Many years ago, I never imagined that a human life (mine) could change so drastically, so quickly. Like most individuals, I lived my life day by day, doing what I needed to do to make it in the world. Well, no matter what I did, no matter how hard I applied myself, it didn't matter... the life I built for 21 years was to end in October 1995! You may have already read my injury story and have an idea of what happened, but did it really sink in? Did reading about my injury make you more aware of the dangers you and everyone else in this world face on a daily basis? I hope it did in some way. I don't want it to scare you, but I hope I can influence you to some degree so that maybe you can look out for yourself better, or even evaluate the way you live your life and make sure you aren't putting others at risk of an unexpected change in lifestyle.

I'm not a preacher in any way, nor will I ever try to pound the subject of Paralysis or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) into everyone's head. Instead, I'm just your average "guy next door" who uses a wheelchair to get around. I guess the fact that I lived through a traumatic event and accepted my lifelong lifestyle change without having a negative aura has helped those close to me also accept the change.

I feel that every person in this world has some sort of handicap, even if not as visible as mine. You might suffer from a mental illness, or maybe have an incureable disease. Maybe you're unsure of how to approach new people, have phobia's, or are addicted to drug's or alcohol. Whatever the negative energy in your life is, meeting other's, like myself, may help you to realize that no matter what life brings you, it's up to you whether or not you're going to let yourself become handicapped!

And so I share my experiences with you, both here on the web and in person through organized assemblies. If you are a Doctor, Physical-Occupational-Recreation Therapist, Social Worker, School Principal, or anyone else who might be seeking a leading peer councelor for a group of some sort, feel free to contact me by email at Dean@DeanJoyce.com or by phone at 914-204-7263 (24hrs/7days). We will discuss the type of assembly your organization is looking to host as well as any charges it might incur to cover my time and expenses.

I have spoken to many people on an individual basis, as well as family members and close friends of newly injured SCI patients. I have spoken to Developmental Psychology classes, the Girl Scouts, and have met with people from coast to coast in the United States over the years. My discussions include such topics as:
• Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis- What level injuries cause how much function loss and what you can still do.
• Dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Overcoming Leukemia.
• Open topic, questions and answers.

Contact information:
Dean Joyce
PO Box 6
Fishkill, NY 12524
914-204-7263
Dean@DeanJoyce.com