Issue 3, Vol 1, September, 2007
This newsletter highlights navigator news and happenings as well as offering tools, information and resources on navigating employment programs and services for people with disabilities. Contact Theresa Kulow at kulow@eri-wi.org with your ideas, articles, comments or suggestions.
DPN Calendar:
- June 25, Monday, Conference Call, Download Meeting Notes (pdf).
- July 30, Monday, Conference Call, Download Meeting Notes (Word)
- August 29, Wednesday, Quarterly Meeting Summary and Resources.
- September 24, Monday, Download Meeting Notes (Word)
- October 29, Monday, Conference Call
- November 28, Wednesday, Quarterly Meeting in Madison area.
- December – No meeting.
Glenn's Update: Brain Droppings from the Overlord...Musings, Thoughts and Notes of Interest
Finally, the budget and contract issues are behind us and we can concentrate on moving forward on doing our jobs and creating new ventures. A big welcome to our new Navigators!! Come run with scissors and help us sail away.
The times they are a changing, with staff layoffs in the Job Centers, people are going to be stretched thin. Be respectful to staff in these are hard times who will have increased workloads and lost some of their colleagues. It is important to ensure that accessibility issues and the ability to serve people with disabilities stay at the forefront. Too often these issues can get lost.
It is also important to note that Navigators do Navigator work!! There may be a temptation at the local level to engage Navigators into other Job Center functions. The Department of Labor, our funding stream, will not allow those activities. However, like a good Amish barn raising, there may be a time for the Navigators to roll up their sleeves and be a good partner to cover in an emergency situation. As long as it is not on a regular basis.
I received a note from Sarah Janda (Ex Bay Area Nav). She is doing great and sends her regards to everyone! Perhaps some day we should look at finding all of the old Navigators for a Nava-reunion.
I am excited about the upcoming employer events being planned and hope to see more coming. As a note I did training on "Working with Offenders" that focuses on staff and 2 employers showed up! I asked their interest in the training and both responded that a shrinking labor is making them look at alternative populations. Good time for us to strike the iron! As noted on the last phone call "Think Regionally", we can utilize our resources better and bring in bigger names for bigger events. Also if you would like to have the Secretary attend your event just let me know.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is upon. One note, if you plan any type of employer awards, make sure you do a background check on the employer. Nothing can be more embarrassing that giving out an award as an excellent employer, only to find out later the business has multiple civil right violations.
Sometimes it is too easy to stay in our comfort zone and work with the folks that we already know. Challenge yourself to make at least 2 new contacts per month and hopefully an employer or two.
The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is offering training in a few areas, I encourage you to share with Job Center staff and get them to attend. Additionally, the Regional Coordinators are willing to bring training into your Job Center. Remember, effective communication is the law and this type of training allows you and the Job Center to provide excellent customer service.
My compliments to Theresa on this fine and informative newsletter. Please make sure it keeps going by sending in upcoming events, new information and your home runs. It is vital that we keep a high profile and people know who the Navigators are and what they can deliver. Stay creative and keep those new ideas flowing, always ask "What If".
Navigators Out and About
Several Navigators attended and Steve Johnson, Western region, participated in a panel featuring a Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS); a Disability Program Navigators (DPN); and a Work Incentive Benefit Specialist (WIBS). The panelists answered questions about their responsibilities, roles, and challenges. For more information about these three specialty areas, download a copy of the comparison handout (WORD) shared at the meeting. All of the Navigators participated in a networking activity designed to meet individuals within their own region. Around 85 individuals attended the meeting.
Meet Our Newest Navigator
In the North Central Region, Meet John Peters...
John Peters has worked as an Employment & Training Specialist with the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Labor, Education & Training Center (LETC) for six years and is currently a Certified Workforce Development Professional through NAWDP and holds a Job Seeker Services Endorsement. Before that he worked for two years as a Medical Study Interviewer with the Marshfield Clinic and nine years with the United States Army, including two years as an Army Recruiter. Recently, he's been assigned as the new Disability Navigator for WDA 6 as a half-time position in addition to his normal duties working with WIA clients. John is also employed as an Employment & Training Specialist with the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Labor, Education & Training Center (LETC). He works with the WIA Dislocated Worker Program and his office is currently located at Mid-State Technical College in Marshfield.
John Peters
Mid-State Technical College
2600 W 5th St., Marshfield WI 54449-3299
715-389-7023
jpeters@wctc.net
We also have a new SE Asian focused Navigator, Karl Thoj...stay tuned to our next newsletter for more information about Karl!
FOCUS: Work Incentives
What is a Work Incentive?
Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Social Security calls these rules "work incentives."
There are approximately 50 Work Incentive Benefit Specialists (WIBS) in the state who assist people with disabilities of any age, already on public benefits, to understan+d how employment will impact their benefits and help them make an informed decision regarding work. Four sub-specialty areas of WIBS include Purchase of Service (POS), SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA), agency staff specialists, and Health and Employment Counselors (HEC). Complex programs and specialists for Veteran and Tribal benefits also exist in Wisconsin.
What is an Area Work Incentives Coordinator?
The Area Work Incentives Coordinator (AWIC) is a position established by the Commissioner to improve service to Social Security disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income disability recipients who wish to work. The AWICs manage and coordinate work incentives, public outreach, and service programs. Contact our area AWIC, Bob Monohan at 608-270-1417 ext. 3051.
What is a WIPA and a CWIC?
The goal of the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program is to better enable SSA's beneficiaries with disabilities to make informed choices about work. In each WIPA Project services are provided by Community Work Incentive coordinators (CWICs). Find a WIPA in your area…
What is a Health and Employment (HEC) Screener?
Contact a HEC Screener to find out more information about the Health and Employment Counseling program, a nine-month pre-employment program for people with disabilities who want to enroll in the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP), but who are not yet employed. Through MAPP, people with disabilities who are working or enrolled in HEC may buy their Medicaid coverage by paying a monthly premium, based on income. Individuals with low income may not have to pay a premium. Find a HEC Screener…
Assistive Technology Corner
Phil Goodman, is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Expert. Occupational Therapy plays an integral part in many assistive technology services.
Check out some of Phil's insights, experiences, best practices, and recommendations. His most current article focuses on Screen Magnification and Other Visual Aids.
Visual deficits seem to be one of the more common issues among the referrals I receive. With the natural incidence of visual deficits in our population, and the Baby Boomer generation coming to middle age, I guess this isn't surprising. I count myself among the many that are looking for convenient ways to increase computer screen visibility. Read more about Screen Magnification and Other Visual Aids.
2008 Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP)
The Wisconsin Departments of Workforce Development (DWD) and Transportation (WisDOT) are pleased to announce the beginning of the funding cycle for the 2008 Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP). This transportation program integrates state and federal funding sources into one application. The goal of this program is for local areas to work together in a collaborative process to assess the transportation needs for low-income workers and develop options for addressing those needs.
Lack of transportation is a significant barrier to getting and keeping jobs for low-income workers. Improving transportation services can improve the economic outcomes among these workers. The WETAP program encourages long-term solutions by providing the funding for demonstration grants to cover the expenses of the early start-up and development stages of an effective transportation solution until the revenue is sufficient to cover costs. These funds do not replace other funds that are being used for transportation, but rather augment them by using match dollars to bring in more funds to the transportation programs. Download a copy of the Program Announcement (WORD) or visit the DWD Website: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/transportation/
October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Navigators, it is that time of year again to start preparing for the 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Disability Mentoring Day. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (http://www.dol.gov/odep/faqs/ndeam.htm) and Disability Mentoring Day (http://www.dmd-aapd.org/). Particularly consider how you can participate in National Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) on October 17!!
Following some suggestions on how to get the word out about the importance of employing people with disabilities:
- Write a feature story on a person employed successfully at a local business.
- Write a feature story recognizing a local business you have partnered with to employ people with disabilities.
- Have an Open House and invite local employers, your legislators, the local newspaper or media, and other partners or collaborators.
- Present a local employer with an award for their dedication to employing people disabilities (see Glenn's note above).
- Arrange to do a presentation at your local Chamber, Rotary Club, Business Club, or other group of employers about your programs and services and how to employ people with disabilities.
- Navigator Hugh Swanson shared an event they are holding in the Kenosha area - a Disability Resource Fair with a focus on fitness.
Resources to Share:
- Video: How to Improve ROI: Employment Solutions for Small Business: http://www.dol.gov/odep/newfreedom/coc2007/videos.htm
- 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ndeam07.htm
- Just for Employers: Info and Resources: http://www.adainfo.org/business/
- New Freedom Initiative Award: http://www.dol.gov/odep/newfreedom/nfiaward.htm
- Employers and the ADA: Myths and Facts: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/ada.htm
- Online Tool: Disability Statistics: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/disabilitystatistics/
- CVS Caremark Community Grants: http://www.cvs.com/corpInfo/community/community_grants.html
- Disability Inquiries In The Workforce Development System: http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/information_Briefs/issue9.html
- Tools for HR Professionals: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/hr_tips/home.cfm. This site contains articles, checklists, a glossary, and links to useful disability resources to help Human Resource (HR) professionals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Websites:
- Disability Employment Month: http://www.dol.gov/odep/faqs/ndeam.htm
- Disability Employment Month Poster: http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ndeam07.htm
Disability Mentoring Day: October 17, 2007
Disability Mentoring Day is a nationwide effort to promote career development for students with disabilities through hands-on career exploration.
What is Disability Mentoring Day? Students with disabilities (mentees) are matched with workplace mentors according to expressed career interests. Mentees experience a typical day on the job and learn how to prepare to enter the world of work. Employers gain an increased awareness that people with disabilities represent an overlooked talent pool. Disability Mentoring Day is a program of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).
Background
Disability Mentoring Day began in 1999 with fewer than three-dozen student participants as part of a White House effort to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), celebrated every October. In 2005, 9,000 youth with disabilities participated nationally and in 20 international locations. They were mentored by more than 2,000 private, non-profit, governmental, and educational organizations.
What are the goals of Disability Mentoring Day?
- To enhance internship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
- To promote disability as a central component of diversity recruitment for a more inclusive workforce.
- To dispel employers' fears about hiring people with disabilities.
- To increase confidence among students and job seekers with disabilities.
- To launch a year-round effort to foster mentoring opportunities.
Who participates?
Employers (private, non-profit, government, educational), students with disabilities, and educators participate in Disability Mentoring Day.
Websites:
- http://www.dmd-aapd.org
- http://www.dmd-aapd.org/toolkit/Toolkit.php
- Disability Employment Month: http://www.dol.gov/odep/faqs/ndeam.htm
Ideas: Include a Blurb in local Newsletters: Disability Mentoring Day, October 17, 2007
This is a nationwide event, promoting career development for students and young adult job seekers with disabilities through shadowing and hands on career exploration. Young people will be matched with a business that suits their interests and career goals to spend a portion of the day in a mentoring relationship. For more information about this event, please contact [insert your contact information].
National Anti-Stigma Campaign during Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 7 – 13, 2007
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual observance, created by a presidential proclamation in 1986 to recognize "the urgent need to educate the American public about mental illnesses and their treatments," and in recognition of the National Alliance on Mental Illness' efforts to raise mental illness awareness. MIAW activities will be held across the country from October 7-13, 2007. During this week, millions of Americans will honor the challenges of mental illness, as well as celebrate the recoveries they or their loved ones have embraced.
MIAW provides an opportunity to bring the National Anti-Stigma Campaign (NASC) into your community and to the attention of your local media.
How can you focus on the NASC during MIAW?
- Reach out to television and radio stations, asking them to broadcast the NASC public service announcements (PSA) during MIAW.
- Connect with your local schools to present information during back to school nights.
- Collaborate with your local mental health community to include the NASC in MIAW events and activities.
- Sponsor a candlelight vigil.
- Create library and bookstore displays.
- Ask your governor or mayor for proclamations.
- Develop innovative local events to educate the community about mental health.
- Send out a press release highlighting MIAW and the NASC.
- Distribute NASC print materials.
To spread the word about the NASC, order free materials from SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center (NMHIC). You can access a list of materials on the NASC Web site at http://www.whatadifference.org/docs/NASCListofMaterials_08_22_07.pdf.
Due to shipping delays, contact NMHIC as soon as possible. If you are interested in ordering fewer than 100 copies of any material, please call NMHIC at 1-800-789-2647. If you would like to receive more than 100 copies of any material, please fax a request on your letterhead to 1-240-221-4295. Make sure to note the reason for your large order and let NMHIC know that you need the material by October 7th. Please keep in mind that orders may take several weeks to arrive.
Please contact the NASC Liaison, America Doria-Medina (America.Doria-Medina@macrointernational.com) or Elizabeth Edgar (nasc-liaison@nami.org), if you have any questions or need assistance.
JAN Fact Sheet Finds Workplace Accommodations Have Valuable Benefits at Low Cost
A Job Accommodation Network (JAN) fact sheet entitled Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact reports findings from over 1,000 employers interviewed between January 2004 and December 2006. Findings include the following:
- Employers want to provide accommodations so they can retain valued and qualified employees. Of the employers who called JAN for accommodation information and solutions, most (83 percent) were doing so to retain or promote a current employee.
- Most employers report no cost or low cost for accommodating employees with disabilities.
- Employers report accommodations are effective. Of those responding, 75% reported the accommodations were either very effective or extremely effective.
- Employers experience multiple direct and indirect benefits after making accommodations. Employers who had made accommodations for employees with disabilities reported multiple benefits as a result, including greater job retention, improved productivity, and increased company morale.
The report includes a table that lists the percentage of employers who reported experiencing direct and indirect benefits as a result of having made an accommodation. For more information, go to http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/LowCostHighImpact.pdf.
ICI Brief Explores Self-Determination and Employment
A brief from the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), entitled Self-Determination: A Fundamental Ingredient of Employment Support, examines self-determination in the employment process and suggests strategies for employment professionals to apply self-determination principles in their work. In the employment process, self-determination means that job seekers discover their own wants and needs, determine their employment goals, and choose the resources to achieve those goals. Employment professionals can act as advocates and resources, but should avoid making decisions for job seekers. The brief provides tips on applying the principles of self-determination (freedom, authority, support, responsibility, and confirmation) to employment support and lists resources for further information. To read the brief, please visit http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=205.
Community Resource Guide to Helping Today's Youth
The Community Resources Guide website (http://haygis.esri.com/HAY/index.html) maps Federal youth resources in each community to help you locate the concentration of youth and federal resources. Obtaining data about your community is critical to completing the tasks on this website. This tool will help you learn about your community by providing important youth related census data and location maps. This tool makes it simple to define your community and select the data you need in a format you can easily use.
Communities can also identify the location of Federal programs that serve youth. This tool will help you track existing grants and programs in your community as you plan your initiative. It will also help you identify what additional resources may be needed and the best location for providing services.
Navigator Recommendations
The following resources have been recommended by other Navigators...check them out! Thanks everyone for forwarding these resources.
APHontTM: A Font for Low Vision - Download APHont.
APHontTM (pronounced Ay'-font), was developed by APH specifically for low vision readers. APHont embodies characteristics that have been shown to enhance reading speed, comprehension, and comfort for large print users. Previously, the APHont Regular portion of the APHont Suite was available free of charge on a PC-formatted floppy disk. This disk has been discontinued, but the entire APHont Suite is now available free of charge on the APH web site. The APHont Suite consists of Regular, Bold, Italic, and Italic Bold. One must certify use for or by a person with a visual impairment before downloading.
Features:
- More even spacing between letters.
- Higher crossbars.
- No serifs.
- Wider letters.
- Heavier letters.
- Underslung "j" and "q".
- Letters more open.
- Larger punctuation marks.
Internet Use for Self-Advocates and People with Developmental Disabilities
In the June 2007 issue of the journal Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Rachael Zubal-Ruggieri explores the advantages of internet use for self-advocates and people with disabilities in her article "Making Links, Making Connections: Internet Resources for Self-Advocates and People with Developmental Disabilities." She looks into some of the starting points for internet use by self-advocates, some of the challenges faced, and the numerous advantages to internet use. Some of the advantages that she stresses are: ability to gain visibility, the ability for a person's disability to remain invisible online, empowerment, access, and connections. For more information please visit http://aaidd.allenpress.com/pdfserv/10.1352%2F1934-9556(2007)45%5B209:MLMCIR%5D2.0.CO%3B2.
The Art of Disclosing Your Disability
Presented by Richard Pimentel
This is an informative and concise (9-page) guidebook from renowned speaker/author Richard Pimentel. It covers the basic legal and practical considerations that people with disabilities need to consider as they determine how an when to disclose their disability to an employer. Download a copy at http://www.miltwright.com/articles/ArtOfDisclosingYourDisability.pdf
Training & Education Events
Assistive Technology Fair
For Persons with Disabilities Family, Friends, DVR & Human Services Staff.
Wednesday October 24
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Liberty Hall, Kimberly
(800 Eisenhower Drive)
There is no cost to attend! Find out about Assistive Technology, how it can help with tasks at work, at home, at play, and where to get it. Download a copy of the event flyer (pdf).
Friday Fundamentals
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will present another series of educational audio conferences. Sessions are open to the public and held at WisLine sites in all Wisconsin counties. These interactive sessions in 2007-2008 provide basic information about these laws
- Fair Employment
- Worker's Compensation
- Fair Labor Standards
- Unemployment Insurance
- Child Support
Information about this program can be found at: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/frifund.htm
2007 Money Smart Events
Money Smart Week Wisconsin is an ongoing social awareness campaign and the first statewide event of its kind in the country. The campaign's goal is to help families, students, homeowners, businesspersons, employees and other community members expand their opportunities by improving their financial literacy. Most events are free and promotion of products, services or sales pitches at events is prohibited.
Find an event in your area: http://www.moneysmartwi.org/events/
Medicare Part D Training: The Basics and What to Expect for 2008
Help beneficiaries and new enrollees make informed choices in 2008 by signing up for this Medicare Part D Training today!
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries have coverage through Part D, and the open enrollment period is coming up. Due to the complex nature of this program, it is important to continue to work with beneficiaries on a local level so that they can make informed choices about the plans that will best meet their needs in 2008. Be aware that the Medicare Part D plans available in Wisconsin change from year to year. This training will help you identify what to look for as we move into a new plan year.
Presented by Aimee Nash, this training will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Medicare Part D
- What Medicare Part D plans cover (formularies and exceptions requests)
- 2008 changes to plans (premiums, formularies and co-pays)
- Enrollment and costs for people who have Medicare-only (and not Medicaid)
- Enrollment and costs for people who have Medicaid
- and more!
Aimee Nash is a staff attorney with Disability Rights Wisconsin's Benefits Team, where she specializes in matters related to Medicare Part D. Aimee is the primary staff person for DRW's "Disability Drug Benefit Helpline," a helpline for people with disabilities who have questions about the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
The training is being offered at several locations around the state and the Madison training will also be available via live webcast:
- October 11 — Sparta
- October 22 — Baraboo
- October 23 — Kenosha
- October 31 — Rhinelander
- November 1 — Sheboygan
- November 6 — Milwaukee
- November 8 — Stevens Point
- November 16 — Madison (also available by webcast)
For more information or to register, go to the following weblink: http://www.eri-wi.org/Events/2007/MedicarePartD.htm. Please share this information along to everyone who may be interested in attending the training.
ADRC I & A Specialists Medicaid Training
Information & Assistance (I&A) Specialists have an important role in supporting adults with disabilities and older adults to obtain publicly funded long-term care services. I&A Specialists need to have up-to-date knowledge of Medicaid eligibility requirements and factors that impact eligibility. This training is designed especially for Information & Assistance Specialists working in ADRCs where managed care expansion is anticipated and in counties where applications for ADRC implementation have been submitted. Registration is limited, trainings are planned to be held in Juneau on October 31th and Menomonie on November 14th.
Please note we intend to repeat this training in 2008 in different areas of the state. This training is jointly sponsored by the Office for Resource Center Development, DHFS and the Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network. Get more information or register for this event.
Trainings are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Training Locations:
October 31 in Juneau
Dodge County Administration Building
127 E Oak Street
Juneau, WI 53039-1379
Phone: 920-386-3790
Directions online: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/dodge/map.html
November 14 in Menominee
Stout University
Memorial Student Center
302 10th Avenue
Menomonie, WI 54757
Northwoods Room
Phone: 715/232-2320
Directions online: http://www.uwstout.edu/studentcenter/reservations/location.html
JAN/US BLN Webcast: Best Employer Practices
October 9, 2007 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Central
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/register/
Speaker: Deb Russell, Walgreen Company
To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the JAN/US BLN Webcast series features the Walgreen Company's commitment to hiring people with disabilities. The Walgreen Company is the nation's largest drugstore chain and the 7th largest retailer. Walgreen's success story will be presented by Ms. Deb Russell who oversees the company's commitment to hiring people with disabilities in their latest and all future distribution centers. The first of these centers opened in January 2007. In this Webcast session, Ms. Russell presents Walgreen's plans and the early outcomes this effort, including lessons learned.
REGISTRATION: Note a fee is required to participate in this event. Early registration is recommended. All registrants will receive training materials for each session, which will be sent via e-mail three to five business days prior to the scheduled event. These materials will be in an accessible format and may include Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe PDF files.
Any registered participant who does not have access to e-mail should indicate this at the time of registration, and training materials will be sent via postal mail. When requesting postal mail, please indicate if alternate format (large print, computer file, or Braille) is needed and what format you prefer. One set of materials will be mailed per registration.
The fee for each webcast is $35.00 per computer accessing the training. All fees must be paid prior to the event.
For more information about this Webcasts or others in the series go to:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/
800-526-7234 and select Option "5" (Voice) and 877-781-9403 (TTY)
Project ACTION seeks applications for the 2008 Mobility Planning Services (MPS) Institute
April 21-24, 2008
Renaissance Washington Hotel
Washington, DC
http://www.easterseals.com/site/R?i=BcjjbFDqA-P641H_1kUZyg
Applications due: December 21, 2007
Do you wish your collaborative efforts were more effective in meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities? The 2008 Mobility Planning Services Institute can provide the tools you need if your community is ready to:
- Create and maintain strong and equal linkages between the disability community and transportation industry
- Commit at the highest levels of your organizations to work on transportation solutions
- Learn answers and ideas from colleagues working in communities like yours
Gather some of the key players in your community who represent disability and transportation organizations and bring them to Easter Seals Project ACTION's Mobility Planning Services Institute taking place April 21-24, 2008 in Washington, D.C.
Twenty teams will be selected from across the U.S. They will travel to Washington, D.C., to convene at the Renaissance Washington Hotel to share information and strategies to improve access to transportation services in their communities. Teams are comprised of three to five leaders from the disability world and transportation industry in their communities. You are encouraged to begin assembling your team right away, referring to the application guidelines related to team membership, and give thoughtful consideration to the questions that are asked.
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