John’s Crazy Socks has introduced a new charity sock: Law Syndrome Socks. These were designed and made in a joint effort with the National Down Syndrome Society and their Campaign to End Law Syndrome. Simply put, Down syndrome is not the problem, Law Syndrome is. People with Down syndrome and other disabilities have a right to meaningful work where they can contribute, pay taxes and have fulfilling careers like everyone else. Unfortunately, antiquated laws make people with disabilities choose between a job and independence or critical benefits like savings accounts and Medicaid.
These socks come in red with black trim and black with red trim and call out Law Syndrome. John says, “We need to stand up for the rights of all people. We need to stand against Law Syndrome and these socks are our part in that fight.” John’s Crazy Socks donates $2 from every pair sold to the National Down Syndrome Society to support their campaign to end Law Syndrome.
Sara Weir, the President of NDSS, writes in an essay, “The current system is marked by obsolete laws and discourages all people with Down syndrome from fulfilling their professional potential. NDSS is leading this historic national effort by showcasing to the world that Down syndrome doesn’t stop people with Down syndrome – it’s Law Syndrome that holds them back.”
If a person with disabilities earns more than $16,000, he or she will lose her SSI benefits and Medicaid coverage. The ABLE Act allowed a person with disabilities to save up to $14,000 per year and still qualify for benefits, but that is not enough. NDSS is leading the effort to overturn these laws so that people with disabilities can earn more and save more.
NDSS is working with Congressional Leaders who have formed a working group to address the laws and regulations that hold back people with disabilities, that prevent them from obtaining meaningful and productive work. The working group is led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), a proud mother of her son Cole, who has Down syndrome; Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), a proud father of his son, Alex, with Down syndrome who works at Home Depot; Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.); Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.); and Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), a proud father of his son, Livingston, with Fragile X. They are committed to working with their Congressional colleagues to change the laws so that people with disabilities can perform meaningful work and retain their benefits. They want to make it easier for those with disabilities to find work and contribute and remove the barriers to work.
At John’s Crazy Socks, we believe that everyone has the right to contribute, to find and perform meaningful work. All people need an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do. Every day, John does this and our colleagues with disabilities show they can do quality work. Their contribution to our business help make us a success. All employers will benefit if they assess job candidates based on what they can do, not their limitations.
John went to Washington to meet with legislators as part of the NDSS Law Syndrome kick off. He met with Representative Peter King as well as staff from Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and staff from Representative Tom Suozzi. John and over 100 other self-advocates spoke up on behalf of all people with disabilities. And John appears in an ad made by NDSS to fight Law Syndrome.
Click here to learn more about the campaign to end Law Syndrome and you can learn more about the National Down Syndrome Society here. If you want to see or purchase our Law Syndrome Socks, you can purchase them here.
