Journalist Shares Story of Success Despite Learning Challenges
LEESBURG, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2021) – Beacon College will honor American journalist, historian and best-selling author, Garrett Graff, with a Difference Maker award in the December episode of “A World of Difference,” a groundbreaking television show produced by the college.
Graff has spent more than a dozen years covering politics, technology and national security – including stints as editor of POLITICO and Washingtonian magazines. His work at POLITICO led to the publication’s first National Magazine Award, the industry’s highest honor. Most recently, he captured the heartbreak of 9/11 in the New York Times bestseller, “The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11.”
Graff was diagnosed with a set of learning differences and often dismissed by teachers and administrators who did not understand the reality of those challenges. At a young age, Graff struggled with reading, writing, and speech, which led school officials to quickly advocate for his transfer to non-traditional schooling. Despite these obstacles, Graff worked to develop his writing skills – a goal that ended up changing the trajectory of his life.
“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. In its first season, the program received honors from the Education Digital Marketing Awards and PR News’ CSR Diversity Awards and has expanded to broadcast television in Central and North Florida, airing weekly on WACX-TV, SuperChannel 55.
Other Season 2 Difference Makers include authors Avi and Jean Betancourt, and musicians Ulysses Owens Jr. and Meredith O’Connor. Topics discussed range from leveraging individual education plans to teaching neurodiverse students to embrace who they are.
To learn more about “A World of Difference” or watch the latest episode featuring Garrett Graff, 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.
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