Inclusive education – with LeDerick Horne, dyslexic poet and advocate

Inclusive education – with LeDerick Horne, dyslexic poet and advocate

Author: Carolyn Kiel October 28, 2024 Duration: 36:38

CW: Mentions of suicidality.

In the third grade, LeDerick Horne was labeled as "neurologically impaired" – a label that followed him through his schooling until he was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. Today, LeDerick is a dynamic spoken-word poet, a respected author, and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the White House and the United Nations. His workshops, speeches and poetry open doors to discussions on inclusive education, equal opportunity, systemic change, and hope for individuals with disabilities.

During this episode, LeDerick talks about:

  • The challenges he faced in K-12 special education, before being diagnosed as dyslexic
  • What inspired him to go to college – and how the meaningful support and inclusive education he got there helped him thrive as a student 
  • Discovering his passion for poetry, which led to his career as a spoken-word poet and author
  • His work as a speaker and trainer on the topics of inclusive education and the intersections of education, disability and race
  • Co-hosting the Black and Dyslexic podcast

Stay tuned to the end of this episode to hear LeDerick read two of his poems!

Find out more about LeDerick at his website LeDerick.com, find his social media and more on his LinkTree, and learn about his new video course "6 Steps to Empowering Young People with Disabilities."

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Disability Community for Democracy – with Nieta Greene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
Nieta Greene is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Disability Community for Democracy, Inc., an organization focused on safeguarding the rights of individuals within the disability community and providing a platf…
2025 year-end episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:12
In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2025, highlight the variety of topics that my guests and I discussed on my podcast, and share what podcasting-related thing…
The Introverted Misfit – with Caroline Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
Caroline Smith founded her business, The Introverted Misfit, to help shy, awkward introverts become socially confident versions of themselves so they can have healthy, manageable social lives. Because of her experience w…
Deafness, Disability and Mental Health – with Kellina Powell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:54
Kellina Powell, known as the Deaf Queen Boss, is a podcast speaker, best-selling author, and passionate advocate for the deaf and disability communities. She empowers young adults with disabilities to chase their dreams,…
Advocating for dyslexic students – with Sabrina Fandell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:03
As a dyslexic child, Sabrina Fandell had to sit in her school's book closet for her reading lessons. Now she sits on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association - Dallas Branch. She is passionate abo…
Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:18
Content note: This episode describes my guest's experience with psychosis, delusions, and suicidality / suicide attempts. Sally Littlefield is a national speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to changing how the w…
Identity, horror and artistic expression – with Tas The Artist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:06
Content note: This episode discusses abuse in a religious cult, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and the negative impact of U.S. current events on marginalized people. Tas The Artist is an autistic, queer, disabled and…