By Mark X. Cronin 
Co-founder, John's Crazy Socks & Abilities Rising 

Last week, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report with some encouraging news: labor force participation among people with disabilities is rising. But as someone who works every day to build inclusive employment opportunities, I can tell you, the headline is only part of the story. 

Yes, participation is up. But even with those gains, only 28.8% of working-age New Yorkers with disabilities were in the labor force in 2024. That's less than half the rate of their nondisabled peers, and well below the national rate. 

In real terms, this means millions of capable, motivated individuals remain shut out of the workforce, not because they lack talent or desire, but because the systems around them aren't set up to include them. 

I've seen it firsthand. 

When my son John entered his last year at Huntington High School, he wanted to work. He has Down syndrome and was full of ideas and energy. But like so many others with a disability, he couldn't find a meaningful job. So, he did something different: he started a business. A natural entrepreneur, he came to me and said, "Dad, let's go into business together."  

That business,  John's Crazy Socks, became the world's largest sock store, with a mission to spread happiness and show what people with differing abilities can do. More than half of our colleagues have a disability. We've created jobs, donated over $800,000 to charity, and inspired others to believe in inclusion. 

Now, through our new venture, Abilities Rising, we're taking the next step by helping other entrepreneurs with disabilities start and grow their own businesses. Because we believe entrepreneurship must be part of the solution. 

Why Entrepreneurship Matters in This Moment 

The labor market is changing. Remote work and tighter hiring markets have opened new doors for people with disabilities, as Comptroller DiNapoli's report notes. That's progress, and we should celebrate it. 

But traditional employment alone won't close the opportunity gap. 

Too many people still face outdated assumptions, inaccessible workplaces, and a lack of flexibility. Entrepreneurship gives people the power to define their own future. It creates jobs not only for the founder but often for others in their community. It generates tax revenue, innovation, and social impact. 

And yet, New York does not do enough to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. 

There's no formal certification for disability-owned businesses, no state contracting set-asides as we have for women- or veteran-owned firms. There are few grants, little targeted technical assistance, and no cohesive strategy to unlock this talent pool. 

We can change that. 

The Conversation Is Starting, But We Need Action 

We have met with Assemblyman Steve Stern to discuss these issues.  Last week, we met withAssemblymanKwani O'Pharrow to discuss the DiNapoli report and the need to do more. It was an encouraging and thoughtful conversation. I'm grateful for leaders who are willing to listen and, more importantly, ready to act. 

We talked about entrepreneurship, certification, and what it would take to create a more inclusive economy, one that taps into the full potential of New Yorkers with disabilities. Because this isn't just a social issue, it's  an economic imperative. 

Let's Build an Ecosystem for Inclusive Entrepreneurship