ORLANDO, Fla. (September 5, 2024) – 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.”
“A World of Difference” is set to premiere its fifth season Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., and will re-air Friday, Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. It is the program’s third consecutive season to air on WUCF-TV.
Exploring neurodiversity through compelling conversations with national experts, families, and successful adults who thrive with their learning differences, the show provides more than just resources and expert guidance for neurodivergent families — it also shows them that they are not alone. Since its launch in 2020, the program has garnered national recognition, including five Telly Awards, three Anthem Awards, a PR News’ CSR Diversity Award and more.
“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with WUCF, ensuring that ‘A World of Difference’ continues to reach audiences across Central Florida and beyond with compelling storytelling through the PBS network,” said Darryl E. Owens, creator and host of the show and Beacon College’s associate vice president of communications and engagement. “This relationship has become a critical component to our institution’s mission of building a more inclusive future for the neurodivergent — a commitment that we and WUCF-TV both hold dear.”
Through this partnership, Beacon College can serve as a resource to a potential 4 million households in Central Florida and nationally through a quick search on the free PBS app. The show’s content is more relevant than ever, as one in five U.S. children now face learning or attention challenges.
“Our relationship with Beacon College aligns perfectly with our station’s mission to share stories that educate and inspire,” said Jennifer Cook, WUCF-TV executive director. “‘A World of Difference’ taps into a market that is often overlooked, or seen as an afterthought, and we are thrilled to provide the show with a platform to tell the important stories of the neurodivergent community.”
Throughout the years, “A World of Difference” has welcomed notable guests, including famed autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin, genetics pioneer Dr. George M. Church, and NBA champion Gary Payton II.
An exciting line-up is already confirmed for season five with guests including:
- Sam Holness, a Guinness World Record Holder for the first triathlete with autism to compete at the Ironman World Championships;
- Dr. Maureen Dunne, the co-founder of the first neurodiversity social impact investment association, CEO of Autism Community Ventures and a neurodiversity expert for the LEGO Foundation’s $20 million Play For All social impact fund;
- Jacquelyn Davis, founder of the popular Clever Noodle dyslexia games for children;
- Ann Bancroft, one of the world's preeminent polar explorers who joinedNorwegian polar explorer Liv Arnesen to become the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica's landmass; and,
- Scott Steindorf, a critically acclaimed film and television producer, best known for producing the TV series “Station Eleven.”
The fifth season of “A World of Difference” will consist of 11 total episodes and explore topics such as neurodiversity and the arts, how males and females experience neurodivergence differently, navigating the career path for the neurodivergent and more.
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 and four via the free PBS app on streaming devices like AppleTV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Android devices, iPhone, Vizio, Amazon Fire TV and more.
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.
