JustTheWayYouAre.com, Motivational Speakers on Disability Awareness and Character Education: K-12 School Programs

The Disability Awareness & Character Development Lecture Series

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K-12 Program Topics	Professional Development, Keynotes
Educational Clients	Overcoming Adversity
Disability Awareness	Scheduling Programs
Character Development	Participating K-12 Schools

Knowledge about others breeds a world of understanding, a spirit of tolerance, and a future of hope. Paul S. Wichansky presents a very personal and uplifting story that will help students develop a deep respect for those who have disabilities. This is primarily a character education program which emphasizes the power of a positive attitude, with the background theme of overcoming challenges. Students will become educated on life's perceptions and possibilities.

"I wanted you to know that you touched me in a way that no one has ever done before. You delivered your speech so well, and the example you used about the wall with the nails really hit home with me. What you said is very true: when someone is teased, it's like driving a nail through their heart. No matter how much someone can apologize, the hole from that person will always be there.

Paul, you are an angel sent to inspire people and open as many eyes as you possibly can. I look up to you, respect you, and admire you. Thank you for everything you did for me today. I will never forget you." -- Jaimie, 10th Grader, Oak Ridge, N.J.

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.

This page describes the topics, goals, and highlights of the K-12 programs presented by motivational speaker Paul Stuart Wichansky.

K-12 Program Topics

Disability Awareness

Character Education & Development

Peer Leadership

Interpersonal Communication

Overcoming Adversity

Self-esteem Enhancement

Emotional Intelligence

Anti-Bullying Strategies

Parent Workshops

Professional Development Workshops

Instructional Training Seminars

Keynotes

School Health Fairs

Counseling Visits with Families

Career Days

K-12 Educational Clients

New Jersey Education Association (since 1998)

Morris County Education Association

United Nations, Special Session on Children

Special Olympics Pennsylvania

Statewide Parents Advocacy Network (SPAN)

New Jersey Association of County Disability Services, Inc.

Jr. Teens in the Garden State (TIGS)

Office of Disability Services, Atlantic County

Prevention First, N.J. Coalition on Disabilities and Addictions

Prevention Links, Strengthening Communities through Substance Abuse Education

Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey

Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey

First Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum, New York City

Lewis County Special Education Cooperative (Washington State)

Disability Awareness

The Defining Principles

How many times have you walked into a supermarket, a restaurant, a movie theater, a mall -- any public place -- to see and interact with others who have their own challenges? When this experience happens to a young child, their curiosity is first aroused before questions pop into their heads. They become likely to inquire with their parents as to why that person is that way, evidently seeking an increased awareness of those who have disabilities!

To help foster intellectual growth of students, school districts should also integrate a disability awareness and sensitivity program into their K-12 curriculum that does not merely serve as an "add-on" to their existing curricula. The program series becomes an excellent tool for developing an awareness and understanding of how people with disabilities can often lead active, positive lives. Paul Stuart Wichansky shares his personal experiences about growing up with cerebral palsy, encouraging students to talk openly about the questions they have, and the people they know, that also have their own disabilities.

The Disability Awareness Program Series also helps students learn new thinking skills as they examine how various social environments can affect those with disabilities in positive and negative ways. Often, the way that their own friends and family respond to people with disabilities can influence their own personality in subtle ways as well.

Taking the "Dis" out of "Disability"

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. Paul Wichansky shares personal life experiences using humor, so students can identify and relate to activities and people within their own lives. This places a human face upon the disability and reduces its negative perception.

"I always thought that disabled people led horrible lives, but now I know that when they think positive, they have a life as good as mine or even better." -- Steve, 5th Grader, Franklin School, Summit, N.J.

"Using powerful imagery, Paul explained how the pain of negative words never really goes away. Paul's message taught the students that everyone has something wonderful to offer. We all have special gifts inside waiting to be shared. Kindness and understanding can help those gifts be revealed." -- Noreen Daniel, PTA President, Califon School, Califon, N.J.

"Paul really won over his audience. At first, the students were uncomfortable because they didn't know what to expect, but soon he had them smiling and interacting. They truly saw him as an interesting, bright young man who happens to have a disability and not solely as a handicapped person. It was excellent!� -- Donna Marrows, 3rd Grade Teacher, Swimming River Elementary School, Tinton Falls, N.J.

Character Education & Development

The Defining Principles

Character education is the pursuit of knowledge and the development of skills by students so that they can learn to make informed and responsible choices. This must involve an educational partnership between educators, administrators, and parents that emphasizes the responsibilities and rewards of productive living within a diverse community.

Character development is thus the heart of achievement: it can be earning an A on the next math test (academics); playing in the championship basketball game (athletics); or even building new friendships (self-esteem). JustTheWayYouAre.com seeks to strengthen the cognitive areas of the learning process by integrating the teaching of values, character education, positive self-esteem, multicultural awareness and sensitivity, discipline, and critical thinking skills that are essential throughout the K-12 school curriculum and beyond.

"Hello, Paul! Today you visited my high school and delivered a motivational program. Usually, our assemblies are boring and I sleep through them, but I barely shut my eyes with yours. At first, I have to admit, it was because of your disability, but then as I was listening, what you had to say really caught my attention and I forgot all about the disability. I strongly agree, now, that we cause our own problems and that no matter what life throws our way, if we have a good attitude we can overcome it. And I see things this way because of you. I don't have any type of disabilities, but I've hit quite of few bumps along the road and it's because of you that I see I can get over them and live my life fully. On Friday, a very close friend of mine passed away and everyone was greatly affected, but you're speech made everyone smile, including myself, even if it was only for that hour of time we spent together. I just wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to life and for making me smile during such a depressing time." -- Angelina, student

"You ended your program by saying you don't care if we forget you, just don't forget the message, that the message is more important then the messenger. I now think i can argue that, without you being the messenger, the message would not have been the same." -- Tasha, 8th Grader

By sharing his personal experiences, complemented with insightful commentary, Paul's program helps students develop a greater respect for themselves and for others. This fosters a sense of pride that helps motivate students to achieve their fullest potential in the classroom and in life.

An Effective Strategy to Minimize Teasing

Models for K-12 students ways in which respect, responsibility, honesty, and integrity can be used on a daily basis to improve relationships with one another at school, at home, and in the community. The program shows how students can develop these qualities while actively motivating them to set high standards, build upon their goals, and remain focused through hard work together with a genuine determination to succeed.

"Paul has always done a wonderful job of helping children understand that, with determination and hard work (and confidence in oneself), you can achieve success in your endeavors and fulfill dreams. Besides motivating children to "try," he also helps them appreciate others -- all others. Paul is also great in helping students to understand ways to overcome problems and handle teasing." -- E. Abbott, 4th Grade Teacher, Lafayette Mills School, Manalapan, N.J.

"The children came back to my classroom waiting to share their thoughts and feelings. They were amazed by how their perceptions changed and heard the message loud and clear. We're (they're) trying out Paul�s strategy to smile when you are being teased. One student said it was the best program she'd seen at school." -- S. Benanchietti, Teacher, Lincoln-Hubbard School, Summit, N.J.

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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. 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 success is readily available with hard work and determination.

"Paul is an inspiration to each of us! I really appreciate the work he does with K-12 students. The world will be a better place when children grow up with compassion and understanding. Programs of awareness help to teach as well as to inspire! Thank you, Paul!" -- Patricia Falt, Teacher, after attending Paul's 2001 NJEA Convention workshop

Professional Development Workshops
Graduation Keynotes

Workshop Goals

In his professional development and teacher certification workshops, Paul discusses the tenets of passing along to students certain qualities that allow them to become leaders within their communities, as well as an enthusiasm that motivates them with the desire to learn. His other workshops can focus upon strategies to successfully integrate a special child into classroom activities, based upon his own academic experiences and perceptions attending a public school.

Paul also has experience delivering conference keynotes to students as well as parents, teachers, and administrators. For example, through his motivational speakers bureau, Paul shared his experiences and insights with an audience of 500 high-school student peer leaders as the highlight of the 2003 Elks Peer Leadership Conference in New Brunswick. Several high-school students were so excited about the keynote that they were in tears following the program -- the tears of genuine happiness with the realization that they had become excited about themselves!

"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

"The program is very effective in helping others appreciate what they have and encouraging them to become the best they can be. Paul displays an earnest desire to connect with and inspire his audiences." -- Jeffrey Holman, Teacher, after attending Paul's 2001 NJEA Convention workshop

Scheduling Programs & Keynotes

To schedule any K-12 student program or staff 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 K-12 schools menu option.

Program Titles

Taking the "Dis" out of "Disability"

Don't Just Dream About Your Future ... Create It!

Mr. PMA, All The Way! (Positive Mental Attitude)

Access to Success: A Dream, Motivation, and a Winning Attitude!

Ripping that 'T' Out of the Word CAN'T: You CAN Do It!

Techniques to Integrate a Special Child in Classroom Activities

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Participating Schools & Districts

NOTE: These are the K-12 schools that have invited Paul S. Wichansky to speak to their students. Paul's programs have reached more than 10% of the total number of school districts in New Jersey (more than 1 million K-12 students), and 10% of the school districts in Long Island!



New Jersey (92 school districts) Absecon Allamuchy Allentown Allenwood Asbury Park Bergenfield Bridgewater Budd Lake Califon Camden Carlstadt Clark Colts Neck Columbus Cranford Deptford East Brunswick East Hanover East Rutherford Edison Fair Haven Fair Lawn Franklin Lakes Freehold Township Glen Ridge Gloucester City Hackensack Hasbrouck Heights Haworth High Bridge Hoboken Ho-Ho-Kus Howell Township Jacobstown Jefferson Township Jersey City Kendall Park Keyport Kinnelon Lakewood Little Falls Little Ferry Livingston Long Valley Lumberton Lyndhurst Madison Manalapan Marlboro Maplewood Middletown Monroe Township Montvale Montville Morris Plains Morristown Mountain Lakes Neptune New Brunswick North Arlington North Hanover Township Nutley Oak Ridge Oakland Paramus Paterson Pottersville Princeton Princeton Junction Prospect Park Rahway Randolph Red Bank Ridgewood Rochelle Park Roselle Park Rumson Rutherford Saddle Brook Seabrook Sewell South River Sparta Summit Tinton Falls Union Wanaque Washington Wayne West New York West Paterson Whippany	Long Island, New York (16 school districts) Commack Cutchogue Dix Hills Hauppauge Huntington Huntington Station Locust Valley Manhasset Mattituck Mineola Nesconset Oceanside Rockville Centre Roselyn Smithtown Southold Upstate New York Bedford Boiceville Chappaqua New York Mills Palmyra California Marina del Rey Connecticut Enfield Delaware Hockessin Wilmington Florida Tampa Illinois Champaign-Urbana Indiana Peru Maryland Glyndon Missouri Affton Chesterfield St. Louis Ohio Cincinnati Pennsylvania Erie Lansdale Mount Pocono Philadelphia Pittsburgh Sharon Villanova Virginia Chester Falls Church Woodbridge Washington State Adna Boistfort Evaline Morton Mossyrock Napavine Onalaska Pe Ell Toledo Winlock Wisconsin Milwaukee

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Participating Professional Conferences
(K-12 Curriculum Related)



Town & State	School or Organization Name
Absecon, N.J.	Office of Disability Services, Atlantic County keynote speaker at awards banquet
Atlantic City, N.J.	NJEA Teacher Conventions professional development workshops 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Atlantic City, N.J.	People Helping Others Pursue Self-Determination Vision 2000 Conference invitation by Governor Christine Todd Whitman to co-present seminar with Bill Freeman, a Transition Program Specialist from the New Jersey Department of Education
Champaign-Urbana, I.L.	Developmental Services Center Motivational programs for a center that enhances the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing services and supports which enable them to live, work, learn, and participate in their communities.
East Brunswick, N.J.	New Jersey Association of County Disability Services, Inc. keynote speaker at luncheon
East Hanover, N.J.	Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey keynote speaker at 2002 conference workshop presenter
East Windsor, N.J.	Statewide Parents Advocacy Network keynote speaker & professional development workshop March 2003
Eatontown, N.J.	Prevention First N.J. Coalition on Disabilities & Addictions closing keynote speaker
Florham Park, N.J.	Morris County Education Association teacher certification workshops
Garfield, N.J.	Jr. Teens In the Garden State (TIGS) 2003 Garfield Conference presenter March 2003
Lansing, M.I.	Michigan Works!, Employing People with Disabilities & Assistive Technology Conference opening keynote speaker May 2003
New Brunsick, N.J.	New Jersey Social Security Alliance 5th annual statewide conference keynote speaker
New York City	Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum guest speaker, Kids Week 2002
New York City	United Nations Special Session on Children guest speaker to UN representatives May 2002
St. Louis, M.O.	2003 & 2004 TREND Conferences Turning Resources & Energy in New Directions keynote speaker, national youth conference August 2003, August 2004

Help us share our vision with others!
We invite you to visit our motivational speakers bureau

and help us bring a genuine smile to a child's face!

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