Author Archive

Recently, I have been asked to speak more to the corporate world and Human Resource Divisions for Diversity and Inclusion.  As we look at statistics, they show employers are still not hiring and giving people leadership roles if they are “different.”  Many times this may include race, gender, ethnicity, disabilities and more.

I have begun sharing my story to remind those in the HR Department why it is important to hire people who are a little “different.”

I remind them about the Power of One……how all it takes is for one person to make a difference in the life of another person.  We see this in the form of hiring someone who is different or starting mentoring programs to help support and coach those who are a little “different.”

Many companies like to “talk the talk,” but are they prepared to “walk the walk?”

I have been helping companies start that conversation.  Just like in my life, once I started educating people about Tourette Syndrome, they then were able to look past my disability and focus on my strengths.  We must talk about the “elephant in the room” and have conversations about what our own communities look like and how we can embrace them all.

I learned about the CEO Call for Action for Diversity & Inclusion.

www.ceoaction.com

The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. This commitment is driven by a realization that addressing diversity and inclusion is not a competitive issue, but a societal issue. Recognizing that change starts at the executive level, more than 550 CEOs of the world’s leading companies and business organizations, are leveraging their individual and collective voices to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

I have already spoken at a few events where this has been discussed. They have a bus that travels the country to remind people to “Check Your Blind Spots” which is called the Unconscious Bias Tour. It is just one way that hundreds of companies are coming together to talk about the issues. I’m honored they have thought so highly of my story.

My goal is 1) to share my story, 2) remind them of how it is important to hire and promote people who are a little different and ultimately 3) how to have courageous conversations about difficult topics to discuss in the workplace.

If someone didn’t give me a chance to become a teacher, then where would I be today?

It’s time to find qualified candidates and hire them despite the fact that they may be a little different!

If you know a company who can use my help, you know where to find me. Thanks for sharing my name.

Front of the Class is being remade in India and will be released on February 23, 2018. The movie is titled Hichki and Brad’s character will be played by actress Rani Mukerji.

Check out this article announcing the connection with Hichki and Front of the Class.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/books/rani-mukerji-s-hichki-based-on-american-teacher-brad-cohen-s-autobiography/story-1Twa6VErryzvhTsyFto7OI.html

Come out and have a fun time as we raise money to support the programming needs for children with Tourette Syndrome across the United States.

June 4, 2016

Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Hotel

Casino Night Fun

* Play Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em, Craps and More

* Dinner, Cash Bar, Silent Auction and Raffle

For more information, visit www.TSCasinoNight.com

CASINO NIGHT SCHEDULE

6:30-7:00pm Cocktails and Cash Bar Open

7:00-7:30pm Welcome by Brad Cohen and Highlights of the Foundation

7:30-10:15pm Casino Open and Dinner Served

10:15-10:30pm Casino Closed and Raffle Begins

SAVE THE DATE

Join us for the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation Casino Night on June 4, 2016

Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Hotel

Help support kids with Tourette Syndrome!

Visit www.TSCasinoNight.com

2016 Atlanta Tourette Syndrome Conference

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2016

Breaking Down The Barriers

We’re ready to GO BIG TIME!!!!! Please plan on joining us!

Parent’s/Educator’s Track

Adults with TS Track

Children’s Conference for kids ages 5-17 years old

More information coming soon: www.tourettesyndromeconference.com

In the movie Pursuit of Happiness, Will Smith plays the character of Chris who is looking for a job. This is one of my favorite movies for so many reasons. Many of them have to do with the character of Chris. In this scene, Chris is at a job interview.

The following characteristics came across during the scene that people should reflect on.

1) Persistence and Determination go a long way…..don’t ever give up. If there is something in life that you aspire for, GO FOR IT!

2) In life, we need Problem Solvers! You can learn a lot from books and lectures, but if you can’t figure things out on your own and you always need someone to hold your hand, you will have a difficult time, finding not only a job, but also success in life.

3) Humor goes a long way. If you have a good sense of humor and are willing to laugh at yourself or laugh with others, it will help you through the difficult times. Find ways to embrace humor.

4) Be humble! Many times life may serve you the short end of the stick. Sometimes there is nothing you can do about it. I’m sure you didn’t choose this route. But true character stands out when you figure out how to accept it. Be humble and know your strengths and weaknesses and move forward. Once you find those who support you….be loyal to them!

Everyone has a story……..do you know yours? Have you had a chance to share it with others?

I’m honored that I have been the voice for so many people in the Tourette Syndrome community as well as the education community. My opportunities to write the book, Front of the Class, and have it made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie was amazing. And now as I continue speaking across the country I get to share my story and be the voice for so many.

My hope is that more people can stand up and share their story!

Write a book, post a Blog, do a tweet. Whatever it is….go out there and share your story and my hypothesis is that it will make a difference in the life of someone else.

It may motivate them, it may take them to that next level or it may just make them think….either way, it’s time for you to share your story.

Cheers

The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation is honored to host the upcoming Atlanta Tourette Syndrome Conference! We look forward to you joining us!

2015 TOURETTE SYNDROME CONFERENCE
“Breaking Down the Barriers Conference”

June 6, 2015
Atlanta, GA

REGISTGER NOW!

Ramada Plaza Atlanta Capitol Park Hotel

Our goal is to break down the barriers that individuals with TS, OCD, and ADHD face at home, school and in social settings.

MEET THE SPEAKERS
Justin Bachman, Sue Conners and Sheryl Pruitt

Conference Agenda for Parents, Educators and Professionals

Agenda for Saturday Conference
8:00-8:30

Arrival and Registration

8:30-9:30

Welcome by Brad Cohen then Keynote Speaker Justin Bachman: Living Loud: Can You Hear It?

9:45-11:15

Speaker – Sue Conners – Tourette Syndrome and OCD Awareness

11:15-12:30

Lunch Provided

12:30-2:00

Speaker – Sue Conners – Parental Rights for IEP’s and 504 Plans

2:15-3:15

Speaker – Sheryl Pruitt – Can’t Find It? Can’t Remember It? Executive Dysfunction and It’s Impact on Memory

3:15-4:00

Speaker – Q & A Panel with Parents

Agenda for Children’s Conference
8:00am-4:00pm

Children ages 5-17 will have the opportunity to hear Brad Cohen and Justin Bachman speak. We will be addressing Bullying Issues, Advocacy Issues and Social Skills Issues. Children will have fun with entertainment provided and have a chance to socialize with peers during lunch! Siblings are welcome to participate.

*Children will be supervised in a room across from the adults. Should they be unable to participate in the program, we will notify you to come support our staff and help your child take a break from the action.

8:00-8:30 Arrival and Registration

8:30 -9:30 Brad Cohen and Justin Bachman (Living Loud)

9:45-11:15 Social Skills Program

11:15-12:00 Lunch

12:00-1:00 Magic Show

1:00-2:00 Advocacy Training with Justin Bachman and Tommy Molter (Georgia TSA Youth Ambassador)

2:15-3:15 Bullying Issues

3:15-4:00 Closing

Agenda for Adults with TS Conference
8:00am-4:00pm

We plan to provide adults with TS an opportunity to break out in their own space to have conversation during parts of the day. Adults are welcome to participate in the main sessions also.

8:30 -9:30 Brad Cohen and Justin Bachman (Living Loud)

9:45-10:15 Introductions among adults

10:15-11:15 Discussion among adults on your topics of interest. Determined by the group

11:15-12:30 Lunch

12:30-2:00 Improv with Darin Bush discussing life with TS, ADHD/ADD, OCD and more!

2:15-3:15 Sheryl Pruitt and Executive Dysfunction Behaviors

3:15-4:00 Follow-up conversations among adult group

Agenda for Atlanta Braves Baseball Game
4:00-6:30pm

Tailgating and Socializing with other Families and Friends in Hotel Parking Lot

Bring your own tailgate chair if possible. Food will be provided. This will be a BYOB event if interested.

7:10pm

Atlanta Braves vs Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field
(Hotel is walking distance to Turner Field)

Check out videos and photos from last year’s conference!

Learn more about the Atlanta Tourette Syndrome Conference by clicking HERE!!!
REGISTER HERE

SIGN UP NOW!!!

www.TouretteSyndromeConference.com

The 2015 Tourette Syndrome Conference in Atlanta, GA on June 6, 2015

Join us on June 6th, 2015 in Atlanta, GA for the 2nd Annual Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation Tourette Syndrome Conference as we continue to “Break Down the Barriers” and educate teachers, parents, adults with TS, and all those who work with people who have Tourette Syndrome.

This year we will be celebrating Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month and attending the Atlanta Braves Baseball game. This will be a great way to socialize with other families who support children with Tourette Syndrome.

Our goal this year is to create a conference that is more affordable for the entire family to attend. This year we are inviting children ages 5-17 to attend the children’s track as we focus on social skills, bullying, advocacy and a sense of community so the kids see they are not alone. We will also have a track for adults with TS so they can have plenty of time to socialize and address appropriate topics for the group.

At the one day conference, hear about the latest treatments in the TS community, hear educational strategies for the classroom, learn about TS behaviors, learn about Parential Rights and IEP’s/504 Plans, learn more about OCD, ADHD, Executive Functioning and the associated behaviors and learn more about social skills that can help your kids.

Excellent Speakers: Justin Bachman, Sue Conners, Sheryl Pruitt, and more!

Save the date and plan to join us in Atlanta, GA to learn more about Tourette Syndrome!

Don’t miss this amazing event! Help us spread the word!

Check out last years great event:

VISIT: www.TouretteSyndromeConference.com