The award-winning, locally produced television program – a resource for families navigating ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences – is back for
its fourth season on PBS
LEESBURG, Fla. (Aug. 23, 2023) – Beacon College – the first accredited baccalaureate institution in the nation for neurodivergent students – and PBS member station WUCF TV 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, 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.
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. The College is currently in the midst of a $12 million capital campaign, The Beacon Promise, which supports the institution’s growing student population by providing important facilities and the resources they need to succeed.
To learn more about Beacon College, 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. WUCF produces award-winning local content like “Florida Road Trip,” which explores Florida through history, people and culture. WUCF also serves Florida’s youngest citizens, offering hours of PBS Kids content on-air, online and in the classroom, leading the state in usage for PBS LearningMedia. Throughout its 10-year history, WUCF has engaged with over 1.5 million people across Central Florida at in-person events, and over 30 million people online through virtual events and streaming content. 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 42 million adults on linear primetime television, more than 15 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms and 56 million people view PBS content on social media, 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’s 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 LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV – including a PBS KIDS channel – and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at PBS.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, Facebook, Instagram 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.