Disability Awareness in Action

Opening his presentation by discussing the nature and causes of his cerebral palsy and hearing loss, Paul offers students an opportunity to reflect upon their own thoughts and ideas about people who have disabilities. He describes the memorable experiences in his life that have allowed him to learn to walk, moments that are highlighted with a captivating video that illustrates the challenges that we can all overcome to realize our dreams. In so doing, Paul uses himself as an example to show how a positive attitude and motivation becomes essential for realizing any goal or dream. The main objectives of Paul's program are to hopefully guide students to make the right choices in life, and to become more aware of those who may be different.
 

"If I was born with cerebral palsy, like Paul, I would have liked to grow up as him." -- Alex, 3rd Grader, Franklin School, Summit, N.J.

How did a third-grader develop the perspective to make this startling comment following Paul's program to his class? In order to understand the reactions of young students to the Disability Awareness Program Series, it is important to consider how Paul developed the confidence to remain focused upon what he can do, not what he could not do.

Planting the Seeds of Determination

Born with ataxic cerebral palsy, Paul was not able to walk unassisted until he was seven years old. He also has a bilateral hearing impairment, and got his first hearing aides when he was six years old. His parents became acquainted with an orthopedist at the Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, New Jersey.

Dr. Roy Nuzzo challenged Paul to not merely be a spectator and view life from the outside, but to rather become a relevant participant and experience life's moments front and center. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Nuzzo designed leg braces that would eventually correct a "back-kneeing" problem that developed when Paul first learned to walk.

Through the years that followed, he took advantage of intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. There was a noticeable improvement in his walking, that by the time Paul was in high-school, Dr. Nuzzo realized that the braces were actually preventing him from walking correctly.

Paul's visit to a Montreal cathedral convinced him that the question he often asked himself, "Why me?", was, in fact, an unusually selfish attitude. He realized that he had the dedication and the unrelenting spirit to eventually overcome the disillusioning face of adversity, allowing him to confidently rise above the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental obstacles in his quest for a rewarding life.

"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, Barnegat, N.J.

A Life That Imitates Art

During his high-school years, Paul favorite activity was one that got his creative juices flowing: fine arts. His senior year saw the completion of a huge eye-catching painting of a guards-red 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo. The following image of this oil painting reveals an elaborate amount of detail, even on the wiper arm and blade of the rear window wiper. Notice the fine rubberlike texture of the huge whale tail located at the rear, with the thin reflections from its louvers on top. Finally, if you look closely, you can see the shadow of the third stop lamp inside the top of the rear window glass!

Paul's first year at college, and the first extended time away from home, became his biggest challenge for independence. The achievement he was particularly proud was learning to drive a car with regular foot controls, an activity that seemed to merely be a dream to him and his parents. He maintains a positive attitude while driving, and can often be seen with a wide ear-to-ear smile behind the wheel of his BMW-rebadged Honda Accord.

"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, Allentown, N.J.

Even Paul's recent experiences show that when you believe in yourself, others will too. Another of his dreams came true: a one-on-one conversation with "Piano Man" Billy Joel. Paul's favorite song is Joel's classic 1977 hit, Just The Way You Are, which is precisely the name of this web site. This photo was taken in April 1996, prior to one of Billy's college lecture classes at the University of Delaware. Later, Paul even thoughtfully autographed the photo and sent it to Billy for his collection.

In February 2002, Billy introduced Paul and his sister to singer Elton John, and then they performed the song, Just The Way You Are, that evening at a Philadelphia concert. In October of this year, Paul gave his little brother Ian an exciting birthday gift of meeting both of them backstage prior to their Face-to-Face concert at the Meadowlands.

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.

Availability & Clients

Paul Stuart Wichansky is available nationally, and has since visited seventeen U.S. states for programs and conference keynotes, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachussetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Among his many clients:

Among his clients in advanced academia:

For Additional Information

Each of the awareness programs is coordinated by a representative of a motivational speakers bureau, A Vision in Motion. This is a bureau that specializes in experienced motivators who have overcome tremendous adversity and enjoy sharing their experiences and insights with children and teens, parents, teachers, administrators, and adult audiences.

Paul has presented programs on disability awareness and character development, peer pressure and conflict resolution, self-esteem enhancement, parent workshops, teacher and staff training, and other topics that enhance the intellectual growth of children, teens, and adults. Paul joins the Vision motivators as they continue to light the fire that is spreading far and wide across the state of New Jersey and other states.

For additional information about the program series hosted by Paul Stuart Wichansky, we invite you to contact A Vision in Motion by visiting their web site above, or calling Paul's representative toll-free at (800) 883-4147.

Paul's 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.

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!