TAKING THE 'DIS' OUT OF 'DISABILITY'
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Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky, Motivational Speaker
Disability Acceptance    Leadership & Resiliency
Diversity    Overcoming Adversity   Anti-Bullying

LATEST NEWS

Share my attitude.
Your challenges are your greatest gifts. If you shift your perspective.

Never allow someone's perception of you become YOUR reality.

It's all that you believe in yourself and the beauty of your dreams. 

Let YOUR star continue to shine.

I speak about values that transcend the audience. 

The development of independence and character, the importance of leadership and resiliency, and the transformation of dreams into reality. 

I take my audiences on a journey of self-discovery by sharing uplifting, insightful stories that encourage my audience members to find the hope, confidence, and motivation within and be encouraged to share their own talents with colleagues, peers, and family.

Let's see YOUR star shining brightly.

Develop Your Strategy & Goals.

Every audience is unique.

On one day, I can be speaking to an auditorium of middle school students. On another day, I can be sharing insights with pharmaceutical representatives or government officials at the United Nations.

That’s why we customize every one of our plans to fit your goals exactly. Whether it’s a small board room or a national conference, we’ll sit down with you, listen to your requests, and prepare a customized plan that will excite, engage, and inspire your audience.

Be the best.  Never settle for second best.

That is the Dr. Paul philosophy.
Televised news media and Red Carpet Interviews
by CBS News New York reporter Lisa Rozner, 23 October 2017.
3 R's Day (Respect, Reflect, & Resiliency) 
"Dr. Paul Wichansky talked about how he learned to walk, despite being born with cerebral palsy. 'The hardest part of learning how to walk is learning how to fall down,' Wichansky said."
ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood CA.  9 May 2009. 
Dr. Paul was a script consultant for the movie, Love 'N Dancing, starring Tom Malloy and Amy Smart.  Tom's character in the movie, Jake, is a motivational speaker with a hearing loss.  Dr. Paul ensured that Jake's disability is realistic on-screen.  He is listed in the movie's ending credits. 
Newspaper and Social Media Articles
by Alexandra Behn, CPP student in Corning, New York.  11 January 2019.
"[Dr. Paul] speaks to audiences about his life’s triumphs and frustrations to motivate and teach them the consequences of confidence, respect, and leadership."

Respect in Many Forms at Westfield Schools
by Russ Crespolini, Patch Staff. 11 October 2018.
"Dr. Paul Wichansky – who was born with cerebral palsy and hearing loss – talks about the transformative nature of kindness and the importance of positivity." 
by Mary Ann McGann, District Coordinator of Community Relations.  9 October 2018.
"Intermediate students at Edison and Roosevelt [Middle Schools] were treated to powerful presentations [by] Dr. Paul Wichansky, who was born with cerebral palsy and a hearing loss." 
Dr. Paul Wichansky Takes His Audiences on a Journey of Laughter and Tears
by Jay Gittleson, A Vision in Motion Speakers Bureau.  8 March 2018.
"[His students] marvel not only at how much Dr. Paul has overcome, but at the positive attitude that permeates his existence. It is contagious."
by Jay Gittleson, A Vision in Motion Speakers Bureau.  18 January 2018.
Includes photos from Novartis Pharmaceuticals keynote and Week of Respect assemblies 
"Among the interesting questions posed to him, “How can you be so positive every day?” Dr. Paul responded: “I don’t think it’s a question more than our choice in attitude."






Ability Awareness Initiatives: Haddon Heights NJ School District
2016-2017 Academic Year.
"Guest speaker Dr. Paul Wichansky, who spoke to the junior/senior high school students earlier in the day, delivered a powerful, humorous, and enlightening presentation on overcoming challenges. Dr. Paul's message is simple: when we allow our imagination and our realistic possibilities to soar, we can confidently leap over some of the most overwhelming hurdles that life throws at us."

27th annual Development Disabilities Awareness Day celebrated in Niagara Falls NY
Opening Conference Keynote, Developmental Disabilities
Niagara Frontier Publications, 22 May 2015.
"Dr. Paul S. Wichansky will give the opening keynote presentation, Taking the 'Dis' Out of Disability.  He is an anti-bullying and peer leadership advocate, meteorologist, and has earned a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.  Wichansky's speech will provide an insightful introspective of his own experiences growing up with cerebral palsy."



Motivational Speaker Shares Struggles and Successes with Disability
Disability Awareness Month Keynotes at Ramapo College
by Jessica Ross, The Ramapo News.  6 October 2014.
“People can change when they become educated about the differences we all share, and those differences should always be celebrated, never ridiculed." 

NJ.com web site, from the Messenger Gazette.  23 October 2013.
"Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School welcomed Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky for an assembly on avoiding negative peer pressure, being unique, and overcoming challenges. Dr. Wichansky, who has faced many obstacles in his life, gave a very motivational presentation to the SCVTHS community on overcoming disabilities and adversity to accept challenges."   [read online article]

New Jersey Herald, 19 October 2013.
"Dr. Paul Wichansky’s unforgettable presentation helped us kick off the Week of Respect and our new school year by fostering a culture where respect is celebrated and our students feel empowered to foster healthy friendships and positive attitudes.”   [read online article]










Invited to speak in all K-8 schools in Lewis County, Washington State.
by Erik Olson, The Daily Chronicle.  21 May 2005.
"Today, Wichansky, now 34 years old, can both stand and walk. He spoke to students from Boistfort and Pe Ell Friday morning for about 45 minutes about overcoming his disability, following his dreams and not teasing others because of their differences ... he will have given his presentation to 12 schools in Lewis County [in Washington State] before he leaves this weekend."  [read online article]












Home News Tribune
"His doctoral research evaluates the effects of historical land cover changes upon New Jersey's weather and climate. Paul has digitized maps of the land cover from the 1880s era and also of present-day land cover from satellites, and plans to feed each of these datasets into a computer model that simulates the atmosphere. He wants to see what potential changes in weather have since occurred when the state's land cover has been altered through urbanization and agricultural practices."   [read more]










"I always thought that [disabled people] have a horrible life, but now I know that when they think positive, they have a life as good as mine or even better."

Steve, 5th grader

"As a college professor for over 30 years, I've had hundreds of guest speakers in my classes: famous athletes, winning coaches, world-class experts, even the governor of the state! Only one of these speakers has ever received a standing ovation from my students: Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky. College students are appreciative; they are just a little reluctant to show it! Not so with Dr. Wichansky. He stole their hearts. For some, he changed their lives. How do I know? My students have told me, sometimes years later." 


Dr. Rob Gilbert, Montclair State University

"From the bottom of my heart, Dr. Paul, thank you. You gave me courage today, you gave me hope, and you made me smile again. Whenever I start to feel down about the world, it is incredibly comforting to know that people like you exist - that you are out there somewhere, taking chances and making dreams come true. I hope you know what a special person you are. There aren't too many Pauls on this planet. People like you are one in a million. But even if we can't all be Paul, we can still all be someone. And that is enough. That is more than enough. In truth, that is everything."
Emma, NJ high-school junior

"Paul's reflections on diversity and the unique abilities of individuals are captivating and are sure to leave an impression on even the hardest of hearts. Paul's story is not one you will soon forget."

Anthony Nugnes, Lowe's Companies, Inc.


The Key to Success

More newspaper articles have been published than I can count, but I never let that go to my head. I want the presentation to be about you!

Expert Team

Your presentation or keynote details will be handled by experts every time, ensuring the most enlightening and uplifting day possible for your audience. 

Quality Guaranteed

On the presentation day, Dr. Paul arrives at the venue much earlier so that event coordinators can avoid stress and concern, maximizing the day's impact.
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