Derryfield was the foundation that I needed. My class was like a family to me and I had the privilege to graduate with 48 brothers and sisters. Teachers such as Mr. Lemire, Mr. Berk, Mr. Holland, and Mr. Sanborn made me believe in myself and strive for greatness. Their ‘academic push and support’
was what I needed to succeed, because even after all this time, I have never stopped pushing
myself forward.”
John graduated from Derryfield in 1986 with a deep appreciation for his teachers and the DS community. As an undergraduate Public Communications student at Syracuse University, he interned for a Boston-based television station where his passion for media ignited. In 1994 he was hired by WSTM-TV located in Syracuse, New York as an Account Executive. Following a six-year tenure at the station, he accepted a position with the regional sales team at WNYT NewsChannel13 in Albany where he remained for a year until being recruited by WMHT-FM.
His role as the Director of Corporate Support was short-lived as his work-life trajectory would
soon change.
A newly-hired young producer asked John to share
HIS story—chronicling his journey as a congenital quadruple amputee. This brief interview morphed into a PBS documentary titled “Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story (Born Different Documentary)”. The acclaim yielded from the piece coupled with his public communications education and experience provided the ideal mix to launch a public speaking career. He soon found himself traveling the country to speak with and inspire business leaders, high school students, and college communities with his story of grit, humor, and empathy.
Building on the success of his speaking circuit, John founded his own company, Our Ability, Inc.—a web-based technology company that builds employment opportunities through Jobs Ability. John knew his start-up would fill a much-needed service gap, as he had struggled to find a job upon graduating from Syracuse. Our Ability serves those with a wide range of disabilities to acquire jobs, find mentors, and build resumes. His company has provided services for over 10,000 job seekers and has posted over 80,000 open employment opportunities on its job board.
In 2014, John was named one of ten national White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment by the Obama administration. A recipient of the Chamber Champion Award in 2018 in recognition of advancing the mission of the Capital Region Chamber, John’s life work is clearly making
an impact. In 2019, he was named and served on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Reimagine Erie
Canal Commission.
Having recently completed his Master’s degree in Disability Studies from the City University of New York, he is eager to apply his increased knowledge to build out the scope of services his
company provides.
When John is not working or raising awareness for people with disabilities, he can be found on the golf course, watching and cheering on his favorite sports teams, or spending precious time with his
three children.
