“A World of Difference” Returns for Seventh Season

Embracing a “real life caught on camera” storytelling approach, the new season moves beyond traditional interviews and narration to capture authentic moments as they unfold. Viewers are invited into the daily routines, relationships, challenges and triumphs of neurodiverse families, experiencing their stories through genuine interactions and meaningful connections.

“We are humbled to return for another season on WUCF TV, which has been a wonderful home for our show,” said Darryl E. Owens, creator and host of the show and Beacon College’s associate vice president of communications and engagement. “As one in five people now have a learning difference, it is critical that we continue sharing stories that foster understanding and celebrate the strengths of people who learn differently. We are thankful to our partners at WUCF TV for believing in this mission and helping these stories reach audiences in Florida and beyond.”

The seventh season of “A World of Difference” will consist of 11 total episodes and explore a variety of topics, including finding the right environment for success, experiential learning, anxiety and the ability loop, the college experience for students who learn differently and more.

In past seasons, “A World of Difference” has welcomed several notable guests as featured “Difference Makers,” including famed autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin, genetics pioneer Dr. George M. Church, triathlete and Guinness World Record Holder Sam Holness, former MLB all-star and NFL safety Brian Jordan and more.

This season’s lineup promises another exciting roster including:

• Tal Anderson, an autistic actor, writer and filmmaker best known for her performances in Atypical and HBO’s The Pitt, where she helps expand representation and challenge stereotypes about how neurodivergent people are seen on screen.
• Alex Hackel, a dyslexic professional skier, filmmaker and two-time X Games medalist known for pushing the boundaries of freestyle skiing, and combining athleticism, creativity and storytelling in ways that have helped redefine the sport.
• Anthony Ianni, an autistic author, speaker and former Michigan State University basketball player who was the first known NCAA Division I basketball player on the autism spectrum and has since dedicated his life to helping young people build more inclusive communities.
• Haley Moss, an autistic attorney, author and artist who became one of the first openly autistic attorneys in Florida and has emerged as a leading voice for disability inclusion nationwide.
• Gena Sims, an award-winning performer, director, producer and educator, who has dedicated her career to creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices are seen, heard and celebrated, particularly through the PBS series The Voice Inside and as founder and executive director of the Autism Theater Project.

The season premiere episode will feature Brandie and Daniel D’Orazio, co-founders of The Promise School in Charleston, South Carolina, who transformed their family’s experience into a mission to support students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences through evidence-based instruction, confidence-building and a learning environment where every student is understood and celebrated.

Most episodes of “A World of Difference” will air the first Saturday and the following Friday of each month, and it is recommended that viewers visit WUCF.org for the latest schedule.

This is the program’s fifth consecutive season to air on WUCF TV, reaching a potential 5 million households in Central Florida. Viewers can catch up on all the episodes from seasons, three, four, five and six via the PBS website, free PBS app on streaming devices like AppleTV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Android devices, iPhone, Vizio, Amazon Fire TV and more.

Seasons four and five of “A World of Difference” are also available for PBS stations nationwide to air in their respective markets through the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), expanding the show’s reach across the country.

“One of the most rewarding parts of working in public media is seeing a local program resonate with audiences both in our community and beyond,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF TV executive director. “The national success of ‘A World of Difference’ to date demonstrates the importance of thoughtful conversations about neurodiversity, and we are proud to continue serving as the show’s home station to help ensure these stories are heard.”

Since its launch in 2020, “A World of Difference” has earned five Telly Awards, three Anthem Awards, PR News’ CSR Diversity Award and more.