Get Off Your Knees

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."