For LeDerick Horne, proof of his impact came from a young man named Carlos.

Carlos attended a presentation by LeDerick during which LeDerick told the story of how he was diagnosed with a learning disability in third grade. That diagnosis resulted in him being separated from his class and placed in the school’s temporary resource room—in this case, a teacher’s storage closet.

The separation from his fellow students and the feelings of isolation that followed took a toll on LeDerick socially, and he developed anxiety and self-doubt. But with the support of family and a desire to fight against a flawed educational system, LeDerick graduated from high school and college, and became a powerful advocate for people with disabilities.

After LeDerick delivered his presentation, Carlos approached him. Like LeDerick, Carlos also had a learning disability yet had persevered through high school and college and was now advocating for others. He said: “LeDerick, the reason I’m at this summit is because I heard you speak when I was in high school. I don’t know if you know this, but I was homeless then. And hearing you let me know I’d be able to go to college. Man, you had no idea. I needed to hear your message at that moment. I needed to hear you to keep me going.” Read more of LeDerick's story in Living Proof: Telling Your Story to Make a Difference.