Chances are, you or someone close to you is considered “neurodivergent,” with a brain that has developed or operates differently. Central Florida’s Beacon College, the first accredited baccalaureate institution in the nation for neurodivergent students, and WUCF TV, a PBS member station, have partnered to air an entire season of the college’s award-winning television program, “A World of Difference” and ignite increasingly important conversations around the neurodivergent experience.
Created in 2020, “A World of Difference” examines neurodiversity issues related to learning disabilities experienced from birth to adult years, using compelling storytelling, conversations with experts, viewer Q&As and interviews with successful individuals with learning differences of their own. These conversations have become increasingly important as recent studies show that 15-20% of the population is part of the neurodivergent community.
Now, thanks to this new partnership with WUCF, Beacon College can share these important messages with over 4 million households in Orlando, Central Florida and nationally through a quick search on the PBS Video app.
“This partnership opens the door for important conversations about neurodiversity in our homes, community and beyond,” said Darryl E. Owens, creator and host of “A World of Difference” and Beacon College’s associate vice president of communications and engagement. “Having our program on WUCF’s airwaves will bring greater visibility to issues neurodivergent individuals face and give us the opportunity to conduct an open dialogue about topics that are not talked about enough, or sometimes even unacknowledged.”
“A World of Difference” has received multiple awards – including three Telly Awards, an inaugural Anthem Award, and PR News’ CSR Diversity Award – and has featured successful people with learning differences including ”Shark Tank” star Daymond John and Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned scientist and autism activist.
In fall 2021, WUCF TV gave “A World of Difference” a test drive, airing an episode from the show’s first season – “Ensuring Workforce Diversity Includes Neurodiversity” – in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Now, the two organizations are teaming up for both digital delivery and broadcast television for all 11 episodes of the show’s third season.
“We are proud to partner with Beacon College to share the important perspective of the neurodivergent community,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF executive director. “Our hope is that ‘A World of Difference’ will inspire our audience to see the world in a different way and help tear down harmful stigmas neurodivergent individuals face on a daily basis.”
The third season of “A World of Difference” will premiere on WUCF Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 6pm, and will re-air the following Friday (Sept. 9th) at 2:30pm. Most episodes will air the first Saturday and following Friday of each month, and it is recommended that viewers visit WUCF.org for the latest schedule.
Episode one – “Getting Social with the Learning Difference Community” – will feature popular influencer and Season 33 winner of CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” Penn Holderness.
Other topics in season three will include:
- The Great Resignation is a Great Opportunity for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Making Reading Fundamental for Dyslexics
- A World of Differences – Learning Difference Around the World
- Twice-Exceptional Students
- Maximizing Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance
- Neurodiversity in Technology
- People of Color’s Neurodivergence in a White World
- Mental Health Needs of Students with Learning Disabilities
- Owning Your Emotions: Social-Emotional Support from Kindergarten to College
- How to Change the Conversation with Your Learning Difference Child as They Grow
