Ready on the set.
After a successful maiden season on WUCF TV, the Orlando PBS member station and Beacon College – the first accredited baccalaureate institution in the nation for neurodivergent students – have renewed their partnership to air another season of the college’s award-winning television series, “A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity.”
After a successful full third season on WUCF in Central Florida, “A World of Difference” is set to premiere its fourth season Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at 6 p.m., and will re-air the following Friday, Sept. 8, at 2:30 p.m.
“A World of Difference” celebrates and empowers families of children with learning and developmental disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia and autism. The show explores neurodiversity through compelling conversations with national experts, families and successful adults who have thrived with their learning differences. Since its launch in 2020, the program has garnered national recognition, including five Telly Awards, an Anthem Award, PR News’ CSR Diversity Award and more.
“We are thrilled to return for another season on WUCF, so we can continue connecting with neurodivergent individuals and their families throughout Central Florida and beyond and provide them with the reassurance that they belong and can succeed in our society,” said Darryl E. Owens, show creator and host of “A World of Difference” and Beacon College’s associate vice president of communications and engagement. “We hope our show can contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive future for the neurodivergent, and we are grateful that WUCF shares our passion for that mission.”
Thanks to this continued partnership with WUCF, Beacon College will continue sharing important information about neurodiversity with over 4 million households in Central Florida and nationally through a quick search on the PBS Video app. This reach has become increasingly essential as recent studies show that one in five children in the United States has a learning or attention issue.
“Our station strives to share stories that educate, inspire and amplify diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF executive director. “Beacon College is tapping into a market that is often overlooked or seen as an afterthought, and we are honored to provide them with the space to tell the important stories of the neurodivergent and work toward a more inclusive future.”
Throughout the years, “A World of Difference” has welcomed notable guests, including famed autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin and the first openly autistic driver on the NASCAR circuit, Armani Williams.
An all-star lineup is already confirmed for season four with guests including:
- P.J. Manney, whose career in entertainment has spanned writing and public relations for powerhouses such as Walt Disney/Touchstone Pictures, CBS, Fox, UPN, Discovery, ABC Family and Comedy Central;
- Dr. Jason Arday, sociologist and the youngest black professor ever appointed at the University of Cambridge;
- Dr. George McDonald Church, a Harvard geneticist, biological engineer and author;
- Gary Payton II, an NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors;
- Alix Generous, TED Talk speaker, activist and aspiring child psychologist, whose “My inner life” TED Talk has received over 1.9 million views; and,
- Giselle Mota, TEDx speaker and principal consultant on the “Future of Work” at ADP, one of the largest providers of human resources software in the world.
The fourth season of “A World of Difference” will consist of 11 episodes. Most episodes 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. Viewers can catch up on all the episodes from season three via the free PBS app on streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast and Apple TV+.
To learn more about “A World of Difference,” visit www.AWODTV.org.