Share my attitude.Your challenges are your greatest gifts. If you shift your perspective.
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.
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.
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."
Youth from cohort parishes come together to hear speaker's journey
by Rose O'Connor, 2 May 2018.
Published in the Trenton Monitor.
"From walking and forecasting the weather, to driving a car and jumping out of an airplane - and even meeting Billy Joel, whose song, Just the Way You Are, has become his website - Wichansky captivated the audience with his can-do attitude."
Novartis Hosts 10th Annual Disability Mentoring Day Headquarters of Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
by TapInto Madison Staff, 26 November 2017.
"You'll hit obstacles and need to go around or over to achieve your goals," said Novartis keynote speaker Dr. Paul Wichansky, a motivational speaker and author who was born with cerebral palsy and hearing loss. "Stay focused on positivity and hope. Do not give up; find another way to reach your goal."
by TapInto Madison Staff, 26 November 2017.
"You'll hit obstacles and need to go around or over to achieve your goals," said Novartis keynote speaker Dr. Paul Wichansky, a motivational speaker and author who was born with cerebral palsy and hearing loss. "Stay focused on positivity and hope. Do not give up; find another way to reach your goal."
Trooper Youth WeekNew Jersey State Police Academy. Sea Girt NJ.
About 250 New Jersey high-school seniors attend a week of structured boot camp each summer featuring simulated State Police training and tactics. For the past 10 years, Trooper Youth Week has featured Dr. Paul's program on resiliency, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. To date, he has shared his story with an estimated 2,600 high-school seniors. This year, in their Facebook post from 27 July 2018 (shared below), our State Police describe his contributions to the program over the past decade.
Growing Through Cerebral Palsy
a video interview, 20 June 2017
"Paul Stuart Wichansky, author and motivational speaker, on transforming a disability into special abilities through independence and with the help of friends and family."
a video interview, 20 June 2017
"Paul Stuart Wichansky, author and motivational speaker, on transforming a disability into special abilities through independence and with the help of friends and family."
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."
10th Annual central Nebraska Youth Conference
Special Education, 23 April 2015
"Dr. Paul Wichansky shared his inspirational message with everyone during the morning keynote and then continued his discussion with teachers. Students and teachers enjoyed opportunities to interact with Dr. Paul after his keynote message. [see photos]
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]
Rutgers grads mark milestone with pride
by Sharon Adarlo, The Star Ledger, 21 May 2008, page 31.
"For Paul Stuart Wichansky, walking has always been a struggle. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler and didn't learn to walk until he was 7 years old. At times, the disorder limited his mobility as a student at Rutgers' sprawling New Brunswick campus." [view online]
A thank-you note to David Hasselhoff
Generously published in the official autobiography of David Hasselhoff.
Generously published in the official autobiography of David Hasselhoff.
Debuted in bookstores September 2006 in the U.K.; May 2007 in the U.S.
Man uses humor to talk to students about cerebral palsy
by Mark Marotta, The Philadelphia Reporter, Page A3.
"Several doctors told Wichansky's mother that her son would never be able to walk. One physician with a more positive attitude said it might be possible, although it would take years. The 36-year-old said the fact that he was standing in front of the students was a dream come true." [read more]
by Mark Marotta, The Philadelphia Reporter, Page A3.
"Several doctors told Wichansky's mother that her son would never be able to walk. One physician with a more positive attitude said it might be possible, although it would take years. The 36-year-old said the fact that he was standing in front of the students was a dream come true." [read more]
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]
Mostly Sprawling and Warmer
by Kirk Johnson, New York Times cover story (in color!).
"Mr. Wichansky said that part of what he was looking for in his results were clues about how much of that warming effect was a result of atmospheric changes, and how much came from the ground. "The land cover change project may enable us to quantify how much of this warming may actually be due to changes in the land surface itself as a result of human modifications," he said." [read more]
Township man's life story serves as an example to pupils
by Jonathan Rifkin, Asbury Park Press, 20 June 2002.
"His varied stories of learning how to walk, relating to peers while growing up, and tirelessly pushing himself to follow his dreams and goals is presented with endless enthusiasm and energy. Stories about his childhood gave students insight into Wichansky's 'can do' attitude." [read more]
by Jonathan Rifkin, Asbury Park Press, 20 June 2002.
"His varied stories of learning how to walk, relating to peers while growing up, and tirelessly pushing himself to follow his dreams and goals is presented with endless enthusiasm and energy. Stories about his childhood gave students insight into Wichansky's 'can do' attitude." [read more]
Taking the "Dis" out of "Disability":
A Unique Speakers Bureau Specializes in Disability Awareness
by Dina Stein, ArcLight Magazine. Autumn 2002 issue.
"During the next hour, he had the audience enthralled as he told stories of his childhood in a wheelchair, of learning to walk, of falling over and over and pulling himself up to try again. Then he showed videos of himself as he is today, doing everything from skydiving to artistic painting. By the end of the presentation, the children were eager to share their personal dreams and wishes with him, eager to explore their own strengths and abilities." [click the page images below]
A Unique Speakers Bureau Specializes in Disability Awareness
by Dina Stein, ArcLight Magazine. Autumn 2002 issue.
"During the next hour, he had the audience enthralled as he told stories of his childhood in a wheelchair, of learning to walk, of falling over and over and pulling himself up to try again. Then he showed videos of himself as he is today, doing everything from skydiving to artistic painting. By the end of the presentation, the children were eager to share their personal dreams and wishes with him, eager to explore their own strengths and abilities." [click the page images below]
The Moment of a Lifetime
by Casey Catelli, Merrill Edge
"I left that room with tears in my eyes and determination in my mind. After that day, whenever I doubt myself, I think of Paul. He overcame so many obstacles set before him, and yet he turned out to be a knowledgeable and inspirational person. I now tell myself: if Paul can do it, I can too." [read more]
by Casey Catelli, Merrill Edge
"I left that room with tears in my eyes and determination in my mind. After that day, whenever I doubt myself, I think of Paul. He overcame so many obstacles set before him, and yet he turned out to be a knowledgeable and inspirational person. I now tell myself: if Paul can do it, I can too." [read more]
"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]
Access to Success:
A Dream, Motivation, and a Winning Attitude
by Paul Stuart Wichansky.
"Many physically-challenged people I have encountered have bright, bubbly personalities because they want others to recognize them for who they are. Many of their personalities are very much stronger, their voices all the more commanding, and their enthusiasm for life all the more contagious." [read more]
A Dream, Motivation, and a Winning Attitude
by Paul Stuart Wichansky.
"Many physically-challenged people I have encountered have bright, bubbly personalities because they want others to recognize them for who they are. Many of their personalities are very much stronger, their voices all the more commanding, and their enthusiasm for life all the more contagious." [read more]
"A Vision in Motion, a unique motivational speakers bureau, provided three inspirational people to share their stories. By dealing with the problems these speakers face in their daily lives, they shared how they work to create personal and world peace."
[NOTE: Paul Wichansky
was the only speaker from A Vision in Motion
that morning to earn a standing ovation from UN government representatives following his keynote.] [read more]
Perseverance and the Power of a Positive Attitude Personified
by Shannon Mullen, Asbury Park Press cover story.
"Wichansky, who has a Masters degree in meteorology, reads audiences as well as he does weather maps. He's not preachy or morose. Mostly, he tells funny stories." [read more]
He doesn't know the meaning of 'No' Student's indomitable spirit rises above physical limits, prejudice.
by Tia Swanson, Home News Tribune, 25 June 1995.
by Tia Swanson, Home News Tribune, 25 June 1995.
Mr. PMA, All The Way! (Positive Mental Attitude)
"Your friendly and open nature is simply magnetic, and it's easy to see how students, and people in general, are drawn to you. There are few people in this world who possess the God-given talent to single-handedly transform others' attitudes and perspectives in a positive way, and you, dear Paul, have undoubtedly been chosen to be one of them." [read full email to Paul]
"Your friendly and open nature is simply magnetic, and it's easy to see how students, and people in general, are drawn to you. There are few people in this world who possess the God-given talent to single-handedly transform others' attitudes and perspectives in a positive way, and you, dear Paul, have undoubtedly been chosen to be one of them." [read full email to Paul]
"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.
