Speakers, Program & Schedule Information

MTSA 2026 Annual Conference

Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Starts at 1:00pm (snack break provided)

Tuesday, February 19, 2026: 8:30am-4:00pm (breakfast & lunch provided)

Friday, February 20, 2026: 8:30am-12:30pm (breakfast provided)

Keynote Speakers

(Additional Speakers will be added in the near future)

LeDerick Horne, Speaker, Poet, and Advocate

Empowering Youth: Seven Tips for Success

LeDerick Horne, a formidable presence in public speaking and advocacy, transcends labels to inspire individuals with disabilities. Diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade, LeDerick seamlessly integrates his dynamic spoken-word poetry to ignite conversations on equal opportunity, pride, and self-determination. Grandson of a prominent civil rights leader in New Jersey, he utilizes his poetic gift to champion hope for those with disabilities, establishing himself as a compelling and unwavering advocate and speaker.

Join nationally recognized speaker, poet, and advocate LeDerick Horne for a transformative keynote on empowering youth with disabilities. In “Empowering Youth: Seven Tips for Success,” LeDerick offers practical strategies for school staff and family members to help young people with disabilities transition successfully into adulthood.  This session will delve into fostering self-advocacy skills, building disability pride, and creating supportive environments that celebrate individual strengths. Drawing from his personal journey as a person with a disability, LeDerick will leave attendees inspired and equipped with actionable tools to guide youth toward realizing their fullest potential.

Learn more about LeDerick Horne and his journey to national speaker, poet, author, advocate, and voice for people who learn differently!

Additional Speakers Coming Soon!