The College of Professional Studies has appointed John Robinson ’90, P’25 as a professor of practice in the Office of Microcredentials. This position is made possible by a generous gift from the Einhorn Family Fund for Disability Entrepreneurship, founded by University Trustee Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92 and his wife, Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92.
John Robinson
Robinson will help coordinate and scale the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities, while also serving as a member of its instructional team. The workshop is a non-credit microcredential program designed to empower people with disabilities to either become entrepreneurs or to be better prepared for employment.
Additionally, Robinson will collaborate with the University in developing and offering non-credit microcredentials aimed at educating potential employers on appropriate work environments and accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Through the College of Professional Studies, Robinson will assist the University in the development of funding for the continued offerings of these microcredentials.
“Syracuse University aims to become a global leader in the research and application of advanced technologies that can dismantle the professional boundaries and barriers experienced by people with disabilities,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials. “John’s experience and background are essential to achieving that goal.”
A trailblazer in the architecture and entrepreneur industry, Steve Einhorn is dedicated to creating a more accessible campus. Previously, the family has supported the School of Architecture and made a naming gift to create the Einhorn Family Walk, which forever changed the footprint of Syracuse University. This latest gift builds on the Einhorn’s commitment to accessibility, which includes accessible online learning.
“The values that fuel this mission are baked into my DNA as an architect. As a trustee, we want to create a campus welcoming to all,” Einhorn says. “Syracuse is flourishing with entrepreneurial opportunities, and we need to create more space for the disability community.”
Sherry and Steven L. Einhorn
Einhorn says the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities provides space to thoughtfully merge technology and AI with the curriculum. Additionally, the program creates opportunities for people with disabilities in the entrepreneur industry as well as potential partnerships throughout the local community.
“This is an educational opportunity to sharpen the skillsets for business development and produce more mentors. It is an honor to be a part of this initiative,” says Einhorn.
The Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities is part of Syracuse’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, a pilot program that started two years ago and was originally funded through the support of New York State Senator John Mannion. The program has received additional state funding for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are deeply grateful to the Einhorn family for making John’s position possible, and to Senator Mannion for his ongoing support of inclusive education at Syracuse,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Together, we are creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to realize their potential.”
Robinson holds a B.S. in project management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications and an M.A. in disability studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.
Robinson serves as the CEO for Our Ability Inc., a disability-owned platform dedicated to building employment opportunities for people with disabilities through technology. In 2015, Our Ability Inc. was presented with the Business Excellence Award in Small Business by the New York Small Business Development Corp and was also recognized in 2023 by the Zero Project as an Innovative Solution.
In 2013, Robinson was named one of the ten White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment. Moreover, Robinson was presented with the Chamber Champion Award in 2023 in recognition of actions that have advanced the mission of the Capital Region (New York) Chamber.
Robinson is the author of the autobiography, “Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination,” which reflects on his life as a quadruple amputee and the journey to his success. The book was adapted into a public television documentary titled “Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story” by WMHT.
To learn more about the Office of Microcredentials, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/microcredentials.
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