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Additional News and Information

 

From Achievement Centers for Children

Autism Classroom Open House - Serving Pre-school through Grade 4

Friday, March 26, 2010, at 24211 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, Ohio 44145  Click here for a flyer

Friday, April 9, 2010, at 4255 Northfield Rd., Highland Hills, Ohio 44128  Click here for a flyer

For more information or to register:  Email Peggy Lancaster or call 216-292-9700 ext 261

Click here to visit the Achievement Centers website

 

From American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

AAPD Applauds Launch of Google YouTube Captioning System
Google's YouTube automated captioning system uses some voice recognition technology, some automated time code programming code and other intelligent features that will allow
YouTube video creators to include captions easily. While the technology inserts captions only in English-language speech, Google has added an automatic translation system for 51 languages. This will allow millions of YouTube videos to become available to people who do not speak English but could use the captioning technology to read subtitles in their native language.  Click here to read more...

 

From American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly AAMR)

Click here for information from the AAIDD

Visit AAIDD's website to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter. Click here to Subscribe

 

From the ARC of Ohio

The Arc of Ohio's annual day at Cedar Point will be Wednesday, May 26, 2010.  More details will be available soon.  If you have not attended in the past, but would like to participate this year, please notify The ARC of OhioInformation will also be posted on The ARC of Ohio website by the end of March.

 

From the ARC

Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities Now Available

Information about the MBIWD program, application forms and instructions can be found on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.  If you have any questions, contact:  Medicaid Consumer Hotline – 1-800-324-8680/V or 1-800-292-3572/TTY

(3/30/09)

 

"Children's Buy-In"

Gov. Strickland’s TurnAround Ohio initiatives have helped expand health care coverage to more Ohioans including uninsured children.  The “Children’s Buy-In” program (also known as CBI) is a cost-sharing health care program for certain children with special needs or expensive insurance premiums.  Applications are accepted online only.

Click here for more information

 

From ADA-OHIO (The Americans with Disabilities Act)

American Sign Language (ASL) Video Podcast from the DISABILITY LAW LOWDOWN
The National Network of ADA Centers announces new episodes on the Disability Law Lowdown website. The first video podcast series in ASL bring a new level of service to the Deaf community by expanding traditional audio-only podcasts to include video that allows subscribers too see native Deaf speakers signing the show’s content.  Click here to learn more...

 

Employment Tests and Selection Procedures.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued a fact sheet addressing the application of federal antidiscrimination laws to employer tests & other selection procedures to screen applicants for hire & employees for promotion.   Discriminatory employment tests & selection procedures are prohibited by Title VII the Americans with Disabilities Act & the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).  Click here for a copy of the fact sheet  

 

The Procedures and Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, lovingly called the “Guidance Document”, is back on line.  View the document online. (3/19/09)

 

The Arc is actively trying to re-connect families who wish to find love ones through TheArcLink's National FindFamily Registry Click here to learn more
 

MyCMI+™   When you or a loved one suffers from a chronic condition, having critical medical information available when it is needed, where it is needed, and in a format readily useable by medical professionals can be life saving.  MyCMI+™ stores vital emergency medical information, medical images, medical history, and other important information on a secure server online as well as on different types of flash drives.  Click here to learn more...

 

From Autism Speaks and Autism Society of Ohio

Autism Awareness Rally and Reception Planned at Ohio Statehouse on April 14th.  This event is the 6th annual rally. 

For more information contact for the rally Doug Krinsky (Parent of a child with Autism), CAC, Autism Speaks, (614) 554-0802

or for the reception, contact Barbara Yavorcik, Executive Director, Autism Society of Ohio, (614) 537-4079

You can also visit the Autism Ohio Website

Click here for a flyer

 

From the Better Hearing Institute

The Better Hearing Institute unveils Hearing Aid Tax Credit website - Help pass hearing aid tax credit legislation now.  Click here to visit their website 

 

From The Centers for Disease Control

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new website on people with disabilities and the 2009 H1N1 flu. Visit their website for information on prevention, the H1N1 vaccine, and treatment. 

 

From the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center has launched a new Video Relay Service (VRS) call center in conjunction with Communication Access Center (CAC).  VRS is a free service for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community that enables them to place phone calls to any hearing person. Calls are placed and received through a professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter who signs the conversation with a sign language user and voices to a hearing person who uses a telephone.  The interpreter then voices/relays the signed conversation over the phone – in real time – to the hearing caller.  (7/16/09)

Click here for more info...

 

From the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD)

SAW (Solutions At Work) Just-A-Buck ®  in Parma (Midtown Plaza, 1844 Snow Rd., Parma, OH)

We Are The Real Deal...Every Item Is Truly $1.

Helium Balloons; Food & Candy; Greeting Cards; Seasonal Items; Party Supplies; Candles; Health & Beauty Aids; Cleaners; Gift Wrap; Pet Supplies; Sun Block Toys; Baby Products; Pool Toys; Housewares; Stationery; Scrap Booking; BBQ Tools; And So Much More!  Click here for a flyer

 

Remember that by patronizing this store you're helping men and women with developmental disabilities earn a living, contribute to our community and enjoy the pride that having a job brings.

 

To help you get ready for St. Patrick's Day, here's a coupon for one FREE item with any purchase. Stop in at Just-A-Buck early for a great selection of St. Pat's decorations, stickers, hats, headbands, beads, balloons, themed party products and serving ware.  Everything you need for a festive March 17th! And everything is just $1.

 

Learn more about SAW, Inc by visiting their website (4/9/09)

 

HeARTworks Gallery & Gifts - Located on the lower level of the downtown Galleria - 1301 East 9th Street, Cleveland.

Cards for all occasions created by artisans with Developmental Disabilities at the Maple Heights Adult Activities Center are now available online

 

Hear Now Program for Individuals with Low Income

Starkey Hearing Foundation has a program that serves low income individuals residing in the US to acquire hearing aids.  Hearing aids are provided through an application process to those low income individuals permanently living in the US who have no other resource to acquire hearing aids.  For  further information, please call the Hear Now program at 1-800-328-8602 and ask for the Hear Now program.  Click here to visit the Foundation website

 

HUD Produces Video Messages for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it has produced videos for YouTube designed to educate Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers about their fair housing rights, housing counseling services, and loan programs offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

Click here for a press release

Click here to go to the You Tube site / Click here to go to the Facebook site (3/10/09)

 

Upcoming activities from Keene Promotions, Inc./Think Computers  Click here to read more...

 

From Michael Carter Group

Click here for upcoming events from the Michael Carter Group

 

From the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD)

It is with great excitement that NCOD announces a new resource:  Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sacrament of Reconciliation, a program consisting of a DVD with lesson plans to assist in preparing individuals who are deaf or hard of  hearing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, was produced by the National Catholic Office for the Deaf.

Click here to learn more...

 

From the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently published new ADA guidance on conducting accessible and inclusive meetings.  The 28-page guide, "Accessible Information Exchange:  Meeting on a Level Playing Field," covers access to meeting sites as well as presentations, printed materials and other forms of communication.  The guide is available on DOJ's website.

 

Congress is preparing to vote on the health care reform legislation perhaps as early as next week. Thus your immediate response to this request is needed.  Click here to read more...

 

From the National Network of ADA Centers (Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers).

The ADA Audio Conference Series is a project of the National Network of ADA Centers (Disability and Business

Technical Assistance Centers). The ADA Audio Conference Series provides in-depth information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Accessible Information Technology and other related topics.  Please click here to read more...

 

 

From Nisonger Center at Ohio State University

An autism clinical trial is taking place at the Nisonger Center at Ohio State University.  They will soon begin recruiting patients. 

If your child is 6 to 12 years of age, he/she may be eligible to participate for ConnectMe, a clinical research trial of an investigational medication.  ConnectMe provides (at no cost):  Study medication; Comprehensive study evaluations; Diagnosis and close follow-up with experienced physicians.  To see if your child qualifies, or to learn more, visit the website or call 614-688-4656.

 

Announcing the Creation of a New Statewide Consumer Education & Advocacy Organization

A small group of Ohio consumers/survivors are in the process of forming a new statewide advocacy and education organization for people with mental illness. The new organization is called the Ohio Center for Advocacy, Training and Support, or “OCATS.”  If you would like more information about OCATS, please call 614-370-2116 or email

 

From the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

Visit their website for a complete list of trainings 

 

The OCECD has implemented Audio Conference Training (ACT).  This is a new way to attend any of the FREE Parent Trainings from the comfort of your home, office, etc...  If you are interested in being a part of any of these trainings, call the Marion office at 800-374-2806 to register for an Audio Conference Training.  A packet of information will be sent to you along with the call in number.  Click here for more information...

 

From the Parent to Parent Network

The Parent to Parent Network is sponsoring a year long Mental Health Awareness (MHA) Campaign.

Visit their website to see upcoming speakers and programs

 

From People First of Ohio

"Let Freedom Ring on People First Survivor Island"

The People First of Ohio Convention 2010 is almost here! The conference will be held at Roberts Convention Center in Wilmington, Ohio (exit 50 off Interstate 71). The Conference is March 18-20, 2010 and will cost $165.00 including all meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch).  People First Office - 740-397-6100.  Click here for a flyer or here to go to the website...

 

From Prevent Blindness Ohio

Free Preschool Vision Screening Training, Certification and Equipment Opportunity.  Click here for more info...

 

From Project SALUTE

Project SALUTE is a unique service project pioneered by the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law to provide low-income veterans across the country with the opportunity to learn about and receive FREE legal assistance with denied federal veteran disability and pension benefit claims.  Visit Project SALUTE to learn more.

 

From the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

Please click here to read more about a new brochure intended for spinal cord injury survivors living in the community to help maintain their health.

 

St. GILES Support Group

St. Giles is the patron saint of people with disabilities and the group's founders have used "Giles" as an acronym for Gathering in Love for Education and Support.  This is a support group for parents and care givers of children and adults with special needs.  It has been created by caring moms to give anyone who is interested a voice and outlet to talk, learn, and share with others dealing with similar daily triumphs and challenges of raising children with special needs.  Feel free to invite others you know who may be interested.

 

If you have any questions please email Sherri Duncan or call 216-205-9907

or email Amanda Mooney or call 216-352-0568

 

From SOAR!

SOAR Winter Session II - February 15 - March 25  Click here for a flyer

SOAR Spring Session I - April 5 - May 13  Click here for a flyer

 

From Southwest DBTAC

The Southwest DBTAC is pleased to announce that the Disability Law Handbook is now available.

Click here for more info...

 

From Stauros USA, in cooperation with Catholic Theological Union of Chicago

Access to the Land of the Bible...A unique program of travel and study in the Holy Land designed especially for persons with physical disabilities.  August 16 – 27, 2010.  Click here for more info...

 

Study Seeks Participants with Sensory and/or Mobility Impairments

If you have a sensory impairment and/or mobility impairment, you may be eligible to participate in a new research project.  This research aims to understand what people with sensory and/or mobility impairments do in their daily lives, how their environments affect their community participation and what, if any, help they need to complete activities.

Click here to read more...

 

From Tools for Today and Tomorrow

Check out the Tools for Today and Tomorrow website for upcoming events

 

Tools for Today and Tomorrow is conducting a survey of families and professionals who have used their website.

From the U.S. Treasury

The US Treasury Introduces Direct Express® Debit Card for Social Security Payments.  Click here to read more...

 

From the Department of Veteran's Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that on-line applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application. The VA will now process applications received through its on-line application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature. The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant's application for benefits.  Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all  VONAPP applications.

 

Click here for more information...

 

From VSA Arts

VSA arts Announces 2010 Playwright Discovery Call for Scripts Young playwrights whose work has explored how disability affects their lives and the lives of others will be awarded $2,000 and the opportunity to see their plays performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Click here to visit the VSA Arts website for more info...

 

From the Washington Learning System

Free parent-child activity materials are available for downloading at the Washington Learning Systems website.

Click here to read more...

 

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From American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (formerly AAMR)

AAIDD is seeking volunteer interviewers to help develop a state-of-the-art adaptive behavior scale for people with intellectual disabilities Click here to read more on how to participate and download a recruitment form.

 

The March of Dimes gives the United States a "D" in it's first annual premature birth report card, when comparing actual preterm birth rates to the national healthy people 2010 objective.

To read the report card, including state-by-state rankings, click here.

 

Learn how to make online presentations more accessible for persons with disabilities.  Access a lay friendly, web tutorial by the United States Department of Agriculture's Target Center on ways you can adapt web technologies to make presentations more accessible to people with disabilities  - Click here to visit their website. 

 

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From ADA-OHIO (The Americans with Disabilities Act)

American Sign Language Video Podcast from the DISABILITY LAW LOWDOWN, a project of the National Network of ADA Centers
The National Network of ADA Centers announces new episodes on the Disability Law Lowdown website. The first video podcast series in American Sign Language bring a new level of service to the Deaf community by expanding traditional audio-only podcasts to include video that allows subscribers too see native Deaf speakers signing the show’s content.  The podcasts deliver the latest in disability law information via American Sign Language, captioning, voice-over, and transcripts to maximize accessibility. Free subscriptions to the ASL podcasts are available to have shows automatically delivered to MP3 players. The ASL podcasts are also available on the Disability Law Lowdown website, where transcripts of the shows are simultaneously available. For the fastest viewing, go to You Tube website.

Disability Law Lowdown is provided by the Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC), a national network of ten ADA Centers across the country, offering technical assistance and training in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. To reach the center that serves your area call 1-800-949-4232 v/tty. To subscribe, look for the ASL Disability Law Lowdown podcast on iTunes, or visit Disability Law Lowdown website

 

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Upcoming Activities from Keene Promotions, Inc./Think Computers

 

Greater Cleveland Asbergers Support Group

All meetings are held at the Shaker Community Building now called the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Building at 3450 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, OH.  7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Topics for upcoming meetings:

March 17       Residential

April 28          Solutions to Problems

May 19          Resources for Young Adults

 

We are hoping to identify issues of concern and try to find solutions to problems that have been identified.

Please RSVP - email Judi Greenspan or call 216-932-1989

 

For information on activities, call or email Judi Greenspan at 216-932-1989

 

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From the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD)

It is with great excitement that NCOD announces a new resource:  Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sacrament of Reconciliation, a program consisting of a DVD with lesson plans to assist in preparing individuals who are deaf or hard of  hearing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, was produced by the National Catholic Office for the Deaf.  The program was specifically created for students who are preparing for their initial reception of the Sacrament of  Reconciliation.  All or part of the lessons and DVD can also be used to  review or reinforce the understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for individuals who have already received the sacrament.  This program is versatile and can be used by a catechist or parent in conjunction with the parish religion book or can be used as the primary text for immediate preparation for Reconciliation.

 

The DVD/Video is in American Sign Language (ASL) with English captions and voice over in spoken English.

Click here to order the DVD.

 

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From the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD)

Congress is preparing to vote on the health care reform legislation perhaps as early as next week. Thus your immediate response to this request is needed.

 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has concluded that the bills are "deficient on the issues of abortion and conscience, and do not provide adequate health care for immigrants and the poor."  In order to have a voice on these laws that will have an impact for years to come, the USCCB has requested that we forward the following information regarding action to take on the health care reform legislation that is likely to be voted upon soon in Congress.  All of the resources mentioned below can be accessed through the home page of NCPD.  You can also visit the USCCB website on health care for additional information.

  • The USCCB requests that a Nationwide Bulletin Insert be distributed at parishes, along with a corresponding announcement from the pulpit and a Prayer of the Faithful intention. 

  • A full page ad is provided for those who may wish to promote the concerns of the USCCB regarding the health care reform in local media.

  • Contacting Congress is also recommended. A link is provided that allows constituents to email their Senators and Representatives, and the site also automatically detects who are the Congress members to be contacted. Specific language is provided that may be included in the email.

 

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From the National Network of ADA Centers (Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers).

The ADA Audio Conference Series is a project of the National Network of ADA Centers (Disability and Business

Technical Assistance Centers). The ADA Audio Conference Series provides in-depth information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Accessible Information Technology and other related topics. This program is designed as a springboard to enhance an individual's existing knowledge base or facilitate continued learning regarding regulations and trends under the ADA. The program is available in three formats: Teleconference, Streaming Audio via the Internet and real-time captioning on the Internet. Click here to visit their website

 

Call for more information:  LEAP, Gary Edler, Program Assistant, 216-696-2716 x101

 

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From the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

The OCECD has implemented Audio Conference Training (ACT).  This is a new way to attend any of the FREE Parent Trainings from the comfort of your home, office, etc...  If you are interested in being a part of any of these trainings, call the Marion office at 800-374-2806 to register for an Audio Conference Training.  A packet of information will be sent to you along with the call in number.  Visit the OCECD website for more trainings.

 

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From Prevent Blindness Ohio

Free Preschool Vision Screening Training, Certification and Equipment Opportunity.

Approximately 80 percent of what a child learns is learned visually.  Early detection and treatment of vision disorders are important to maximize a child's visual potential.  The longer eye conditions are left untreated, the more likely they are to worsen, affecting learning ability, athletic performance and self-esteem.  Nationally, only 38% of three year olds are screened for vision problems.  Well-child check ups offer the primary care provider an opportunity, on a yearly basis, to screen the child's vision for potential vision problems that can worsen and become more difficult to successfully treat if left until age six or seven. 


"Vision problems affect one in four school-age children and one in twenty preschoolers, which is why regular vision care for children is so important," said Sherill Williams, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio.
 

FREE 4 hour trainings that will provide instruction on how to perform preschool vision screenings.  Participants are also eligible to receive free vision screening equipment (a $300 value) that includes:
 
Click here for the PRESCHOOL Training sessions dates and locations and to register.
  You can also register online

Funded by the Ohio Dept. of Health, Bureau of Child and Family Health Services, Save Our Sight Program
 

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From the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

As part of the continued focus on knowledge and prevention of secondary conditions associated with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Spinal Cord Injury (RRTC on SCI) has produced this educational brochure on Diabetes and SCI.  Click here to access this publication

 

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From Southwest DBTAC

The Southwest DBTAC is pleased to announce that the Disability Law Handbook is now available on their website.  Download and print as many copies as you would like.  The book will also be translated into Spanish and will be available electronically soon.  This Disability Law Handbook is a 50-page guide to the basics of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability related laws.

 

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From Stauros USA, in cooperation with Catholic Theological Union of Chicago

Access to the Land of the Bible...August 16 – 27, 2010.  A unique program of travel and study in the Holy Land designed especially for persons with physical disabilities.  .

 

Stauros USA, is an organization devoted to exploring the meaning of human suffering, to promoting dialogue among

persons who suffer, those in the helping professions, and religious traditions. Catholic Theological Union of Chicago (CTU), the largest Roman Catholic school of theology and ministry in the United States, has been conducting biblical study programs in the Holy Land for its students – men and women religious, lay women and men, for over 25 years.  Access to the Land is a non-academic program of Bible study, similar to those conducted by CTU, but made accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

 

Open to all persons with physical disabilities, especially:  those actively engaged in parish ministry; Bible study and prayer group

leaders; those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Bible.  Open to spouses, family members, friends, or to any persons who wish to serve as personal care attendants.  The cost is approximately $3,000.00 per person double occupancy.

 

Click here for a flyer

 

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Study Seeks Participants with Sensory and/or Mobility Impairments

If you have a sensory impairment and/or mobility impairment, you may be eligible to participate in a new research project.  This research aims to understand what people with sensory and/or mobility impairments do in their daily lives, how their environments affect their community participation and what, if any, help they need to complete activities.

 

Please click on the link below and you will be directed to a short pre-survey to determine eligibility.

Study Participation Eligibility and Registration Survey

 

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From Tools for Today and Tomorrow

Tools for Today and Tomorrow is conducting a survey of families and professionals who have used their website. Take a few minutes to complete this survey and let them know how they are doing. Your feedback, which will be kept confidential, will help them continue meeting information needs and making improvements.  Please click here to take the survey. (Make sure to click on the “Done” button when you are finished to save your responses.)

 

Check out their website by clicking here for community informational/educational events.  Click on view full calendar.

 

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U.S. Treasury Introduces Direct Express® Debit Card for Social Security Payments

The Direct Express card provides another option to choose from for the nearly four million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who do not have a bank account, but are looking for a no-cost or low-cost alternative to using check cashing facilities and carrying large amounts of cash. Cardholders can make purchases, pay bills and get cash at thousands of ATMs and retail locations.

 

People may sign up for the card by calling toll-free 1-877-212-9991 or visiting the website. For more information, see Treasury's press release here.

 

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From the Washington Learning System

Free parent-child activity materials are available for downloading at the Washington Learning Systems website.  The development of these materials was supported by Grant H324M020084 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.  Free reproducible language and early literacy activities in English and Spanish.  Developed by Angela Notari-Syverson, Ph.D. and colleagues.

 

Click here to download materials and click on the button on the right that says "Download Free Parent Tools" on the home page.

 

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