Beacon College, the first accredited baccalaureate institution in the nation for neurodivergent students, and WUCF TV, a PBS member station, have partnered to air the third season of the college’s award-winning television program, “A World of Difference.”
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 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, Sept. 3, 2022, at 6 p.m., and will re-air the following Friday (Sept. 9) at 2:30 p.m. 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
To learn more about “A World of Difference,” visit www.AWODTV.org.
About Beacon College
Founded in 1989, Beacon College was the first college in the country accredited to award bachelor’s degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities, ADHD and other learning differences. The College is committed to student success, offering academic and personal support services that help each student achieve their goals. Set in the hometown environment of Leesburg, Florida, amid beautiful lakes and close to Central Florida area attractions, students are able to experience community living within easy reach of the resources they need to flourish academically, professionally and socially. To learn more, visit www.beaconcollege.edu.
About WUCF TV
WUCF TV is the sole-service PBS member station for the nearly 4 million Central Floridians across nine counties. WUCF is Central Florida’s storyteller, encouraging curiosity and learning through compelling content and community engagement. The station is community-supported public broadcasting from the University of Central Florida. Learn more at http://wucf.org/.
About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and, to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on Twitter.