Educational Clients

Diversity Awareness & Sensitivity

Program Goals

The transition from a public high school to a college campus was a particularly challenging time towards Paul's independence. By adjusting to the new-found freedoms, Paul made new friends and developed better relationships that enhanced his intellectual growth and self-confidence during his college years. His awareness programs deliver a fresh, contagious enthusiasm that has inspired and motivated both undergraduates and graduate students to consider academic, career, and personal choices that are in their own best interest, while encouraging them to share their uniqueness with others.

The series also educates students on the perspectives and realities of growing up with a physical challenge, allowing them to develop a better understanding of, and perhaps an appreciation for, people with disabilities. The speaker shares personal life experiences using humor, so students can identify and relate to activities and people within their own lives.

The best insights about Paul's college programs come from one of his many audience members, who is pursuing a degree in special education.

"It is extremely difficult to put into words how awesome Paul's program was! He is one of the best motivational speakers I have ever heard, and I will remember his inspirational words forever. All I can say is that he is an incredible person, with an incredible amount of courage and strength. He was fun to listen to and used humor to effectively discuss his disability; however, at times, it even brought tears to my eyes."

"Paul made me realize that I may have taken for granted things that he dreamed of, such as playing sports and being able to run. I do not even know Paul, yet am so proud of him as if he were my own brother! After seeing all of the accomplishments he has achieved, I am so much more excited about teaching students with disabilities and can not wait to pass along the encouragement to students who need it!" -- Erin McGlynn, Rider University student, February 2003

"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. Paul exudes a lot of positiveness in his approach to reaching his goals." "He 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, Paul! Thanks again for an enlightening experience!" -- Timothy Awujoola, Senior Manager, New Jersey Association for the Deaf-Blind, Somerset, N.J.

Character Education & Development

Program Goals

Models for college students ways in which respect, responsibility, honesty, and integrity can be used on a daily basis to improve relationships with one another at college, at their fraternity or sorority, and in the community. The program shows how students can develop these qualities while actively motivating themselves to set high standards, build upon their goals, and remain focused through hard work together with a genuine determination to succeed.

"I frequently run into his one-of-a-kind personality at the fitness center or at Old Man Rafferty’s, his favorite New Brunswick restaurant, and enjoy his upbeat attitude. Besides Paul's staggering walk or impaired hearing, his disability is completely masked by a radiant smile and unbelievable confidence." -- Christopher Kemph, Department of Exercise Science, Rutgers University My students were asked to write a reflection after the presentation, and all of them were glowing! I will forward a sample of them to you with a formal thank you letter, so you can have some individual feedback. I didn't have to look through the pile to choose the best ones, I just grabbed 5 and copied them. All of them were wonderful! Some students said it was one of the best experiences of their lives." -- Diane Giannola, Rider University professor, Lawrenceville, New Jersey Paul made me realize how disabilities do not hold opportunities back, but it just takes a different route to achieve the same outcome. People with disabilities are motivated and happy, goal-oriented at everything in life, while the rest of us are usually content to reach a certain level and then stop achieving for more." -- John Leyua, college course on Movement of Individuals with Disabilities Paul's story and self-presentation are delightfully inspiring. My students received him with enthusiasm. His presentation would also be relevant for younger students in the schools." -- Judith Diamondstone, Ed.D, Harvard University, Cultural Diversity, Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University

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Overcoming Adversity

Program Goals

A captivating program presented by a speaker who has overcome cerebral palsy with the goal of inspiring young people to do the very best they can when faced with their own adversity. College and graduate students are encouraged and, by example, shown how to accept their own challenges as among the greatest gifts that they have received in life.

Paul uses his own life experiences as examples to inspire students to learn from their mistakes and failures, and in the process, helps them realize that their chosen career may already be waiting for them!

"Paul's program reminds us of how determined and hardworking people with disabilities can be and still maintain a positive attitude despite their hardships." -- Mara Trevedi, college course in Movement of Individuals with Disabilities "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." -- Lauren, 8th Grader, Upper Freehold Middle School, Allentown, N.J.

Faculty & Staff Training
Graduation Keynotes

Workshop Goals

In his faculty and staff training workshops, Paul discusses the tenets of passing along to college students certain qualities that allow them to become leaders within their communities. His other innovative workshops can focus upon strategies to deliver exciting, informative course lectures to students, based upon his own academic experiences and perceptions while attending a small college within a large university for 13 years.

Paul is presently a Ph.D candidate at Rutgers University.

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." -- Paula Little, Parent of Barnegat students

Scheduling All Programs & Workshops

If you need confidence in the quality of Paul's programs, you can preview the online video of his life story, including selected keynotes and testimonials from principals, teachers, and students. The video can be started by clicking on the Video button on the right, or by clicking here. The video preview is ideal for DSL/Cable/High-Speed internet connections.

To schedule any college or university program or faculty development workshop presented by Paul Stuart Wichansky, please contact a representative of his speakers bureau, A Vision in Motion, at www.avisioninmotion.com. Click on the Colleges menu option.

Program Titles

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Participating Colleges & Universities

The colleges and universities that have participated in Paul's Disability Awareness & Character Development Program Series are listed below. Villanova University deserves special mention, since Paul delivered the keynote address to 7,000 athletes, coaches, and parents at the 2001 Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Colleges and universities in other states are also invited to participate in The Disability Awareness & Character Development Program Series.

State	College Name
New Jersey	Cook College, Rutgers University college course Department of Exercise Science
New Jersey	Montclair State University course in Sport Psychology invitation by Dr. Rob Gilbert
New Jersey	Rider University undergraduate students and faculty Course on Cognitive Disabilities
New Jersey	Graduate School of Education, Rutgers U. graduate course Cultural Diversity
Pennsylvania	Villanova University keynote speaker 2001 Special Olympics Fall Festival

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Participating Professional Conferences

Town & State	School or Organization Name
Atlantic City, N.J.	NJEA Teacher Conventions professional development workshops
East Windsor, N.J.	Statewide Parents Advocacy Network professional development workshops
Florham Park, N.J.	Morris County Education Association teacher certification workshops
New York City	Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
New York City	United Nations

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