Robert M. Hensel

Robert M. Hensel was born with a birth defect known as Spina bifida. A disability that has not stopped him from achieving success in his life. Mr. Hensel is a leading figure within the disability community, advocating for the treatment and rights of all individuals living with disabilities across the globe. In 2000, realizing the need to focus more on one's abilities and less on their disabilities, Hensel sought to have a week designated that would bring to light the many talents and accomplishments being made by individuals with disabilities. Due to his efforts, Oswego county passed a motion recognizing Oct. 1-7 as Beyond Limitations week. In his own words, "I have a Disability yes that's true, but all that really means is I may have to take a slightly different path than you". Robert is also an International Poet-Writer with well over 900 publications published World wide. In 2000, Robert was nominated as one of the best Poets of the 20th Cen. Just most recently, he was nominated for the Pushcart Prize, an award giving to Outstanding Poets & Writers. Hensel is also a Guinness & Ripley's world record holder for the longest non stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering a total distance of 6.178 miles. The reason for his record was to help raise money for wheelchair ramps throughout his Community. Roberts Journey doesn't stop there by any means. In Oct 2006, he was asked to carry the torch for the 2006 Asian Games. It is said that he was the only one chosen out of Thousands of other Celebrities throughout the United States to carry out such an honor. Much of his accomplishments have recently found a permanent home within the walls of The Museum of Disability History, for others to appreciate and learn from. The Museum of Disability History is the only one of it's kind, displaying the Artifacts and accomplishments connected to some of histories most notable disabled figures of our time, such as Helen Keller and many others. The Museum is located in Buffalo, New York.