"Our Ability's" Journey Along the Erie Canal

John Robinson addresses group at Arc of Orleans Day Hab site.

John Robinson had just arrived in Albion after a 27-mile ride in the hot sun on the historic Erie Canal Towpath.  He rode his 3-wheel adaptive hand cycle from Lockport to Albion, joined by his family and friends.  Most of us would have wanted to sit and rest.  Not John Robinson!  After a quick drink of water, Mr. Robinson addressed a crowd of about 50 people who had gathered to meet him along his journey.  Robinson is traveling from Buffalo to Albany, in a 16 day journey to raise awareness of people with disabilities and promote adaptive sports for amputees.

Robinson, CEO of Our Ability, shared that the trip was his nine-year-old son's idea to "travel across the state," and the entire family came along for the ride.  His words of determination were inspiring to those in attendance.  He shared, "No matter what your age, no matter what your ability, no matter how tired or how discouraged you may feel, we can all do it.  We can get up and get moving and achieve.”

While in Albion, Mr. Robinson was presented with citations from Assemblyman Steve Hawley, representative Adam Tabelski from Senator George Maziarz' office, and Orleans County Legislator and Arc Board Member Bill Eick.  The Arc's Day Habilitation group presented him with a beautiful quilt they had made, and he also received a basket of items representing the wonders of Albion and the Orleans County area. 

Robinson and crew are taking off early Tuesday morning from Albion and will continue on their journey to Spencerport raising awareness for people with disabilities along the way.  The group will also make stops in Syracuse, Rome, and Utica, along with several others, before arriving in Albany on July 8th. 

The Arc of Orleans County would like to thank the staff at Arc of Orleans who assisted with this event, NYSID for sponsoring the event, Assemblyman Hawley, Adam Tabelski, Legislator Bill Eick, and Albion Mayor Dean Theodorakos.  A special thank you to the Albion Police Department of their police escort for Mr. Robinson and family!

John Robinson receives citations from local dignitaries.