impaired students of all ages. She teaches various skills to her students including reading and writing with adapted methods, using assistive technology, self-advocacy, and coaching them to obtain other needed services and supports. She co-runs a support group, called Insight Beyond Eyesight, for Jewish families with visually impaired members providing information, support, and advocacy. She is also involved in other organizations servicing the blind and people with other disabilities like the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and she's a board member of TRIPS (her local paratransit service).

Esther Markowitz has lived in Monsey, NY, for 50 years. She works at Cheder Chabad of Monsey as the office manager, a position she has held for 20 years. Esther is a proud mother and grandmother to many adorable grandchildren, each cherished individually. Additionally, she is the proud mother of her 21-year-old daughter, Hindy, who is blind.

She is the co-founder, along with Rochel Bodek, of the organization "Insight Beyond Eyesight," which serves Jewish visually impaired children, adults, and their families.

insightbeyondeyesight.org

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