TAKING THE 'DIS' OUT OF 'DISABILITY'
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Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky, Motivational Speaker
Disability Acceptance    Leadership & Resiliency
Diversity    Overcoming Adversity   Anti-Bullying

ABOUT

Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky

disABILITY Motivational Speaker


Never let your attitude

become a disability.


Never let your attitude become a disability. 

Never let your attitude become a disability.

Our challenges can be our greatest gifts.


As a motivational speaker and author, I share uplifting stories that have inspired me to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss.  Growing up before inclusion was the guiding standard in education, I was fortunate to be mainstreamed yet encountered physical bullying in school.  Rather than respond in anger, I chose to forgive and help the bullies!  Instilling this self-love and confidence is the highlight of these programs.  A positive mindset can also help us celebrate our uniqueness and accept others who are different.  Learning about our differences reduces the fear of being different — which can be transformed into kindness, respect, and even admiration.


I believe this is the triumph of the human spirit.


For 43 years, since age 10, I have shared my story with over one million youth and adults in New Jersey and 22 other U.S. states and with foreign-exchange students from 20 countries.  For 17 years, our State Police has invited me to speak on leadership and overcoming adversity with high-school seniors during Trooper Youth Week.  I have also written a book, "Yes I Can!" to help teens and other readers face incredible adversity with courage and resilience.


Sharing moments of my life as examples, these programs demonstrate that a perspective shift can instill hope and optimism, culminating in a persuasive self-introspection that helps boost confidence and optimize mental health. Former students have reached out to me 10-15 years later, thanking me for saving their life.  Nothing could ever be more important.


My online resume highlights a passion for hosting programs that inspire confidence, growth, and opportunity.

Photo: Head shot
Inspirational conference keynote

Our challenges can be our greatest gifts.


As a motivational speaker with cerebral palsy and hearing loss, I host programs to help youth, parents, and educators find the courage to accept and navigate life's challenges.  Standing in front of my audience, I share stories that reflect a journey of self-discovery to realize my lifelong goal of walking.  The objective is to show how a positive mindset can, in the face of incredible challenges, build confidence and create opportunities to dream, achieve, and succeed.


My book, Yes I Can!, is an uplifting self-help memoir that helps special needs kids, teens, and parents overcome self-doubt when faced with bullying or other adversity.  This book shows readers, by examples, how to harness their untapped potential.


Cerebral palsy and hearing loss are gifts that have given me a unique life perspective.  These programs help transform ignorance into kindness and respect for those who strive to rise above adversity.  Topics include diversity, disability awareness , anti-bullying , overcoming adversity, leadership, and resilience.


During the past 42 years, since age 10, I have shared my story with over one million youth and adults nationwide.  My online resume highlights a passion for helping others harness their full potential.

Photo: Head shot
Inspirational conference keynote

Our challenges are our greatest gifts.


As a motivational speaker with cerebral palsy and hearing loss, I host programs to help youth, parents, and educators find the courage to accept and navigate life's challenges.  Standing in front of my audience, I share stories that reflect a journey of self-discovery to realize my lifelong dream of walking.  The objective is to show how a positive mindset can, in the face of incredible challenges, build confidence and create opportunities to achieve and succeed.


My book, Yes I Can!, helps special needs kids, teens, and parents overcome self-doubt when faced with adversity, such as bullying and prejudice.  This book shows to readers, by examples, how to harness their untapped potential.


Cerebral palsy and hearing loss are gifts that have given me a unique life perspective.  The program helps transform ignorance into kindness, respect, and admiration for those who strive to rise above adversity. Topics include diversity, disability awareness , anti-bullying , overcoming adversity, resilience, and leadership.


For 42 years, since age 10, I have shared my story with 1M+ youth and adults nationwide. My online resume highlights a passion for hosting these programs that inspire confidence, personal growth, and opportunity.

TESTIMONIAL HIGHLIGHT

"I have worked with motivational speaker Tony Robbins for many years and have seen firsthand what a true inspirational force can do.  I have been with Dr. Paul at many events and will say with no compunction that Dr. Paul matches Tony's ability to ignite that tiny spark in one's mind and soul, launching a new awareness which leads to irreversible progress and happiness." -- Mark Ganguzza, CBS Television producer (June 2023)

My programs for K-12 schools and youth groups highlight:

  • diversity:  develop an appreciation for those different in culture, heritage, background, or disability;
  • disability awareness:  a better understanding of the hopes and dreams of special needs students;
  • character education:  encourage students to treat peers with kindness and respect;
  • anti-bullying:  share personal examples of being bullied in school and learning to resolve conflicts;
  • motivation:  the courage and confidence to try your best to achieve and succeed;
  • leadership:  share a perspective shift that promotes hope and optimism, reducing self-doubt; and
  • resilience:  learn to transform any negative moment into a positive learning experience.


Available for colleges and organizations seeking an inspirational conference speaker who:

  • has overcome adversity through perseverance and a "Yes I Can!" attitude;
  • offers ways to optimize our physical, mental, and emotional health;
  • leads a perennially optimistic life in the face of daily challenges;
  • shares strategies to overcome anxiety and increase colleague and employee productivity;
  • encourages growth that can help us dream, achieve, and succeed.


Here are presentation photos and testimonials from a variety of audiences.


My online speaker resume (updated January 2024).

Paul honored by NJ Senate

Invest in a champion motivational speaker who opens hearts and minds.  Let's touch base.

JustTheWayYouAre.com

Invest in a champion motivational speaker who opens hearts and minds Let's touch base.

JustTheWayYouAre.com

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