Author: Matt

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What if school was a place where dyslexic students felt understood, supported, and empowered to thrive?

In this special 100th episode, Matt sits down with Michelle Catterson, a leading voice in dyslexia education and advocacy. As the Executive Headteacher of Moon Hall School, Michelle has spent the last seven years transforming the school, growing student numbers from 85 to 200, and leading it to national recognition for specialist provision and personal development.

Beyond her role in education, Michelle is also the Chair of the Board for the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) and a member of several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, where she works alongside MPs and House of Lords representatives to shape education policies for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Her advocacy ensures that dyslexic individuals receive the support they deserve, not just in schools, but also in the workplace and wider society.

In this conversation, Michelle shares her personal journey from scientific research to education, the challenges dyslexic students face in mainstream schools, and what truly makes Moon Hall School a life-changing environment for its students. We also dive into the power of assistive technology, the importance of teacher training, and how policy changes can improve dyslexia support at a national level.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or employer looking to better understand how to support dyslexic individuals in education and beyond, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and real-life success stories.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about improving education, advocacy, and workplace inclusion for dyslexic individuals. Michelle’s journey from expanding a specialist school to advising policymakers in Parliament is an inspiring reminder that change starts with the right people leading the way.

Dyslexic Hack:

• Use of Assistive Technology

Key Topics:

• A well-designed learning environment transforms dyslexic students’ experiences—Moon Hall School proves how tailored education changes lives.
• Assistive technology is a game-changer—it supports independence and confidence for dyslexic learners.
• Dyslexia advocacy must extend beyond schools—employers and policymakers need to step up.
• Parental involvement is key—families play a crucial role in ensuring students get the right support.
• Small changes in teaching methods make a big impact—schools should focus on strengths, not just struggles.

Timestamps

00:01 – 00:40: Introduction—celebrating episode 100!

00:41 – 02:46: Meet Michelle Catterson—her journey from science to education.

02:47 – 05:10: Early teaching experiences and discovering a passion for SEN.

05:11 – 07:20: The transition to Moon Hall School and growing it into a nationally recognised specialist school.

07:21 – 10:03: The challenges of mainstream schools for dyslexic students.

10:04 – 11:45: What makes Moon Hall School unique?

11:46 – 15:00: The role of governance and leadership in shaping school policies.

15:01 – 18:30: The importance of assistive technology and how AI is changing dyslexia support.

18:31 – 22:15: The impact of teacher training and why it’s crucial for better SEN education.

22:16 – 25:40: Michelle’s advocacy work with the British Dyslexia Association and Parliament.

25:41 – 30:15: How dyslexia support needs to evolve beyond school into the workplace.

30:16 – 34:50: The biggest myths and misconceptions about dyslexia.

34:51 – 37:30: Rapid-fire questions and closing thoughts.

Selected Links – 

• Moon Hall School
• British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
• Michelle Catterson on LinkedIn

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How do you turn your personal journey with dyslexia into a thriving business and social media platform?

In this episode, I sit down with Jo Rees, dyslexia advocate, keynote speaker, and social media educator, to talk about how her TikTok explosion led to the evolution of her business. Jo shares the story behind her brand transformation, from Another Way Round Dyslexia Support to Dyslexic Life with Jo Rees, and how she is now dividing her work between two ventures—one focused on education and advocacy, and the other looking to offer bursaries and funding for dyslexia assessments.  

We discuss the power of social media in dyslexia advocacy, how Jo built a following through candid, relatable content, and why platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn require completely different approaches. She also shares the challenges of growing a business while juggling family life, speaking engagements, and running a sell-out dyslexia conference on the Isle of Wight.  

This episode is packed with insights on how social media can create opportunities, open doors, and help people find their voice; whether they’re building a business or simply looking to educate others about dyslexia.  

Dyslexic Hack:

• Self-confidence

Key Topics:

• Your personal story can be a powerful business tool; Jo built her platform by being open about her lived experience.  
• Consistency matters in content creation; you don’t have to go viral to make an impact.  
• Confidence takes time, Jo’s journey with LinkedIn shows that stepping out of your comfort zone can open new doors.  
• Social media isn’t just about promotion, it’s about engagement, community, and creating meaningful conversations.  
• Dyslexia support needs funding and accessibility; Jo is working to make assessments more affordable for families.  
• A successful advocacy business is built on passion; Jo’s drive to support others keeps her going, despite the challenges.  

Timestamps

00:01 – 00:40: Introduction; Welcoming Jo back to the show after her last appearance in Episode 55.  

00:41 – 02:46: The rebranding journey; why Jo changed her business name and created a second company.  

02:47 – 05:10: Social media growth; how Jo’s TikTok audience exploded and shaped her brand.  

05:11 – 06:57: The differences between LinkedIn and TikTok; how Jo uses each platform for advocacy.  

07:20 – 09:34: Building confidence on LinkedIn; Jo’s initial fear of posting and how she overcame it.  

10:17 – 12:40: Running a dyslexia business while managing family life; how Jo juggles multiple roles.  

13:12 – 15:00: The Isle of Wight Dyslexia Conference; how Jo created a sell-out event and its impact.  

16:18 – 18:14: Fundraising and bursaries; Jo’s goal to make dyslexia assessments more accessible.  

19:23 – 20:39: The emotional side of dyslexia; how undiagnosed dyslexia affects confidence.  

20:47 – 21:10: Final reflections and where to find Jo online.  

Selected Links – 

• Jo’s previous episode
• Jo’s website 
• Jo’s TikTok

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How do you create an education that truly works for neurodivergent learners?

In this episode, Matthew sits down with Jenny Sandler, a specialist teacher and consultant supporting children with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD. Jenny’s journey is anything but conventional, she started in children’s educational television at BBC, then moved into classroom teaching, and eventually transitioned into homeschooling and private consultancy.

Matthew and Jenny discuss how home education can be a life-changing option for some families, the barriers in mainstream education, and why flexible learning is essential for neurodivergent students. Jenny also shares her own late ADHD diagnosis, how it transformed her approach to teaching, and why understanding individual learning styles is key to helping children thrive.

If you’re a parent, educator, or someone navigating neurodiversity, this conversation offers insights, real-life strategies, and a fresh perspective on inclusive education.

Dyslexic Hack:

• Use a Line Guide for reading

Key Topics:

• Neurodivergent children thrive in personalised learning environments—parents should explore different education models.
• Reading ability doesn’t always indicate dyslexia—struggles with spelling and writing can be key signs.
• Short, regular teaching sessions work better for children with ADHD or dyslexia than long lessons.
• Alternative education pathways—such as homeschooling and flexible schooling—can provide much-needed support.
• Technology is a powerful tool—voice memos, dictation software, and audiobooks can reduce frustration and improve learning.
• Schools are slowly adapting—more children are accessing flexi-schooling, splitting time between home and school.

Keywords:

Homeschooling for dyslexia, Dyslexia and ADHD teaching strategies, Alternative education for neurodivergent students, Flexi-schooling in the UK, ADHD diagnosis in women, Specialised teaching for neurodivergent children, Literacy difficulties in dyslexia, Personalised learning for neurodivergent students, Assistive technology for dyslexic learners, Supporting parents of neurodivergent children

Timestamps

• 00:01 – 00:35: Introduction—Jenny’s background in education and consultancy
• 00:35 – 02:19: Jenny’s journey—BBC, teaching, and discovering her passion for neurodiversity
• 02:19 – 05:10: How BBC Children’s programming inspired Jenny’s approach to education
• 07:41 – 12:01: Teaching in the UK—barriers to qualification and transitioning into homeschooling
• 12:58 – 16:19: The challenge of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and finding alternative pathways
• 16:26 – 22:12: Jenny’s ADHD diagnosis and how it transformed her teaching
• 23:36 – 27:38: The difference between ideological and circumstantial homeschoolers
• 28:45 – 31:58: The rise of flexi-schooling and why it works for neurodivergent children
• 33:48 – 37:31: Why traditional school models struggle with neurodivergence
• 38:03 – 44:51: Jenny’s top learning hacks for dyslexic and ADHD students
• 44:51 – 47:50: Final thoughts—supporting parents, and where to find Jenny online

Selected Links

• Jenny Sandler’s Website

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Did you know that up to 40% of children in the US struggle with reading by the fourth grade? In the UK, that’s the same as years 4-5 in Primary School! 

In this episode, Matthew Head sits down with Dr. David Hurford, a research scientist, professor at Pittsburgh State University, and founder of CARRD, a non-profit dedicated to helping people with dyslexia become confident readers.

Dr. Hurford shares his personal journey from aspiring astronomer to leading expert in developmental psychology, where he focuses on why children struggle with reading and how to solve these challenges. His early research revealed that teaching reading effectively hinges on structured literacy—a method centred on decoding words as a systematic code.

We discuss the emotional impact of dyslexia on children, including anxiety and self-doubt, and how early intervention can transform not just academic outcomes but emotional well-being. Dr. Hurford explains how CARRD offers affordable evaluations and interventions, even creating tools like the free online dyslexia evaluation platform, Dyslexia101.com, to make resources accessible globally.

One of the standout moments in this episode is Dr. Hurford’s perspective on dyslexia: while it’s important to highlight strengths, it’s misleading to tell children they have “superpowers.” Instead, he encourages parents to focus on providing accurate information and unconditional support.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone navigating dyslexia yourself, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for creating a more inclusive, literate world.

Dyslexic Hack:

• Believe in yourself

Key Topics:

• Early intervention changes lives—don’t wait to seek support if a child is struggling to read.
• Use structured literacy techniques to teach reading effectively.
• Focus on your child’s abilities and provide unconditional support rather than perpetuating myths.
• Free online resources like Dyslexia101.com can offer quick and accessible support.
• Literacy is a human right —societies thrive when everyone can read and critically evaluate information.

Timestamps

• 00:13 – 00:55: Introduction—Meet Dr. David Hurford and his mission to help people with dyslexia
• 01:10 – 03:43: Dr. Hurford’s journey from aspiring astronomer to expert in developmental psychology
• 03:56 – 07:15: The emotional impact of dyslexia on children—anxiety, depression, and the power of intervention
• 08:27 – 12:39: Why English is a challenging language to learn and how structured literacy addresses this
• 13:15 – 15:08: Addressing myths like the “superpower” narrative and focusing on real strengths
• 21:47 – 24:13: The creation of Dyslexia101.com and making evaluations accessible globally
• 27:37 – 31:01: The importance of educating children about their dyslexia with tools like the I Have Dyslexia book series
• 35:11 – 38:18: Why science-based reading methods are crucial for societal progress
• 47:10 – 50:35: Dr. Hurford’s reflections on his career and advice for parents seeking answers

Selected Links – 

• CARRD – Centre for the Assessment and Remediation of Reading Difficulties
• I Have Dyslexia (Books for Children) – Amazon UK – USA

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Ever felt overwhelmed trying to find the right assistive technology for your needs or those of someone you care about? The world of AT can be a maze of options, often leaving people unsure where to begin or what solutions are available.

In this episode Matthew Head sits down with Lauren Jeffery, Business Development Manager for AT Superstore, a centralised online marketplace for all your assistive technology (AT) needs. 

This conversation blends Lauren’s passion for neurodiversity, her experiences travelling across South and Central America, and her return to a career in assistive technology.

Lauren shares how AT Superstore aims to demystify the often overwhelming world of assistive technology by offering an easy-to-navigate platform where users can compare products based on their needs, such as neurodiversity, low vision, hearing impairments, or physical disabilities. From her perspective, the real power of AT is its ability to make a tangible difference—whether for students with dyslexia, professionals in the workplace, or families looking for personalised solutions.

We also explore standout innovations like LexiLens glasses, designed to help those with dyslexia or visual stress by stabilising letters on a page, and Tippy Keyboards, a one-handed keyboard for improved accessibility. Lauren highlights the challenges and growth opportunities within the assistive tech industry, particularly in expanding to international markets and providing tailored training for organisations like schools and businesses.

This episode is a testament to the incredible impact assistive technology can have when matched to individual needs. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone looking for solutions, Lauren’s insights remind us that the right tools can open doors to success.

If you’re looking for help with choosing the right AT which will work for you, this is the episode you need to listen to!

Dyslexic Hack:

• Assistive Technology
• Early Diagnosis 

Key Topics:

• Tailored Assistive Technology Makes a Difference: AT is most effective when aligned with individual needs, whether for students, professionals, or families.
• Confidence is Key: Providing resources and training ensures users feel empowered to use AT effectively, avoiding wasted investments.
• Innovation is Constant: New tools, like LexiLens and Tippy Keyboards, demonstrate the evolving landscape of assistive technology.
• Accessibility Can Be Scary Without Guidance: A user-friendly platform like AT Superstore helps remove barriers for those unfamiliar with the tech.
• The Impact of Neurodiversity Support: Passionate communities and tailored solutions create meaningful change in education and workplaces.

Timestamps:

• 00:13 – 00:38: Introduction to Lauren Jeffery and AT Superstore
• 01:06 – 03:53: Lauren’s travel experiences and returning to the assistive technology sector
• 04:20 – 05:43: The rewarding impact of AT on neurodiverse individuals
• 07:29 – 08:51: Changes in the assistive tech landscape and the overwhelming variety of products
• 08:51 – 12:26: Overview of AT Superstore’s user-friendly platform and smart search feature
• 13:17 – 14:33: Tailoring assistive tech solutions for schools, workplaces, and individuals
• 15:27 – 16:51: Ensuring customer confidence through relationships and support
• 18:24 – 20:05: International growth opportunities for AT Superstore
• 21:30 – 23:45: Standout products like LexiLens glasses and Tippy Keyboards
• 28:48 – 32:59: Navigating the AT Superstore website for tailored solutions
• 36:12 – 40:28: Rapid-fire questions and reflections on dyslexia and assistive tech

Selected Links

• AT Superstore: www.atsuperstore.com

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A look back over 2024.

In this special year-end episode, host Matthew Head takes listeners on a reflective journey through the standout moments and stories from 2024. From CEOs and MPs to former Olympians and tech innovators, Matthew revisits conversations with guests who brought diverse experiences of living with dyslexia.

The episode highlights powerful narratives of discovery, resilience, and success—many guests shared how dyslexia shaped their lives, careers, and identities.

Matt Hancock MP recounted his Oxford University experience, where dyslexia was first identified after struggling with essays despite excelling in oral discussions. Another reflected on the power of early diagnosis at 14, describing how targeted support transformed his confidence and performance in school.

For many, dyslexia was a hidden challenge for years. Jamie Waller revealed how they discovered their diagnosis at 36 after selling a multi-million-pound business. The emotional liberation of accepting and vocalizing their dyslexia transformed their life, career, and confidence.

Other stories touched on family connections—how children’s diagnoses often led parents to reflect on their own dyslexic traits—and the importance of tailored support and assistive technologies like audiobooks and dyslexia-friendly fonts.

Through these stories, Matthew weaves a narrative of shared humanity, showing how dyslexia affects people differently yet reveals a common theme: when individuals embrace their dyslexia, seek the right support, and align with their passions, they unlock new paths to growth and success.

As the year comes to a close, this episode offers inspiration and encouragement for listeners, showing that dyslexia, with its challenges and strengths, is a journey worth celebrating.

Key Takeaways –

1. Dyslexia Diagnosis Brings Empowerment: Early diagnosis can level the playing field, while late diagnosis often brings clarity and confidence.
2. Tailored Support is Transformative: Extra time in exams, assistive technology (e.g., audiobooks, reader pens), and dyslexia-friendly fonts make significant differences.
3. Family Patterns of Dyslexia: Many adults discover their dyslexia through their children’s diagnoses, highlighting its hereditary nature.
4. Strengths and Struggles Coexist: Dyslexia may present daily challenges, but it also enhances creativity, verbal strengths, and visual thinking.
5. Overcoming Stigma: Accepting and sharing dyslexia often leads to personal liberation and career success.
6. Passion Unlocks Potential: Aligning learning or work with passions (e.g., sport, art, or technology) helps overcome struggles.

Key Topics:

• Seek an assessment if you or someone you know is struggling; diagnosis can open doors to support and confidence.
• Use tools like audiobooks, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and assistive tech to make learning accessible and enjoyable.
• Focus on strengths and interests to build skills—passion is a powerful motivator.
• Advocate for inclusive education that accommodates different learning profiles.
• Don’t hide dyslexia—embracing it can empower you and inspire others.

Timestamps –

00:00 – 00:30 – Introduction: Reflecting on 2024’s key episodes

01:14 – 04:34 – Oxford University guest: Dyslexia diagnosis and learning through recognizing words as pictures

06:31 – 09:55 – Early diagnosis at 14: How extra time and support transformed school performance

12:48 – 15:42 – Family discovery: Dyslexia traits revealed through children’s experiences

20:10 – 23:26 – Late diagnosis at 36: From dropout to selling a £40 million business and embracing dyslexia

27:11 – 30:54 – Tailoring learning to passions: The “Trojan horse” method for kids

31:22 – 32:19 – Closing thoughts: Community advocacy and looking ahead to 2025

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“I’ve been juggling work, creativity, and burnout in 2024…”

For the final episode of 2024, Matthew Head invites you into his personal journey—a year of juggling work, creativity, and burnout, and the lessons he learned to regain balance. 

It’s early 2024, Matthew is working full-time as a lead engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, where his days are filled with designing complex prototypes for concept cars. Passionate and driven, he spends his mornings at the computer editing podcasts in his pajamas, rehearses for amateur dramatics two nights a week, and squeezes in guitar practice between his packed schedule. On the surface, it’s a life fueled by creativity and ambition, but beneath it, something was off.

By mid-year, exhaustion caught up with him. Despite loving his work and hobbies, Matthew found himself staring at his desk in the afternoons, completely drained. Even with all his self-help experiments—cutting caffeine, optimising sleep habits, and powering through with podcasts—something had to change. It was during rehearsals for a pantomime that Matthew stumbled upon an unexpected truth: energy comes not just from rest but also from passion. Acting on stage made him feel alive, more energised than ever. So, why was work and podcasting so draining?

The answer lay in simplifying his life. Matthew took a step back and reassessed. He began outsourcing his podcast editing, freeing hours he didn’t realise were holding him back. He reintroduced exercise, focusing on small, achievable goals—like swimming twice a week—and noticed how even light movement improved his energy and sleep. He experimented further with small but mighty tweaks: drinking water earlier in the day to avoid waking up at night, and even discovering the power of an eye mask to sleep uninterrupted.

Slowly but surely, Matthew saw the fog of burnout lift. The overwhelm of “doing it all” was replaced by intentional choices: doing what mattered most. He learned to trust the process in his work as well, realising that new challenges—like mastering a complex CAD system—take time, and pushing himself too hard only added to the strain. By the year’s end, Matthew found a rhythm that worked: a balance of passion, health, and personal growth.

This episode is not just Matthew’s story—it’s a reminder to anyone feeling stretched thin that small changes can lead to big transformations. From struggling to juggle it all to embracing a simpler, more sustainable approach to life, Matthew shares his hard-won insights so you, too, can create a life you love in 2025.

Tune in to hear his reflections, practical strategies, and the inspiring truth that sometimes, slowing down is the real hack to moving forward.

Key Topics:

• Energy Comes from Passion:
  • Engaging in hobbies like theatre and music can boost energy, even during busy periods.
• Prioritise Sleep Quality:
  • Small tweaks, like using an eye mask and managing evening water intake, significantly improve sleep.
• Simplify and Delegate:
  • Outsourcing podcast editing freed time for health, relaxation, and growth.
• Progress Takes Time:
  • Learning a new job or skill requires patience—pressure for instant results can hinder growth.
• Exercise is Essential:
  • Consistent movement (e.g., swimming) improves sleep, energy, and mental well-being.
• Reflect to Recharge:
  • Periodic self-reflection allows for course correction and renewed focus.

Timestamps –

00:13 – Introduction and episode overview

01:12 – Balancing a full-time job (Jaguar Land Rover) with podcasting and hobbies

03:32 – Matthew’s return to amateur dramatics and overcoming childhood stage trauma

06:19 – Realization of burnout and the role of self-reflection

08:36 – Small changes: water intake, sleep, and energy management

11:29 – Delegating podcast editing to prioritize well-being

13:55 – Simplifying life to make space for health and relaxation

15:22 – Sleep improvements with an eye mask

16:49 – Building habits: swimming twice a week and incremental fitness goals

18:41 – Learning patience while ramping up in a new role

22:31 – Final reflections: appreciating progress and future podcast plans

23:26 – Closing message and holiday wishes

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Do people with dyslexia make the best storytellers? 

There are many strengths which come with dyslexia. One of the more common strengths is our ability to effectively communicate and our typical way of doing that is through the medium of storytelling. 

Storytelling might come in the form of explaining complex concepts at work, or in the form of telling a joke to friends. 

Many people with dyslexia take storytelling to the next level by applying it to writing a book. There are many famous dyslexic authors such as Agatha Christie and WB Yeats. Today we can ad our guest Kirsty Heap to the list! 

In this episode, Matthew Head welcomes back Kirsty Heap, who shares her journey from HR professional to dyslexia coach and now children’s book author. 

Kirsty discusses the challenges of balancing her growing business with family life, her experiences in coaching, and the inspiration behind her upcoming children’s book, ‘Silent Snow’.

Kirsty emphasises the importance of creativity in storytelling and aims to create a stress-free reading experience for parents and children, particularly those with dyslexia. 

In this conversation, Kirsty Heap discusses her journey of creating a children’s book titled ‘Silent Snow’, focusing on the storytelling process through illustrations. She shares insights on how to build narratives from images, the challenges of publishing, and the importance of embracing creativity and vulnerability. Kirsty also highlights her strategies for promoting the book and her plans for future projects, emphasising the significance of collaboration and support in her creative endeavors.

In a world where children have more access that ever before to media such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney and social media, the importance of imagination and storytelling for young children is greater now more than ever before. Imagination and storytelling within young children can build bonds and relationships as well as develop new neurotransmitters in the brain demonstrating that storytelling and use of their imagination helps to build happy and healthy brains. 

Dyslexic Strength:

• Story Telling

Key Topics:

• Kirsty Heap has transitioned from HR to dyslexia coaching.
• She is writing a children’s book to help with reading challenges.
• Balancing work and family is a continuous challenge for her.
• Kirsty emphasises the importance of organic growth in her business.
• She passed her coaching qualification exam on the first attempt.
• Coaching neurodiverse individuals requires a different approach.
• Kirsty uses storytelling to address real-life issues faced by children.
• Her children’s book aims to empower both parents and children.
• Illustrations in her book are detailed and carefully planned.
• Kirsty believes in nurturing creativity from a young age. The storyteller has the freedom to interpret illustrations in various ways.
• Kirsty can create extended narratives from a limited number of images.
• The book aims to have international appeal due to its lack of text.
• Incorporating unique elements in illustrations can spark curiosity in children.
• Self-publishing was chosen after facing multiple rejections from traditional publishers.
• Kirsty found support from a publisher who understood her vision.
• The creative process flourished after leaving a corporate job.
• Embracing vulnerability is essential when sharing creative work.
• Testing the book’s concept with neurodivergent individuals provided reassurance.
• Promoting the book involves leveraging personal connections and professional help.

Selected Links

• Order Silent Snow
  • Book – paperback
  • Ebook

Chapters – 

00:00 Introduction to Kirsty Heap’s Journey

02:56 Balancing Business and Family Life

05:33 Coaching Experience and Challenges

10:40 The Birth of a Children’s Book

19:04 Creating a Unique Storytelling Experience

22:24 The Art of Storytelling Through Illustrations

25:39 Creating a Narrative from Images

29:46 The Journey to Publication

34:26 Embracing Creativity and Vulnerability

39:51 Promoting the Book and Future Plans