LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Robinson upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independ-
ent Living Center of the Hudson Valley

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John Robinson
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Beacon Leader-
ship Award by the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at the
Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley is a non-
profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities to
lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philosophy of self-determi-
nation, the Center offers many services including advocacy, peer coun-
seling, and facilitates access to housing and employment opportunities;
and
WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those few
individuals and businesses which have demonstrated their commitment to
the rights of persons with disabilities; honorees have each in their own
way helped make the community a more welcoming place for people with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, John Robinson is the Managing Partner and CEO of Our Ability
Inc., a company owned and operated by people with disabilities to
support people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Born with congenital amputations, John Robinson has through-
out his life worked to raise awareness of the strengths and challenges
facing people with disabilities; he is a motivational speaker as well as
a video executive producer on numerous award-winning productions for
Public Broadcasting and the web; during the past two years, he has trav-
eled from Australia to the White House discussing the obstacles people
with disabilities face and how he himself has overcome them; and
WHEREAS, John Robinson is the subject of the national documentary,
"Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story"; he also wrote his autobi-
ography, GET OFF YOUR KNEES: A STORY OF FAITH, COURAGE, AND DETERMI-
NATION; furthermore, in 2001, he was selected to carry the Olympic torch
as it passed through Albany, New York, on its way to Salt Lake City for
the 2002 Winter Olympics; and
WHEREAS, John Robinson has continued to be a staunch advocate for
equality and understanding of people with disabilities, embodying the
spirit of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley with its
mission of Eliminating Barriers and Inspiring Opportunities for People
with Disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, John Robinson has been an enduring
voice in the community for equal rights for people with disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which this remarkable man has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Robinson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living Center of the
Hudson Valley; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Robinson.