New York State Series: Get Off Your Knees (PDF)

Growing up, John Robinson never considered himself an inspiration to
others. He was born a congenital amputee and stands three foot eight as
an adult. Although he has no extension of his arms or legs, he has not
been limited in his career or in his personal life. After graduating from
Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, he
went on to work for NBC affiliates in upstate New York and today is the
director of corporate support for WMHT, the public broadcasting television
station in Albany.
Robinson’s success did not come easily. From learning how to dress
himself after going away to college, to making new friends and feeling
accepted, he struggled to come to terms with his disability and make a life
on his own. Although his journey may not be considered "normal," he does
not see this as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to succeed and to understand
the meaning of responsibility.
Robinson writes in an honest, personal voice, showing that a disability
does not have to get in the way of an education, a career, a family, or one
of his favorite hobbies, golf. Get Off Your Knees is a touching story and, as
Robinson says, is for "anyone who feels they need inspiration, whether it be
an individual with a mental or physical disability, parents of children with
disabilities, or someone looking to overcome an obstacle in life."