In my letter I looked back at the triumphs that we made together for literacy. I recounted how we have established a sound to symbol approach to literacy learning for new and struggling readers, and documented the effects of Phono-Graphix on children in classrooms and in RTI third tier instructional programs. I reflected on the exciting studies detailing the neurological effects of Phono-Graphix instruction recorded with fMRI technology.

I also looked ahead in my January letter at what remains to be done. And I have given that task list a lot of thought in the months since I began it. As I said then, my mission has always been to empower parents. Over 100,000 copies of Reading Reflex arming parents with the tools they needed when literacy scores hit a record low speaks to my commitment to do just that.

Today a new threat looms over our children. The prevalence of developmental disorders is now sixteen percent. This is not just a number. These are real children. This number represents approximately four children in every classroom. If you don't see them in your classroom it is because the instructional technology and teacher skill-set has not evolved sufficiently to meet their needs in the general education classroom. The very term "general education classroom" is evidence of this. As I said in my January letter we must not leave the developmentally disabled behind. We must remain inspired. If we cannot, who can? If we do not, who will? As I settle into the next 20 years this is my mission. In order to free my energy to fuel my work and insure that Phono-Graphix and the thousands of dedicated Phono-Graphix practitioners can carry on with your mission, I have turned the Phono-Graphix Reading Company over to Erin Duncan.

Those of you who have known me well are not surprised by this news. It is a logical next step. Erin has been a dedicated Phono-Graphix therapist and trainer, and a treasured friend, since 1998. In 2006 she purchased Read America Clinic, taking over the clinical aspect of the company. Effective today Erin is at the helm of the materials, training, certification, and membership branches of the company as well. My heart is full of excitement at the potential that this brings to Phono-Graphix and to those of you who carry it into classrooms and clinics every day. I will of course remain on in a consultative position, and I look forward to working with you all to support the work that Erin will carry on. I also look forward to seeing many of you next month at the 2014 International Phono-Graphix Conference, which will be hosted at Chrysalis School.

The next paragraph and the next 20 years are Erin's to write.

Sincerely,

Carmen McGuinness, EdD, BCBA