There’s Nothing Spontaneous about a Successful Career – Sodexo Guest Blog
June 23, 2015Journey 2015 Video and Blog/Photos by Andrea Robinson
June 30, 2015Journey 2015 Begins!
– John Robinson
OUR ABILITY to Lead
Third Annual
JOURNEY ALONG THE ERIE CANAL
Buffalo to Albany trek to celebrate 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
John Robinson, Our Ability
(518) 429-9256, john.robinson@ourability.com
Albany NY (June 28, 2015) –
John Robinson and Doug Hamlin – founders of Our Ability, Inc. are once again embarking on the Journey Along the Erie Canal 2015, an ambitious twelve-day bicycle ride across upstate New York via the scenic and historic Erie Canalway Trail.
Robinson was one of ten people nationally named White House Champion of Change for Disability Employment in 2014. Through his organization Our Ability, John Robinson and Doug Hamlin mentor, connect and inspire people with disabilities toward education and employment.
Our Ability is partnering with the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID), New York State Canal Corporation, the Disability Education Forum of New York, Inc., the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and NYSARC, Inc. to make Journey Along the Erie Canal 2015 even more successful than last year.
Journey 2015 begins in Buffalo at Canal Side Park – today Sunday June 28th at Noon and will end at the Jennings Landing in Albany on July 10. This year’s journey will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ADA, raise awareness and promote advocacy for people with disabilities and will showcase the Canalway Trail as a means for people of all abilities to experience living history and outdoor recreation.
As the tour makes its way across New York, numerous advocacy groups and organizations supporting the rights of people with disabilities will join Robinson and Hamlin for parts of the trip. Our Ability will chronicle the ride providing daily video, blog, and social media updates with NYSID serving as the exclusive video sponsor. Additionally, the local NYSID/NYSARC chapters will be holding events in Canal communities to welcome the riders as they complete each leg of the trek.
“The New York State Canal Corporation is thrilled to partner with Our Ability for the third annual Journey Along the Erie Canal,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “John and Doug are an inspiration to us all. Their message of inclusion and support can be extended to all facets of life and across all borders. We are so proud that once again, the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail will serve as the background of such a worthy cause.”
Bob Radliff, Director of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor said: “Our Ability – Journey Along the Erie Canal provides powerful inspiration to us all. We are proud to help Our Ability increase awareness of those with different abilities and improve accessibility throughout the 524-mile Corridor. Their Journey will surely catalyze additional actions to further enhance and link our incredible system of trails and vibrant communities.”
“For 40 years, NYSID has been turning business opportunities into jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities throughout our state,” Ron Romano, NYSID President and CEO said. “The Journey Along the Erie Canal showcases the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities in a most personal way through John and Doug’s challenging endeavor. NYSID, its member organizations and workers join in acknowledging the third annual Journey’s recognition of the Americans With Disabilities Act.”
Born as a congenital amputee born without full arms and legs, John Robinson overcame countless obstacles to become a successful businessman, husband, father and inspirational speaker. He founded Our Ability with Doug Hamlin, a 28 year veteran of the software industry who is also disabled as a result from an accident, as a way of helping to mentor and inspire people with disabilities through positive video stories.
Robinson was inspired to undertake the first Journey Along the Erie Canal by his wife, Andrea, and two children after receiving a three-wheeled, hand-operated cycle as a donation. His family helped him learn how to ride and then train for the statewide journey. While Hamlin was initially skeptical, he joined Robinson in 2013 and saw what the ride could symbolize. He will once again ride alongside Robinson on his own specialized hand cycle.
Additional sponsorship has been provided by SEFCU, Price Chopper, Realty USA, Albany Medical Center, Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and Albany Law School
To see support Journey Along the Erie Canal 2015 DONATE or REGISTER here:
To learn more about Our Ability visit www.ourability.com.