Diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade, LeDerick Horne is a dynamic spoken-word poet, an inspiring motivational speaker, and a determined advocate for all People with Disabilities.

The grandson of one of New Jersey’s most prominent civil rights leaders, LeDerick uses his gift for spoken-word poetry as the gateway to larger discussions on equal opportunity, pride, self-determination and hope for People with Disabilities. His workshops, keynote speeches, and performances reach thousands of students, teachers, legislators, policy makers, business leaders, and service providers each year. He regularly addresses an array of academic, government, social, and business groups, including appearances at the White House, the United Nations, Harvard University, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, and the State Departments of Education across the US. His work addresses the challenges of all disabilities, uniting the efforts of diverse groups to achieve substantive, systemic change.

In 2016, LeDerick and co-author Margo Vreeburg Izzo, PhD, The Ohio State University, released the book Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success — the definitive compendium on transition support for students with LD / ADHD and other hidden disabilities — published by Brookes Publishing Co. You can learn more about him and his work at www.lederick.com.

Related Resources: 

• Book: Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success

• Poetry CD's also available for digital streaming on Apple and Spotify 

• Until Every Barrier Falls - YouTube

• Celebrating Black History and People with Disabilities

• The Black and Dyslexic Podcast (on multiple streaming services) - Instagram