Freehold Native Is Finalist In National Award For Hearing Loss

FREEHOLD, NJ — Paul Wichansky, 50, remembers just how nervous he was as a child walking up to his mom's classroom to talk to students about what life was like as someone with cerebral palsy and hearing loss.

"I thought they would tease me more than students did at my school," he told Patch.

Over the next few years, the Freehold native and lifelong resident went on to share his story with many others.

"In some ways, I was different. In other ways, I shared the same feelings, hopes, and dreams," he said. "Students opened up to me and became eager to describe their own disabilities with me and the class."

About 40 years later, the lifelong Freehold resident was selected by hearing aid manufacturer Oticon as a finalist in their annual Focus on People Awards, which recognize people who are helping to show that hearing loss does not limit a person’s ability to make a positive difference.

Wichansky is one of three people Advocacy category finalists. The winner will be picked based on the public's vote (which closes on Dec. 17) and announced early next year.

Most of Wichansky's audiences over the years have been made up of teens in New Jersey and New York schools. He has also been a keynote speaker at colleges and at a variety of companies. Sometimes it's a small gym of third-graders and other times an auditorium of 1000 high school teens.

Wichansky was inspired at an early age by his mother, who was a school social worker working with special needs kids and who created a disability awareness program at her schools, with the help of students and parents.

"In this era before inclusion became a hallmark in education, these awareness programs were an innovative idea," Wichansky said. "She realized that the successful integration of her students into regular classes meant that all the other students had to respect them as their peers."

Although he has two degrees in meteorology and a Ph.D in environmental science, Wichansky is a full-time public speaker.

"I felt I could make more of a positive difference hosting programs that help shatter stereotypes of those with disabilities," he said. "I believe I have the best job in the world. Making our future that much brighter and more inclusive."

A few years ago, he spoke at a WCMephamHigh TedX event about "Taking the 'Dis' out of Disability."

It's a message he has repeated over the years.

"Removing the first three letters from the word 'disability' creates the more uplifting 'ability,'" he said. "That is what is important in our lives. It's what we can do. Sure, our disabilities may make it more difficult for us to reach goals, but a positive attitude can often move us in that direction only if we persevere."

It's also something Wichansky has experienced firsthand. Until the age of four, he needed a wheelchair. Now, he can walk "pretty well" and drive a car.

Wichansky, who has a hearing aid in his right ear and an implant in his left ear, tells students to think about hearing loss not as a disability but rather as a capability. For instance, he points out that those with hearing loss have an environmental volume control on their ears, can turn off disrupting sounds during the day and enjoy total silence at night.

"I share with my audiences the positive stories and insights — as well as recall the frustrating setbacks — that have helped me realize my dream of walking," Wichansky said. "Some of these stories are emotionally powerful, emphasizing the importance of love, respect and forgiveness in our lives."

Although Wichansky strongly advocates against letting attitude be a disability, he also said that the pandemic has made it even harder for people with hearing loss (who are used to reading lips and facial expressions) to understand people when they are wearing masks.

"For many years, we used our eyes to supplement our hearing," he said. "When we are all masked, we can no longer do this and it feels like my disability is slammed right in my face."

One of his solutions was to buy clear masks that allow others to see his facial expressions as he speak to them, along with an air purifier that removes condensation inside the mask.

Wichansky said that if he earns first place in the Focus on People Awards, he will donate one of his motivational presentations to students at a local Freehold area school that is interested in these programs but lacks funding.

"I truly believe in giving back to the community that once believed in my potential so many years ago," he said.

Last year State Senator Vin Gopal came to one of Wichansky's presentations.

"His determination, commitment and leadership are examples we all should strive to attain," Gopal said in a statement. "A lifelong Freehold Township resident, he has overcome these challenges and continues to share his story of courage and resilience — always with humor — during a speaking career totaling 7,600 school assemblies and conference keynotes in New Jersey and nationwide."

Wichansky's mom passed away three years ago, after a fight with the effects of her multiple sclerosis.

"She is still alive as long as I have a microphone sharing stories with an audience," he said.