Need to Know: John Robinson

Born a congenital amputee, John Robinson is living the life of his dreams. He shares his story with Need to Know.

John Robinson was born with no hands. His arms stop at his elbow. No knees. His lower legs are attached to his hips. What should have been a life in the shadows became the life of a man who cast a giant shadow despite his 3’9” height.

Despite the challenges he faced at birth, John is living the life of his dreams—he graduated from Syracuse University and has made his way as a successful broadcast salesperson that now holds a high level management position. He has a wife and three children. He drives a car, plays golf, coaches soccer, holds committee positions, has fulfilling personal relationships, and participates in many other activities that even those without his challenges do not pursue.

On Sunday, January 24 at 12:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV  Need to Know's Julie Philipp talks with John about his life and share clips from Get Off Your Knees, a documentary profiling his compelling life story.  This Need to Know episode repeats on Sunday, January 24 at 12:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

This Need to Know special is  part of Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies designed to stimulate community dialogue about the perspectives and abilities of people with disabilities. At the heart of this initiative is programming broadcast on WXXI television and radio that celebrates the amazing lives of people with disabilities. Dialogue on Disability runs January 18-24. Dialogue on Disability is made possible thanks to support from the Fred L. Emerson Foundation.

Please note: Get Off Your Knees airs Wednesday, January 20 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.