Biography

Through his words and actions, Paul S. Wichansky can be described as "inspiration personified." Embarking on an ambitious journey to conquer the effects of cerebral palsy, Paul has delivered thousands of motivational programs that inspire his audiences to look beyond a person's disabilities to understand and appreciate one's capabilities. By sharing his personal experiences with humor, and encouraging students to ask questions that can help positively shape their understanding of people with disabilities, Paul tries to instill a sense of hope, energy, and inspiration that motivates his audiences to realize their own goals and dreams.

During his inspirational program series, Paul describes some of the memorable experiences in his life that have allowed him to realize his simple dream of learning to walk. He wants to help college students and administrators develop their respect and understanding for others who may appear to be different than they are, essential for creating a truly diverse campus. His uplifting stories help students bridge the gap that always seems to separate the word, "normal," from "disabled." He also adds that if you are searching for a depressing program, which can be assumed for a person with this disability, Paul apologizes, since he does not offer one and never has. His main objective is to get students smiling at feeling good about themselves.

Twenty-seven years later, Paul has since delivered over 2500 motivational programs to hundreds of thousands of children and teens, parents, teachers, and college students. He has captivated high-school students at peer leadership conferences, motivated thousands of athletes and coaches at the Special Olympics, and inspired government representatives at the United Nations. His video emphasizes a true testament to the unrelenting power of courage and unconditional love, shared through his experiences and feelings of self-criticism, frustration, reflection, humor, joy, and, ultimately, triumph.

Paul's recent letter to actor David Hasselhoff offers unique insights into his captivating college programs and keynotes. The letter explains how the Knight Rider television series made Paul understand (at an early age) that each of us can be heroes - in other words, ordinary people who triumph over extraordinary circumstances - like our favorite television characters did each week. David responded to Paul's letter, asking him if he can include the inspirational letter in his memoirs, titled "Don't Hassel the Hoff." The author of David's biography, Peter Thompson, writes to Paul: "In answer to your question, your letter was chosen for publication in David's book because it embodies the spirit of the Knight Rider slogan in a very powerful and evocative way. We are printing it in its entirety at the end of the text as an inspiration to others." This letter is published in David's book, pp. 273-278.

Click here to read Paul's heartfelt letter to David. We are also sharing a sample of reader comments here.

Paul's speaking resume includes students at the New Jersey State Police Academy as well as undergraduate and graduate students at Rutgers University, Cook College, Rider University, Kean University, Ramapo College, Montclair State University, Wheaton College, and Villanova University. Since 1998, his disability awareness workshops have been requested by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) at their annual teacher conventions in Atlantic City. Invited by former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman to discuss his experiences during an individualized education program (IEP) development conference, Paul has captivated students and teachers alike in nineteen U.S. states, including California, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Washington State, and Massachussetts.

Since college, Paul has been fascinated by meteorology and environmental science (he has earned his Ph.D from Rutgers). He is a published author, with guest columns in magazines, newspapers, and even books. Recently, Paul has authored a full chapter of the book, "New Jersey's Environments: Past, Present, and Future," edited by Rutgers historian Neil Maher. His chapter describes how documented land cover changes in New Jersey and the region have likely influenced the state's weather and climate, including potential changes to surface air and dewpoint temperatures, clouds, rainfall patterns, and even the strength of the sea breeze. Click here to order the book directly from the publisher (Rutgers University Press); Click here to order a hardcover edition from www.amazon.com! In addition, his doctoral research was prominently splashed onto the front page of the New York Times, with a full color photograph!

His 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.

Delighted Clients

Program Titles

Testimonials

"As a college professor for over 30 years, I've had hundreds of guests 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: 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. Wichansky has spoken in several of my classes and, every single time, it was an amazing event. He is a remarkable speaker and even a more remarkable person. Dr. Wichansky is easily the best speaker in America." -- Rob Gilbert, Ph.D., Professor of Sport Psychology, Montclair State University

"I appreciate your dedication to community service and [the] outstanding contributions you have made to the quality of life in your community. You should take pride in your accomplishment." -- Bill Bradley, former New Jersey senator

"Paul's attitude to life, his testimonies, and his sense of humor brought me to a new realization of who I am and who I am really supposed to be. The stories of how he navigated the challenges of his life produced the needed turning point in my own personal life. He exudes a lot of positiveness in his approach to reaching his goals. Paul colored every path of his ways with humor which generates instant attraction to his manner and style. I have to go to some quiet place and bump myself into this kind of lifestyle. It's a good key to reaching my goal quickly, to live in peace, and to get rid of the stresses in my life and also in the lives of people around me." -- Timothy Awujoola, Senior Manager, New Jersey Association for the Deaf-Blind, Somerset, New Jersey

"Paul, your keynote address provided a shining example to our athletes -- and to all of us -- of what individuals can accomplish when they focus on developing their gifts and talents. This is a lesson that our incredible athletes and dedicated volunteers have learned through their involvement with Special Olympics."

"Your inspiring personal story went a long way in reinforcing this valuable message! In just a few minutes, you were able to take the stage and form an immediate and unique bond with the 1,000 athletes gathered in the Pavilion. I hope you enjoyed the experience as much as all of your spectators did." -- Janine M. Cesare, President, Special Olympics Pennsylvania at Villanova University

"Paul, you are amazing! That is the only way I can sum up how quickly you have made me laugh and feel so inspired. Your stories are fantastic and loaded with such insight, passion, and humor! You are one of the most unique and truly amazing new friends I have ever made. I brag about you constantly to my other friends and family, and can't wait until you get to meet them all. Anytime, seriously anytime, you want to get together again, and grab some food, or just hang out as friends you let me know. By the way, your writing is impeccable. I can't remember last time I wrote so much without having to do it for college! See how you yet again inspire. I need to add that your unique BMW is just too amazing! You seriously have a (pimp) ride." -- Keith Grabowsky, Rutgers University

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