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 questions that can help positively shape an 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.

Starting his public speaking career when he was just ten years old, Paul has since delivered his motivational programs to hundreds of thousands of children, teens, and professionals around the country. Besides his 27 years of experience hosting programs at K-12 schools, colleges, and teacher conventions, Paul has delivered keynotes to professionals in the education, medical, and human services fields. He has captivated thousands of athletes and coaches at the Special Olympics, inspired government representatives at The United Nations, and motivated federal agents of the U.S. Customs and Department of Homeland Security. His interactive workshops focus upon culturally important topics such as disability and multicultural awareness, employee productivity, human resource seminars, and sensitivity training.

Born with ataxic cerebral palsy, Paul's weak leg muscles prevented him from learning to walk unassisted until he was seven years old. He went through intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy over the years to strengthen his leg muscles and improve motor and hand-to-eye coordination, participating in sports, fitness training, and even skydiving and scuba diving! He was fortunate to be mainstreamed in his education, having earned both undergraduate and Masters degrees in meteorology. He is presently a Ph.D candidate at Rutgers University and his environmental science research has been published in peer-reviewed journals.

Paul's recent letter to actor David Hasselhoff offers unique insights into his captivating workshops 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 Making Waves, which has been published in Europe. Making Waves will eventually be released in the United States early next year, and Paul's letter remains the only fan letter that David has included in his autobiography!

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 undergraduate and graduate students at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 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 professionals alike in seventeen U.S. states, including California, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Washington State, Virginia, Florida, and Indiana.

Since college, Paul has been fascinated by meteorology and environmental science (he is a candidate for the doctorate degree). As the first George H. Cook Graduate Scholar, he is also 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. 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!

A champion motivational speaker in front of any audience, Paul Stuart Wichansky's own life experiences are a true testament to the unrelenting power of courage and unconditional love, shared through his experiences and feelings of self-criticism, reflection, humor, joy, and, ultimately, triumph. Let Paul help your audience understand that the only real handicaps we have are those we create for ourselves.

Workshop Descriptions

The overarching themes of Paul's Access to Success motivational workshop emulate the core qualities of teamwork and communication that describe the philosophy of any successful company or organization. From small local optimist clubs to national and regional professional conferences, Paul captivates his audiences by sharing common experiences that offer a fresh new perspective when a dream, motivation, and a winning attitude are embraced simultaneously.

Delighted Clients

Testimonials

"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."

"God Bless You! Thanks again for an enlightening experience!" -- 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

Additional client testimonials

Paul also includes a link to many testimonials from his middle and high school programs, which are instructive and particularly insightful. A worthwhile visit!
Middle & High School Testimonials

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