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
News Articles


Televised News Media and Video Clips


Televised News Media and Video Clips


Televised News Media and Video Clips

Motivational Speaker Makes a Difference

Video Interview of Paul Wichansky, PhD

NYU class in broadcast journalism, by Matthew Sockol.

"Create a video of an inspiring person at location meaningful to him or her."

April 2022.

Video created at Laura Donovan School, Freehold Township NJ.

Motivational Speaker Makes a Difference

Video Interview of Paul Wichansky, PhD

NYU class in broadcast journalism.

"Create a video of an inspiring person at a location meaningful to him or her."

April 2022.

Motivational Speaker Makes a Difference

Video Interview of Paul Wichansky, PhD

NYU class in broadcast journalism.

"Create a video of an inspiring person at a location meaningful to him or her."

April 2022.

Transforming Obstacles Into Opportunities

Video Podcast Interview of Dr. Paul Wichansky

Season 5, Ep 4: B-Inspired Video Podcast.

October 2021.

Transforming Obstacles Into Opportunities

Video Podcast Interview.

Season 5, Ep 4: B-Inspired Video Podcast.

October 2021.

TED Talk, Taking the "Dis" out of "Disability"

Dr. Paul Wichansky, Disability Keynote Speaker


TED Talk, Taking the "Dis" out of "Disability"

Dr. Paul Wichansky, Disability Keynote Speaker


Speaker inspires high-school seniors

Trooper Youth Week (TYW), 24 July 2019.

by New Jersey State Police. 

youth motivational speaker anti-bullying  growth and resilience

TYW speaker inspires high-school seniors (video)
Trooper Youth Week (TYW), 24 July 2019.
by New Jersey State Police.

by CBS News NY 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."
Sharing my perspective on disability awareness and acceptance.
I describe how our own challenges can be our greatest gifts. This disability has instilled in me the courage and perseverance to lead a confident, fulfilling life in the face of adversity.

TYW speaker Dr. Paul Wichansky inspires high-school seniors 
Trooper Youth Week (TYW) program 
from 24 July 2019.
NJ State Police Public Information Office.
Facebook video post from 7 August 2019.

video uploaded to the official Facebook page of the New Jersey State Police 
over 12K views and 330 "likes"


New Jersey Students Get Life Lessons    

by CBS News NY 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. 
News Article Excerpts
Click the blue underlined text to read full article.

Freehold Township motivational speaker publishes first book

News Transcript at CentralJersey.com  Freehold Township NJ

by Matthew Sockol, Staff Writer

11 November 2022.

"My book -- Yes I Can! -- can assist parents of special needs kids and with teens and young adults having physical, mental or emotional health issues.  I used to be a special needs kid myself, so I have written it from that perspective,” Wichansky said. Americans

Freehold Native is Finalist in National Award for Hearing Loss

Patch Freehold NJ

by Catarina Moore, Patch Staff.

30 November 2021.

"Removing the first three letters from the word 'disability' creates the more uplifting 'ability,'" Paul said. "That is important in our lives. It's what we can do. Sure, our disabilities may make it more difficult for us to reach goals, but a positive attitude can often move us in that direction only if we persevere." Americans

Newspaper and Online Articles

Click the blue underlined text to read full article.

Asbury Park Press
by Melissa Badamo, Community Change.  24 August 2020.
"She also hosted socially distant events in her backyard [including] a visit from Dr. Paul Wichansky, a motivational speaker who spreads awareness of diversity, disabilities and acceptance."

Freehold Township motivational speaker publishes first book

News Transcript at CentralJersey.com  Freehold Township NJ

by Matthew Sockol, Staff Writer

11 November 2022.

"My book -- Yes I Can! -- can assist parents of special needs kids and with teens and young adults having physical, mental or emotional health issues.  I was a special needs kid myself, so I have written it from that perspective,” Wichansky said. Americans

8-year-old Marlboro girl begins a 'Diversity Library'

Asbury Park Press

by Melissa Badamo, Community Change.  24 August 2020.

"She also hosted socially distant events in her backyard [including] a visit from Dr. Paul Wichansky, a motivational speaker who spreads awareness of diversity, disabilities and acceptance."
Freehold, NJ Patch
by Rosalie Avin.  3 August 2020.
"Dr. Paul's personal stories enhanced the lessons learned in the reading.  He talked about facing his disabilities as well as bullying and forgiveness."
Morris Plains students hear story of man who rejected "I Can't!"
MorristownGreen.com 
by Tyler Barth, Writer.  19 November 2019.
"His dad’s tough love helped him get on his feet; Wichansky credits his mother Barbara’s hard work, upbeat attitude and refusal to quit with getting him where he is today."-- Morris County NJ student
NJ Week of Respect Programs
The Coast Star, Cover Story.
by Scott Yunker, Writer at The Coast Star.  10 October 2019.
"He taught kids that they can rise above whatever they are facing. He did a good job of pointing out the need to be tolerant of others who cannot achieve their goals right away. " -- Beth O'Reilly, school counselor

Former pupil returns to school with message for children to follow their dreams

Freehold NJ News Transcript

by Matthew Sokol, Staff Writer at CentralJersey.com  14 May 2019.

"You are quite a remarkable young man for not only meeting your challenges head on, but exceeding far beyond in all that you do. I think it’s a wonderful gift of kindness that you care to share your story with the youth of today and for many to bring hope and reassurance of what their tomorrows can be.”
by Alexandra Behn, CPP student in Corning, New York.  11 January 2019.

Video testimony from high-school assistant principal
[Dr. Paul] speaks to audiences about his life’s triumphs and frustrations to motivate and teach them the consequences of confidence, respect, and leadership.

Book Review of  Dr. Paul Wichansky's "Yes I Can!"

by Thomas Anderson and Karen Almeida

LITERARY TITAN Professional Book Review

6 March 2023.

"His life is testimony enough that no matter how difficult things may appear and how many obstacles you may have to overcome, you can still live an accomplished life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, '…that optimism can become your access to success.' This phrase makes a good inspirational quote that will keep many readers going."

Freehold Township motivational speaker publishes first book

The News Transcript at CentralJersey.com  Freehold NJ

by Matthew Sockol, Staff Writer

11 November 2022.

"My book -- Yes I Can! -- can assist parents of special needs kids and with teens and young adults having physical, mental or emotional health issues.  I was a special needs kid myself, so I have written it from that perspective,” Wichansky said. Americans

Freehold Native is Finalist in National Award for Hearing Loss

Patch Freehold NJ

by Catarina Moore, Patch Staff.

30 November 2021.

"Removing the first three letters from the word 'disability' creates the more uplifting 'ability,'" Paul said. "That is important in our lives. It's what we can do. Sure, our disabilities may make it more difficult for us to reach goals, but a positive attitude can often move us in that direction only if we persevere." Americans

Motivational Speaker Gives Inspirational Virtual School Assembly to Students in West Caldwell

TapInto West Essex NJ

by Liliana Swanson, 10-year-old aspiring writer.

27 March 2021.

"It was very inspirational and now I'm motivated to do nicer things and stand up for those who are being bullied. I hope that in the future people will learn to be as kind as Dr. Paul and accept people the way they are." including Asian Americans

Honoring Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky for an Inspiring 40-year Career Educating Others about Disabilities

SenatorGopal.com 

Press Release from the office of NJ District 11 Senator Vin Gopal. 

9 September 2020.

“Dr. Wichansky is a renowned motivational speaker who was born with cerebral palsy and a hearing loss. A lifelong Freehold Township resident, he has overcome these challenges and continues to share his story of courage and resilience — always with humor — during a speaking career totaling 7,600 school assemblies and conference keynotes in New Jersey and nationwide,” said Gopal (D-Long Branch).  -- NJ student

8-year-old Marlboro girl begins a 'Diversity Library'

Asbury Park Press

by Melissa Badamo, Community Change. 

24 August 2020.

"She also hosted socially distant events in her backyard [including] a visit from Dr. Paul Wichansky, a motivational speaker who spreads awareness of diversity, disabilities and acceptance."

Celebrating Acceptance with Madison's Books

Freehold, NJ Patch

by Rosalie Avin, Neighbor. 

3 August 2020.

"Dr. Paul's personal stories enhanced the lessons learned in the reading.  He talked about facing his disabilities as well as bullying and forgiveness."

Morris Plains students hear story of man who rejected "I Can't!"

MorristownGreen.com 

by Tyler Barth, Guest Contributor. 

19 November 2019.

"His dad’s tough love helped him get on his feet; Wichansky credits his mother Barbara’s hard work, upbeat attitude and refusal to quit with getting him where he is today." -- NJ student
Morris Plains students hear story of man who rejected "I Can't!"
MorristownGreen.com 
by Tyler Barth, Guest Contributor.  19 November 2019.
"His dad’s tough love helped him get on his feet; Wichansky credits his mother Barbara’s hard work, upbeat attitude and refusal to quit with getting him where he is today."

Brielle Elementary students hear a lesson in respect

NJ Week of Respect Programs

The Coast Star, Cover Story.

by Scott Yunker, Writer at The Coast Star. 

10 October 2019.

"He taught kids that they can rise above whatever they are facing. He pointed out the need to be tolerant of others who cannot achieve their goals right away. He did talk about his disability, but it was more about empowering kids and teaching them to do the best they can." -- Beth O'Reilly, school counselor

Former pupil returns to school with message for children to follow their dreams

Freehold NJ News Transcript.

by Matthew Sokol, Staff Writer at CentralJersey.com  14 May 2019.

Beverly Pagels, who taught Dr. Wichansky in second grade, spoke about Wichansky’s drive and determination, which she credited with helping him become the man he is today. She said Wichansky would not ask for help and if he fell down, he would act as if he had been tripped.

After the assembly, Wichansky received a note from Pagels in which she told him, “You are quite a remarkable young man for not only meeting your challenges head on, but exceeding far beyond in all that you do. I think it’s a wonderful gift of kindness that you care to share your story with the youth of today and for many to bring hope and reassurance of what their tomorrows can be. Always so proud of you.”

Hawk Day: News at Corning Painted-Post H igh School

by Alexandra Behn, CPP student in Corning, New York.  11 January 2019.

Video testimony from high-school assistant principal

[Dr. Paul] speaks to audiences about his life’s triumphs and frustrations to motivate and teach them the consequences of confidence, respect, and leadership.
NJ Week of Respect Programs
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.
NJ Week of Respect Programs
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.
NJ Week of Respect Programs
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.

NJ Schools Observe Week of Respect

NJ Week of Respect Programs

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.

Novartis Hosts 10th Disability Mentoring Day

Keynote Speaker, 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."
Keynote Speaker, 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."
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