iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 19h

Thank you to WHYY @whyynews.bsky.social and reporter Sarah Mueller for highlighting Delaware’s innovative Qualified Tenant Advocate program, where specially trained non-attorneys are helping low-income families navigate the eviction process and stay in their homes: whyy.org/articles/ten...

whyy.org

Tenant advocates help low-income Delawareans avoid eviction in one-of-a-kind program

Delaware was the first state to employ nonattorneys to represent tenants who earn under 200% of the federal poverty level.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

October is #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, when we reaffirm our commitment to working with partners across Delaware to prevent and end domestic violence by ensuring that survivors can access the legal assistance and other resources they need to achieve safety and independence. #Every1KnowsSome1

Graphic with purple background and text reading "Every 1 Knows Some 1 Domestic Violence Awareness Month" above a black and white photo of hands being held together.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware has released a new informational guide about the early release options available to incarcerated Delawareans, which outlines recent legal changes to the compassionate release process. Learn more & access the guide here: www.declasi.org/news-and-sto...

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

REMINDER: Disability Rights Delaware is requesting your feedback on our proposed priorities for the coming year! Please take a moment to submit comments by this Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 -- the effectiveness of our advocacy depends on strong community support and input. ➡️https://www.declasi.org/drd/

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Disability Rights Delaware needs volunteers to help us monitor polling sites for accessibility on Nov. 3! What’s involved: • Attend a 30–45 min. virtual training • Sign up to monitor at least one polling site • Complete an accessibility survey/take photos 👉 Learn more & sign up: bit.ly/poll-monitor

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Reposted by Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware

National Disability Rights Network @ndrnadvocates.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We’re joining @aapd.com in #DisabilityVotingRightsWeek, a cross-disability, cross-movement week of nonpartisan action and celebration. Join us in becoming an Accessible Democracy Defender. 💪 Why Disability Voting Rights Week? 🧵 1/4

Graphic promoting Disability Voting Rights Week from September 14 to 18. The theme is Be an Accessible Democracy Defender. Featuring a photo of a person speaking into a megaphone.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Registration is required; light refreshments will be provided. Accessibility questions or requests? Contact Nina Kegelman at (302) 856-2027 or nkegelman@declasi.org. #DisabilityVote #RevUp2026 #DisabilityVotingRightsWeek #Delaware

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

At this free event, you'll have a chance to: ✔️ Learn about disability voting rights & accommodations ✔️ Hear from individuals with lived experience ✔️ Meet representatives from the Delaware Department of Elections ✔️ Register to vote & make a voting plan ✔️ Play games & win prizes

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

It's #DisabilityVotingRightsWeek! CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware & the Developmental Disabilities Council are hosting a Voting Accessibility Workshop & Resource Fair on Sept. 28, 2026, at 1 pm, 500 Messina Hill Rd. in Dover. 🔗Learn more & register: bit.ly/4qJLAoH or email nkegelman@declasi.org.

Flyer with text in black, blue, and red reading: "Disability Rights Delaware and the Developmental Disabilities Council invite you to Voting Accessibility Workshop & Resource Fair - Monday, September 28, 2026 1-3 PM State Troopers Banquet Hall 500 Messina Hill Road, Dover, DE 19904. Light refreshments provided - Free, registration required. RSVP with a QR code Or register online at bit.ly/4qJLAoH or email nkegelman@declasi.org. What to expect: Learn more about your voting rights & accommodations, hear from individuals with lived experience, meet with representatives from the Delaware Department of Elections, register to vote and make a voting plan, and play games and win prizes. Accessibility questions or requests? Call Nina Kegelman at (302) 856-2027 or email nkegelman@declasi.org. At the bottom are the DRD and DDC logos and a photo of a poll worker and voter.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Congrats to CLASI's Kaitlyn Cirrito on being named one of Delaware's "Most Influential & Inspiring Under 30" by The News Journal! 🎉As Fair Housing Testing Coordinator, she has brought outstanding dedication and leadership to our Housing Unit. Read more here: www.delawareonline.com/story/life/d...

Image of the "DelawareOnline" banner with the headline "Meet Delaware's Most Influential & Inspiring under 30" above a photo of Kaitlyn Cirrito and a screenshot of an article about her.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

🎉We’re excited to share that CLASI has been named a 2026 Delaware “Top Workplace” by The News Journal! This marks the ninth time in the past 11 years that we've received this honor, and we're proud to be the highest-ranked nonprofit in our category. Learn more here: www.declasi.org/news-and-sto...

Photo of CLASI Deputy Director Sarah Rhine at the Delaware Top Workplaces 2026 celebration in Wilmington, holding CLASI's Top Workplace award plaque.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

(3/3) We’re excited to see the impact they will have as they bring their skills and experience to our work serving Delawareans across the state!

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

(2/3) • Elizabeth Heise — Staff Attorney, Elder Law Program • Tremayne Stone — Social Worker, Family Representation Unit • Maggie Toner — Law Clerk, Family Representation Unit

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

(1/3) Last week, we were thrilled to welcome six new staff members to CLASI: • Amanda Wassum — Law Clerk, Housing Unit • Roxana Hutchinson — Investigator/Monitor & Patient Advocate, Disability Rights Delaware • Terra Moné Barrow — Public Benefits Advocate/Paralegal, Disability Rights Delaware

Photo of six CLASI staff members standing and smiling in a conference room.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

...ALL permanent absentee voters should submit a NEW request for an absentee ballot by Oct. 30 to ensure they receive a ballot this year. 🗳 Request a new absentee ballot at ivote.de.gov or download the form here: bit.ly/absentee-request-form

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

⚠️What Delaware voters with disabilities need to know about the new lawsuit challenging permanent absentee ballots: ✅This lawsuit has NOT changed anything about permanent absentee voting for the 2026 Primary Election on Sept. 15. ✅To vote absentee in the 2026 General Election on Nov. 3....

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware program is requesting public comment on its proposed FY27 priorities, now through Sept. 30, 2026. Please take a moment to comment -- your opinion matters! To review the priorities and submit feedback, please visit: www.declasi.org/drd/

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

6/6 Thank you to Councilmember Christian Willauer for sponsoring this legislation, Mayor John Carney for his support, and the members of the Wilmington City Council for recognizing the importance of keeping families housed through early legal intervention.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

5/6 Providing resources to legal aid organizations to resolve cases early is a practical, cost-effective, and low-barrier way to reduce housing instability for families facing financial hardship and strengthen our community.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

4/6 Settlement assistance enables legal aid staff to work directly with landlords to: ✅Prevent eviction filings before they happen ✅Keep families in stable housing ✅Preserve affordable housing subsidies ✅Give households time to secure safe, alternative housing when necessary

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

3/6 The need is significant. Last year, there were 10,495 eviction filings across Delaware, and 7,131 were in Wilmington.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

2/6 Importantly, 100% of any funding provided through this program would go toward resolving tenants' housing cases by paying amounts owed directly to landlords. No funds would be used for administrative or program operating expenses.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

1/6 Today we celebrate an important step toward preventing evictions & keeping Wilmington families stably housed. The Wilmington City Council has passed legislation creating a pathway to fund the Legal Aid Settlement Assistance Program, a collaborative initiative of Delaware's 3 legal aid agencies.

Graphic with a photo of the Wilmington city skyline and text reading: "HOUSING UPDATE - Wilmington City Council Approves Pathway to Fund Legal Aid Settlement Assistance Program - In an important step toward preventing evictions and keeping Wilmington families stably housed, the Wilmington City Council has passed legislation creating a pathway to fund the Legal Aid Settlement Assistance Program.
All funds provided through the program will go toward paying amounts owed directly to landlords to resolve eviction cases handled by Delaware’s legal aid agencies; no funds will be used for administrative or program operating expenses."

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A special thank you to CLASI Deputy Director Sarah Rhine for organizing the mock trial day, to Delaware Law School for hosting us, and to retired attorney Robert Hirst for generously volunteering his time to serve as our judge and help mentor the next generation of public interest advocates.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

...trained alongside colleagues from Legal Services Corporation of Delaware and Delaware Volunteer Legal Services. Ongoing professional development like this helps ensure our attorneys and advocates are able to provide the highest quality representation to the Delawareans we serve.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A group of CLASI attorneys and advocates recently spent a day sharpening their courtroom skills during a full-day mock trial. They had a chance to apply skills they developed during an intensive three-day National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) program hosted by CLASI this spring, where they...

Photo of seven CLASI and DVLS attorneys and advocates standing and smiling in a mock trial courtroom at Delaware Law School.

Photo from the back of a moot courtroom with CLASI attorneys participating in a mock trial.

Photo of two CLASI attorneys participating in a mock trial, with one standing behind a podium and another sitting in the witness stand, with a volunteer attorney acting as judge looking on.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

CLASI is hiring a Staff Attorney to join our Public Benefits Unit! Help Delawareans achieve economic stability by ensuring that they can access critical supports, including food and cash assistance, health insurance, and disability benefits. Learn more and apply: www.declasi.org/careers/publ...

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

CLASI remains committed to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and ensuring they receive the services and supports they need to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The DOJ memo does not change the law. It does not overturn Olmstead or remove the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or federal regulations.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

CLASI joins organizations across the country in rejecting the analysis of a recent DOJ memo that questions longstanding Supreme Court precedent in Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in their communities: www.declasi.org/news-and-sto...

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

CLASI offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

CLASI staff and interns had a wonderful time connecting with families at the Community Youth Resource Fair hosted by the Delaware Dept. of Justice yesterday. They shared info about our free civil legal services along with Know Your Rights resources on topics including housing and disability rights.

Photo of CLASI staff members and summer interns standing smiling outside behind a table with flyers, with Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and Sherry Dorsey Walker.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Join us for "Social Security Benefits for Older Adults," a free webinar on 7/14 at 2:00PM. CLASI's John Whitelaw & Kate Lang of @justiceinaging.org will give an overview of Social Security retirement, spousal, & survivor benefits, & key program rules. 🔗Register at: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Graphic with black text reading: "FREE WEBINAR Social Security Benefits for Older Adults; Tuesday, July 14, 2026 2:00 p.m. EST via Zoom; Presenters Kate Lang, Director, Federal Income Security, Justice in Aging; John Whitelaw, Advocacy Director, Community Legal Aid Society, Inc." above the logos of CLASI and Justice in Aging, on a light gray background.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

A national expert in public benefits and Social Security law, John also provides training and support to other legal aid and nonprofit organizations and serves as a trusted mentor to public interest attorneys and advocates across the country. Congratulations, John!

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

He works with CLASI staff statewide to pursue creative strategies to address legal issues faced by our clients, including people with disabilities, older adults, families facing eviction and housing discrimination, public benefits recipients, and manufactured housing residents.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

John is a tireless advocate for the fundamental rights and dignity of all Delawareans, and he has impacted thousands of lives through individual case representation and systemic advocacy over his 40-year legal career.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Congratulations to CLASI Advocacy Director John Whitelaw on being recognized as one of Delaware's "Most Influential & Inspiring in Law" for 2026 by The News Journal! www.delawareonline.com/story/life/d...

Graphic with the words Delaware Online at the top with a screenshot of a headline reading "Delaware Most Influential: Meet Delaware's Most Influential & Inspiring in law" with a subheading reading "John Whitelaw, CLASI advocacy director" and a photo of John Whitelaw.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

We’re hiring an Investigator/Monitor & Patient Advocate for our Disability Rights Delaware program! Help protect & advocate for the rights of Delawareans with disabilities through investigations, facility monitoring, community outreach & client advocacy. Learn more: www.declasi.org/careers/inve...

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

(3/3) Disability Rights Delaware can help Delawareans with disabilities to understand their rights to accessible technology, services, spaces, and voting. We can also help with requesting resonable accommodations and accessing assistive technology and equipment. Learn more: www.declasi.org/drd/

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

(2/3) It's vital that the digital spaces we use every day are accessible. Features like alternative text for images, captions on videos, keyboard navigation, and adaptive technology help ensure everyone can fully participate online and in their communities.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

(1/3) Today, Disability Rights Delaware recognizes Global Accessibility Awareness Day — a day dedicated to creating a more accessible & inclusive digital world for everyone. More than 1 billion people worldwide have disabilities, & according to the CDC, 1 in 4 Delawareans lives with a disability.

Graphic with text reading: "The Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Foundation was launched in 2021. Its mission is to advocate for accessibility as a core requirement in the world of technology and digital product development. In 2026, WebAIM analyzed one million home pages for accessibility issues and found: 95.9% Home pages with at least one WCAG 2.0 failure, 56.1 average number of errors per home page." The graphic includes a red computer monitor illustraion displaying the international accessibility symbol.

Graphic titled “Common Disabilities and Accessibility Issues.” Four blue boxes represent visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments with corresponding symbols: an eye, an ear, a wheelchair user, and a head silhouette. In the first box, the text reads: "Visual: People who are blind need alternative text descriptions for meaningful images and use the keyboard and not a mouse to interact with interactive elements." The second box reads: "Hearing: People who are deaf or hard of hearing will need captioning for video presentations and visual indicators in place of audio cues." The third box reads: "Motor: People with motor disabilities may need alternative keyboards, eye control or some other adaptive hardware to help them type and navigate on their devices." The fourth box reads: "Cognitive: An uncluttered screen, consistent navigation and the use of plain language helps people with different learning disabilities."

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Join us Monday, June 15, 2026 at 12 p.m. via Zoom for an important conversation about voting accessibility for people with disabilities, hosted by YWCA Delaware and moderated by Nina Kegelman, Voting Rights Advocate with CLASI's Disability Rights Delaware. Learn more: www.ywcade.org/all-events/l...

ywcade.org

Let’s Talk: Breaking Barriers for Voters with Disabilities — YWCA Delaware | Eliminating Racism | Empowering Women | Housing

Join us on Monday, June 15 at 12 noon via Zoom for a powerful online community discussion focused on the real-world barriers voters with disabilities face, from physical accessibility challenges at po...

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

For the rest of our anniversary year, we’ll be sharing the voices and stories of the people behind this work—our staff, clients, and partners, past and present. Join us as we reflect on key moments in CLASI's history, the impact of legal aid, and the path ahead for equal justice in Delaware.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

As we've evolved to meet the changing legal needs of our communities over the past eight decades, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to our founders' vision of equal justice for all Delawareans, regardless of income or background.

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Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) - Delaware @declasi.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

It's CLASI's 80th anniversary! Founded on May 2, 1946, we served 204 clients in our first year—with just one part-time attorney and a $3,600 budget donated by members of the Delaware Bar. Today, we're a team of 80 handling over 7,000 cases a year, assisting more than 17,000 people across the state.⬇️

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