WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) introduced a Resolution supporting the designation of October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month and supporting the goals and ideals of Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The Congressmen announced the Resolution at a press conference this afternoon in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness outside the Capitol Building where they were joined by Long Island's own John Cronin, John’sCrazy Socks co-founder.
John Cronin is a nationally recognized entrepreneur with Down Syndrome and advocate for people with disabilities. He is also on the board of the National Down Syndrome Society and is in Washington, D.C. advocating for employing people with differing abilities.
"I am so glad to have Mark and John here with us to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness month," said Rep. Garbarino. "I can think of no better example of what someone with Down Syndrome is capable of than John. He has made such an impact, from spreading happiness and unity with John's Crazy Socks, to advocating on behalf of others like him. The Down Syndrome community has so much to offer our society and I am proud to stand with them today and every day."
“John and Mark Cronin have created an environment at John’s Crazy Socks where everybody’s success is just a normal part of doing business. There are no barriers in their business model. They focus on people’s abilities and skills, all of which helps contribute to the bottom line, creating a win-win for both the employer and all their employees,” said Rep. Suozzi.
“Down Syndrome has never held me back," said John Cronin, co-founder of John's Crazy Socks. "I love working with my colleagues and they are a major part of the reason we are successful.”
“Congressmen Garbarino and Suozzi recognize the important role that people with differing abilities have in workplaces across our nation,” said Mark X. Cronin, John's father and co-founder of John's Crazy Socks. “Hiring people with differing abilities is part of the solution to the hiring challenge in our nation. Most people don’t know is that hiring those with disabilities is a competitive advantage. Businesses that include people with differing abilities create workplaces that are both productive as well as desirable. Business owners and leaders should focus on what people can do instead of what they can’t. Hiring people with differing abilities is not altruism it is good business.”
The resolution is supported by the National Down Syndrome Society.
"NDSS is grateful to Rep. Garbarino, Rep. Suozzi and the U.S. House of Representatives for helping raise awareness of Down syndrome and Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM),' said National Down Syndrome Society President and CEO Kandi Pickard. "October is a special time for our community, as we celebrate our loved ones and work to increase knowledge, understanding, and acceptance among the general public. This resolution sends a wonderful message to families like mine."
Read the full text of the resolution here.
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