Glenmont Resident Shares Disability Advocacy Message

John Robinson visited Glenmont Elementary School last week to tell students that difference matters.

Robinson, born without full extension of his arms and legs, shared his experiences living with a disability. He has no knees, no upper legs, no elbows, and no hands.

"I'm happy with who I am," Robinson told K-5 students. "It's good that we're all a little different."

The former Glenmont parent, who lives blocks from the school, connected with students through humor and direct examples. He had them write their names using only their elbows to understand his experience. He answered questions about how he rides a bike, uses a phone, and drives a car.

Robinson described learning to ride a three-wheel hand cycle as an adult, then riding hundreds of miles along the Erie Canal with his family. He brought the three-wheeler to show students.

He also discussed his shift from sales to founding Our Ability, a company that helps people with disabilities find employment and independence, where he serves as CEO.

Robinson drew on his childhood, sharing stories of playing sports with friends and facing teasing. His advice: surround yourself with people who care. "Be with the people who love you," he said. "That's what matters most."