FOR PUBLIC RELEASE ON FEBRUARY 28, 2022:

Paul Wichansky, PhD of Freehold, NJ is among three outstanding individuals with hearing loss honored by the 2021 Oticon Focus on People Awards in the Advocacy Category. The national competition celebrates hearing-impaired students, adults and advocacy volunteers who have demonstrated through their accomplishments that hearing loss does not limit a person’s ability to make a positive difference in the world. People from across the US cast a record-breaking 15,000+ votes online at www.Oticon.com/FOP to determine this year’s winners. 

“The Advocacy Category honors individuals who are actively involved in advocacy efforts for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community,” said Nancy Palmere, Director of Consumer Marketing and Public Relations for Oticon, Inc. who heads the awards program. “Winners in this category, like Paul Wichansky, display an optimism and ‘can do’ attitude that inspires and motivates - whether they are trying to change public attitudes, government policy or just one person’s life.”

A master storyteller who shares the positive perspectives and realities of growing up with cerebral palsy and a hearing loss, Paul’s uplifting stories help instill the hope and inspiration that motivates others to realize their own goals and dreams. He began his speaking career at age ten, sharing his personal experiences with young students. Over 40 years later, he has inspired more than 1 million youth, parents, educators and professionals nationwide and has even spoken at the United Nations. His TED Talk, “Taking the ‘Dis’ Out of Disability,” has been viewed by 3,300+ people.  Paul has worked hard to transform obstacles into opportunities for self-improvement, and demonstrates to others, by example, how they can also do the same.

The Oticon Focus on People Awards program was created in 1997 by Oticon, Inc., one of the world’s oldest and most respected hearing technology manufacturers.  By celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with hearing loss, Oticon, Inc. aims to call attention to common misconceptions about hearing loss and motivate people with hearing loss to take advantage of the help that is available to them. The company’s goal is to reach the 80 percent of an estimated 48 million Americans who could benefit from hearing solutions, but who fail to seek professional help. 

For more information about the 2021 Oticon Focus on People Awards, visit www.Oticon.com/FOP.

UPDATE  12/02/2021

My first media interview on this incredible honor!  Click the link at left to read the article.