My friend, Donnie Kanter Winokur, relentless advocate for people with disabilities, reminded me that this week TV airs two shows that are of great interest: Front of the Class, written by Brad Cohen, and HBO’s ‘Temple Grandin’ Offers Inside Look At Autism.

FRONT OF THE CLASS, the “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentation starring Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Treat Williams (“Everwood”) and Jimmy Wolk (“The Spiral Project”), will air on CBS Television Networks on February 6, 2010. The drama is based on the true story written by Brad Cohen who, after being challenged by Tourette’s syndrome from a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. Brad reminds us all that dreams can come true!

As a child with Tourette syndrome, Brad Cohen was ridiculed, beaten, mocked, and shunned. Children, teachers, and even family members found it difficult to be around him. As a teen, he was viewed by many as purposefully misbehaving, even though he had little power over the twitches and noises he produced, especially under stress. Even today, Brad is sometimes ejected from movie theaters and restaurants.

Temple Grandin offers an inside look at Autism. She grew up to be a world-renowned expert on the handling of livestock and arguably the most famous person with autism in the world. Read more about her at Disability Scoop.