Brad Cohen

Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation

It is Brad’s goal to make a difference one day at a time. This is why he started the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation (BCTF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit to help raise money to help children with Tourette syndrome learn how to exist in the real world with others who don’t understand. We support the socialization, achievement, and education of those with Tourette syndrome and the non-profit/tax-exempt organizations that focus on the needs of those with Tourette syndrome.

  • Teacher's Guide to the Movie
  • Buy the DVD

 

Front of the Class, the book

Book Detail:

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.

But Brad Cohen's story is not one of self-pity. His unwavering determination and fiercely positive attitude conquered the difficulties he faced in school, in college, and while job hunting ...




 

A Dynamic Speaker Who Fills the Room with Energy and Emotion


"Brad gets up, and all of a sudden you could just sort of feel the energy in the room dialed up about 50 amps,. Shriver said. .I looked up at one point, and half the kids were crying, and the next minute they were rolling on the floor laughing. Eyes were wide open."


"He was describing his life. It was humiliating. I pretty much bombed, and this guy is hitting a grand slam in the World Series. He gets this standing ovation, and the place is going nuts."


Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics


  • Hire Brad to Motivate Your Organization
  • Articles About Brad
  • Upcoming Events
 

Front of the Class: The "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movie

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!



keep reading..

  • Teacher's Guide to the Movie
  • Buy the DVD



Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation






Testimonials
"Brad Cohen is a walking billboard for the idea of living positively. He is like a cold drink on a hot day--refreshing, energizing, and likely to put a smile on your face."
Tim Shriver - Chairman of Special Olympics

"I have observed the magic of Brad Cohen in the classroom. He has turned Tourette Syndrome into an asset, and his life into inspiration."
Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia

"Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope, determination, will and relentless good humor."
Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and
Associate Head of Biological Sciences,
Purdue University


Join Our Mailing List


Press :: Events during 2009

  • Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom

    Location: Decatur, Georgia
    Date/Time: Feb 7th, 2009 at 12:00 p.
    Description: http://www.georgiatourette.org/conference.html Above is the website for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia's Conference in Atlanta taking place from Friday Feb. 6th-7th. I will be speaking at the parent and youth workshops on Saturday. If interested in registering for this event, please go to the website or contact TSA of GA. I highly recommend the Friday session for teachers. It is FREE! Ask for Tricia at tsageorgia@bellsouth.net or call 706-248-9784

  • Kiwanis Regional Conference

    Location: Atlanta, Georgia
    Date/Time: Feb 7th, 2009 at 9:30 a.m
    Description: Gwinnett High School Keynote Speaker

  • Disability Day at the Capitol

    Location: Atlanta, Georgia
    Date/Time: Feb 25th, 2009 at 11:00 a.
    Description: The Govenors Council on Developmental Disabilities will have me as the Keynote Speaker at the Capitol Building. For more information click on this link. You can also sign up to attend here: http://web.me.com/gcdd/GCDD/DIsablity_Day_09.html

  • Spring Book Show General Seminar

    Location: Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, Georgia
    Date/Time: Mar 7th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m
    Description: Brad Cohen's topic will be "From Book to Movie: How My Memoir Became a National Hallmark Hall of Fame CBS-TV Telecast" There is a registration fee for this event. The agenda for the seminar is at http://anvilpub.net/Authorship_101.htm Call 770-938-0289 for more information or email at custserv@anvilpub.com

  • South Central POISE Users Group Meeting

    Location: Dallas, Texas
    Date/Time: Apr 6th, 2009 at 9:00 a.m
    Description: People Oriented Information Systems for Education- Keynote Speaker

  • Davis Academy

    Location: Atlanta, Georgia
    Date/Time: Apr 7th, 2009 at 10:00 am
    Description: Speaking to the students in elementary and middle school

  • Coweta School District

    Location: Newnan, Georgia
    Date/Time: Apr 20th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
    Description: Call The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts at 770-254-2787 for more information This is a free event open to the public!

  • Camp Twitch and Shout Motorcycle Ride

    Location: Gainesville, GA
    Date/Time: Apr 24th, 2009 at 12pm
    Description: Keynote Speaker

  • Tourette Syndrome Association

    Location: Houston, Texas
    Date/Time: Apr 25th, 2009 at 3-5:30pm
    Description: Call 281-238-8096 to RSVP and learn about location See movie, hear Brad speak and Q and A

  • J-Serve \"Embrace the Challenge\"

    Location: Houston, Texas
    Date/Time: Apr 26th, 2009 at 1:30-4:0
    Description: Speaking Times: 1:45-2:30pm 8th-12th graders, then 1:45-2:30 parents and educators. Go to www.jserve.org/houston to register or call Amir Arad at ext. 3288 or Eric Bishop at 713-838-7200 or ebishop@jcchouston.org

  • Georgia Association of School Personnel Administration (GASPA)

    Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia
    Date/Time: May 6th, 2009 at 1:00pm
    Description: Opening Session Keynote Speaker www.gaspanet.org

  • Georgia State Education Department Convocation

    Location: Atlanta, Georgia
    Date/Time: May 8th, 2009 at 4:00 p.m
    Description: Keynote Speaker at Graduation

  • Roswell Rotary Club

    Location: Roswell Recreation Center
    Date/Time: May 28th, 2009 at 12:15pm
    Description: Keynote Speaker Building A, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 www.roswellrotary.com

  • Camp Twitch and Shout

    Location: Camp Twin Lakes and Camp Will-A-Way
    Date/Time: May 31st, 2009 at 2pm
    Description: Visit www.georgiatourette.org to learn more about the camp for kids with TS ages 7-17. We are also looking for volunteers. I will be at the camp for the week. You won\'t want to miss this! May 31st- June 5th

  • Muscogee County School District

    Location: Columbus, Georgia
    Date/Time: Jun 1st, 2009 at 9:00 a.m
    Description: Keynote Speaker at Best Practice Institute for teachers

  • State Farm

    Location: Duluth, Georgia
    Date/Time: Jun 24th, 2009 at 12:00pm
    Description: Lunch and Learn with Leadership

  • Eisner Camp and Crane LAke Camp

    Location: Albany, NY
    Date/Time: Jun 29th, 2009 at 9:00 am
    Description: Speaking to Camp Staff

  • Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable with the Florida Department of Education

    Location: Orlando, Florida
    Date/Time: Jul 9th, 2009 at 12:00 p.
    Description:

  • North Carolina Association of School Resource Officers

    Location: Sunset Beach, North Carolina
    Date/Time: Jul 10th, 2009 at 9:00 a.m
    Description:

  • Camp Coleman

    Location: Cleveland, Georgia
    Date/Time: Jul 11th, 2009 at 3:00pm
    Description: Counselor Orientation Speaking

  • Senior Teaching Fellows Conference

    Location: UNCC-Charlotte, North Carolina
    Date/Time: Jul 17th, 2009 at 8:00 p.m
    Description: Keynote Speaker

  • CDC -Center for Disease Control\'s National Office

    Location: Atlanta, GA
    Date/Time: Jul 23rd, 2009 at 10:45-1p
    Description: Descriptions: View movie and discussion on Front of the Class This event is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance! (dorrs open at 10:30) Register by July 17, 2009 (non-U.S. citizen visitors must register by July 8) http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/Tourette%20Event%20Flyer_final.pdf

  • Belton ISD

    Location: Belton, Texas
    Date/Time: Aug 18th, 2009 at 9:00 am
    Description: Keynote Speaker for Staff at Beginning of School Year

  • Dallas School District

    Location: Dallas, Texas
    Date/Time: Aug 19th, 2009 at 9:00 am
    Description: Keynote speaker for Staff at Beginning of the School Year

  • Vernon Township School District

    Location: Vernon, NJ
    Date/Time: Sep 1st, 2009 at 9:00am
    Description: Keynote Speaker at Opening Day Session

  • Camp Twin Lakes Junior Board

    Location: Atlanta, GA
    Date/Time: Sep 29th, 2009 at 6:30pm
    Description: Taco Mac at Lindberg Station Speaking to the young volunteers who help raise money for Camp Twin Lakes

  • Bradley University Founder\'s Day Luncheon

    Location: Peoria, IL
    Date/Time: Oct 1st, 2009 at 12:00
    Description: Outstanding Young Graduate Award Recipient

  • Bradley University

    Location: Peoria, IL
    Date/Time: Oct 1st, 2009 at 3pm
    Description: Brad will be speaking for free to Bradley students, educators, and friends in the Peoria, IL area. Located in the Marty Theatre in the Lower Level of the Student Center

  • Future Educators

    Location: Marietta, GA
    Date/Time: Oct 23rd, 2009 at 10:00
    Description: Southern Polytech Sponsored by Kennesaw State University, Cobb and Marietta School Districts

  • Lindley Middle School

    Location: Atlanta, GA
    Date/Time: Nov 3rd, 2009 at 8:00am
    Description: Speaking to teachers during professional learning day

  • Madison Wisconsin Civics Club

    Location: Madison, Wisconsin
    Date/Time: Nov 7th, 2009 at 12:00
    Description: Keynote Speaker For more information see this link: http://www.madisoncivicsclub.org/speakers.html

  • Georgia SACS CASI-AdvancEd Conference

    Location: Marietta, Georgia
    Date/Time: Nov 10th, 2009 at 11:00am
    Description: Keynote Speaker at Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel and Conference Center http://www.advanc-ed.org/about_us/state_offices/georgia/local_professional_development/docs/2009_flyer.pdf

Upcoming Events