If students at Glenmont Elementary School spent much of last weekend trying to write their names with their elbows, here’s why: It was a challenge from a guest speaker who had traveled to the school with a singular message, “It’s okay to be different.”

Local speaker John Robinson, who lives just blocks from Glenmont, visited the school to share his life experiences, speak about disabilities, and encourage students to embrace what makes each of them unique.

Robinson, a former Glenmont parent and a disabilities awareness advocate, connected with students through warmth, humor, and honesty. He explained to students that he was born with a disability and does not have the full extension of his arms and legs. Robinson’s lower legs connect to his hip area, with no knees and no upper part of his legs. He only has upper arms with no elbows or hands.

After providing students with a brief explanation of his disability, Robinson engaged students by emphasizing what he can do and how he has learned to navigate the world in his own way.

“I’m really happy with who I am,” said Robinson, as he began the conversation with the K-5 students. “It’s a good thing that we’re all a little different.”

The Glenmont students listened carefully as Robinson described how he learned everyday tasks like writing, eating, and using technology by adapting and practicing. He even challenged students to try writing their names using only their elbows so students could better understand his experience.

Robinson also shared stories from his childhood, including playing sports with friends and learning to embrace differences, even when faced with teasing or bullying. His advice was simple but powerful: when life gets difficult, surround yourself with people who care about you.

“Be with the people who love you,” said Robinson. “That’s what matters most.”

One of the highlights of the presentation was Robinson’s story about learning to ride a bike. As a child, he wasn’t able to ride like his friends, but as an adult, he discovered a three-wheel hand cycle that changed everything. He has since ridden hundreds of miles along the Erie Canal, often with his family in tow.

Robinson brought his three-wheeler to show the students. 

In addition to sharing personal experiences, Robinson spoke about making a life-changing career decision. He moved from a job in sales to becoming CEO of his own company, Our Ability, which is dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment and independence.

Students were eager to ask questions, ranging from how he rides his bike to how he uses a phone or drives a car. Robinson answered each one thoughtfully, turning the students’ curiosity into understanding.

He closed his visit with the message he began with: “It’s okay to be different. That’s part of being human.”

Thank you to Mr. Robinson for sharing his story and inspiring the students and adults in the room to celebrate differences in themselves and in others.