October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the abilities, accomplishments, and contributions of people with Down syndrome. This month is an opportunity for everyone to learn more, spread awareness, and promote inclusion. For us at John’s Crazy Socks, this month holds special significance—our co-founder, John Cronin, is a successful entrepreneur with Down syndrome, and his story is a testament to the incredible potential that people with differing abilities can achieve. And part of our mission is to show what people with Down syndrome and all people with differing abilities can do when given an opportunity.
John says, “I have Down syndrome, Down syndrome never holds me back.”
The History of Down Syndrome Awareness Month
The United States officially recognized October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the 1980s, thanks to advocacy efforts by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and other organizations. Their goal was simple yet powerful: raise public awareness about Down syndrome and highlight the valuable roles people with Down syndrome play in our communities.
By dedicating a whole month to education and celebration, Down Syndrome Awareness Month helps change perceptions. It encourages conversations about the importance of inclusion and empowers individuals with Down syndrome to take pride in who they are.
The Importance of Down Syndrome Awareness Month
This month is about much more than just awareness—it's about advocacy, acceptance, and love. People with Down syndrome, like everyone else, have their own dreams, talents, and contributions to make. By promoting understanding and inclusion, we can break down the barriers that people with differing abilities may face, whether at work, school, or in daily life.
At John’s Crazy Socks, we live this message every day. More than half of our employees have a differing ability, and we proudly show that inclusion makes us stronger. When you buy socks from us, you’re not just getting a fun pair of socks—you’re helping provide meaningful work opportunities and advocating for inclusion. You’re spreading happiness.
John Cronin: An Entrepreneur with Down Syndrome
John Cronin, the co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer of John’s Crazy Socks, is living proof that Down syndrome doesn't hold anyone back. In 2016, John teamed up with his father, Mark X. Cronin, to launch a business rooted in joy, creativity, and purpose. John has always loved colorful socks, and together, they turned that passion into the world’s largest sock store!
John’s Crazy Socks started as a small operation, selling fun and quirky socks, but it quickly grew into something more—an enterprise that spreads happiness and empowers people of all abilities. From creating the first-ever Down Syndrome Awareness Socks, which donate a portion of every sale to the NDSS, to launching awareness socks for Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and other causes, John is showing the world what’s possible.
How John’s Crazy Socks Supports the Down Syndrome Community
At John’s Crazy Socks, supporting the Down syndrome community is at the core of what we do. Here are some of the ways we make a difference:
Creating Jobs for People with Differing Abilities: More than half of our team members have differing abilities, including people with Down syndrome. We believe in showcasing their abilities, not limitations, and providing meaningful employment.
Awareness and Donations: Through our Down Syndrome Awareness Socks, we raise both awareness and funds for organizations like the NDSS and ACDS, a New York organization that provides services for the Down syndrome community. These socks, designed by John himself, celebrate the contributions of people with Down syndrome, and a portion of the sales goes directly to support Down syndrome programs. John is now a board member of the NDSS.
Advocacy Work: Since their business attracts attention, John and Mark use that platform to advocate for people with Down syndrome. They have spoken at the United Nations, testified twice before the U.S. Congress and recorded two TEDx talks. They often meet with legislators to promote policies benefiting people with Down syndrome.
Promoting Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome: John’s Crazy Socks supports other businesses led by people with Down syndrome. Every holiday season they sell a Down Syndrome Super Box it includes items from 21 different businesses owned by people with Down syndrome. On their weekly podcast - The Spreading Happiness Podcast with John and Mark - our cofounders highlight a business of the week to bring attention to other businesses led by people with different abilities like Collettey’s Cookies in Boston, Gabi’s Grounds in North Carolina and Blake’s Snow Shack in Texas.
Giving Back Program: We’ve donated more than $750,000 to various charities, including the NDSS, ACDS, Special Olympics, and the Autism Society of America. When you purchase socks from us, you help fuel our mission to support these important causes.
Join Us in Spreading Happiness During Down Syndrome Awareness Month
As we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Every pair of socks you buy from John’s Crazy Socks helps support inclusion, provides jobs for people with differing abilities, and funds important advocacy work. Together, we can continue to spread happiness, raise awareness, and show the world what people with Down syndrome can achieve.
Explore our Down Syndrome Awareness Socks and other fun designs at John’s Crazy Socks, and help us make the world a more inclusive, happier place—one pair of socks at a time!
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $750,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, we are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
