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Computer Access
Alternative Keyboards
Mouse Alternatives
Keyguards
Switches & Accessories
Computer Access with Head Movement
Software
Computer
Access
A student with a physical disability may
have difficulty handling the materials commonly used in the classroom
such as books, pencils, crayons, and paper. While it is certainly
possible to replace the need to access these simple materials by
putting more things on the computer, that student may also have
difficulty accessing the computer without adaptations or special
peripheral devices.
Back to top
Alternative
Keyboards
A way to help a student access a computer
is with an alternative keyboard. A variety of alternative keyboards
are available, including: expanded keyboards; miniature keyboards;
large key keyboards; and light boards.
Expanded Keyboards
These are larger than the standard keyboard
and are often flat surfaces that are custom programmable so that
location, function and size of keys can be changed for individual
users.
| 1.0.1.1.a |
Discover: Board - Mac/PC (60721) |
Madentec |
$499 |
| 1.0.1.1.b |
IntelliKeys Keyboard - USB (61102) |
IntelliTools |
$395 |
Miniature Keyboards
The keys are much smaller so the individual
with limited range of motion can access the whole keyboard with
one hand.
| 1.0.1.2.f |
EKEG Mini Keyboard-Mac (60755) |
Infogrip |
$475 |
| 1.0.1.2.e |
EKEG Mini Keyboard-PC (60754) |
Infogrip |
$475 |
| 1.0.1.2.c |
TASH Mini Keyboard w/
ADB Connection for Mac (60032) |
TASH |
$750 |
| 1.0.1.2.d |
TASH Mini Keyboard-Win/Qwerty (60578) |
TASH |
$740 |
| 1.0.1.2.g |
Touchstream Mini Keyboard
Mac/PC - USB (61313) |
Solutions for Humans |
$219 |
Large Key Keyboards
Keys are larger than normal making them
easy to use. This may provide alternative access for those with
vision, physical, and cognitive impairments.
| 1.0.1.3.a |
Big Keys LX |
Greystone Digital |
$179 |
| 1.0.1.3.b |
Big Keys Plus - QWERTY / ABC (60765) |
Greystone Digital |
$159 |
Light Pointer Keyboards
Keys are activated by directing a beam
of light from a head mounted pointer to an onscreen keyboard or
special keyboard.
| 1.0.1.4.a |
Light Board (60030) |
Lightboard |
$795 |
Other Alternative Keyboards
These keyboards may come with one or more
of the following features: changeable overlays, on-screen scanning,
on-screen keyboards, split keyboards, and interface devices that
facilitate switch access.
| 1.0.1.5.b |
BAT Personal Keyboard-PC (60520) |
Infogrip |
$349 |
| 1.0.1.5.m |
Comfort Keyboard Mac/PC - USB (61314) |
Comfort Keyboard Co. |
$299 |
| 1.0.1.5.c |
Darci Too (60534) |
WesTest Eng |
$160 |
| 1.0.1.5.d |
Discover: Ke:nx (60537) |
Madentec |
$899 |
| 1.0.1.5.f |
Discover: Switch - CD Rom Mac/Win
Win v 1.6.4.2/Mac v 4.1 (60586) |
Madentec |
$599 |
| 1.0.1.5.l |
Flexible Keyboard short USB - PC (61307) |
GrandTec |
NA |
| 1.0.1.5.k |
Flexible Keyboard standard USB - PC (61306) |
Infogrip |
$60 |
| 1.0.1.5.a |
New Standard Keyboard (Win) |
EnableMart |
$70 |
| 1.0.1.5.g |
Step On It Pedals (60662) |
Bilbo Innovation |
$139 |
| 1.0.1.5.i |
Symbi-Key - DOS/WIN (60726) |
AbleNet |
$199 |
Back to top
Mouse
Alternatives
Mouse alternatives are devices that may
let a person move the computer cursor more easily with their hand,
or by not using hands at all. They include trackballs, joysticks,
touchscreens, headpointers, and touchpads.
Trackballs
A trackball works like an upside-down
mouse. Instead of rolling the ball on the table by sliding the mouse
around, the ball is moved directly by the user. The trackball does
not need to be grabbed; only the ball must be nudged. Most people
move the ball with their hands, but it can also be operated with
a chin, elbow, foot, or stick held in the mouth. Trackballs come
in many sizes, including ones that can be operated by a single finger.
For people with limited fine motor ability, a trackball with a larger
ball may be useful. Since the trackball remains in a stationary
position on the desk or mounted on a stand, it can be a good option
for a person with a limited range of motion.
| 1.0.2.1.l |
BIGtrack - USB - Mac/Win (61316) |
Infogrip |
$79 |
| 1.0.2.1.k |
BIGtrack - USB - Switch Adapted –
Mac/Win (61315) |
Infogrip |
$79 |
| 1.0.2.1.i |
Kensington Expert Trackball 5.0-PC (61034) |
Kensington |
$110 |
| 1.0.2.1.b |
Kensington Orbit Switch Accessible Trackball |
Kensington |
$125 |
| 1.0.2.1.d |
Kensington Orbit Optical Trackball |
Kensington |
$30 |
| 1.0.2.1.a |
Kensington Turboball Trackball |
Kensington |
$19 |
| 1.0.2.1.h |
Microsoft EasyBall (60761) |
Lab Resources |
$25 |
| 1.0.2.1.j |
Mini Trackball - USB (61308) |
Infogrip |
$50 |
| 1.0.2.1.c |
SAM (Switch-Adapted Mouse Device) Trackball Mac/Win USB |
R.J. Cooper |
$50 |
| 1.0.2.1.f |
Thumbelina Mini Trackball - Mac (60752) |
Infogrip |
$50 |
| 1.0.2.1.g |
Thumbelina Mini Trackball - PC (60753) |
Infogrip |
$50 |
Joysticks
A computer joystick is a directional pointing
device that moves the computer cursor around the screen. Similar to
a mouse in many ways, it differs in that the distance the stick is
moved increases or decreases the speed of the cursor movement. Individuals
who use a joystick to operate a wheelchair may have difficulty with
a computer joystick as many wheelchair joysticks use all-or-none movements,
that is, they do not incrementally change the speed. For this reason,
a person with limited motor control may have trouble with the more
precise control required to use a computer joystick.
| 1.0.2.2.k |
Jetstick For Macintosh - Version 1.0 - Mac (61280) |
CH Products |
NA |
| 1.0.2.2.j |
Mac Mouse Stick II (61279) |
Available locally |
$31 |
| 1.0.2.2.g |
Penny & Giles Joystick Plus PS/2-Win (60757) |
Penny & Giles |
$510 |
| 1.0.2.2.f |
Penny & Giles Joystick Plus-Mac (60756) |
Penny & Giles |
$510 |
| 1.0.2.2.i |
Penny & Giles Roller Joystick II PS2/USB (61253) |
Penny & Giles |
$363 |
| 1.0.2.2.h |
Penny & Giles Rollerball II PS2/USB (61252) |
Penny & Giles |
$363 |
| 1.0.2.2.e |
S.A.M. Joystick - Mac/Win (60694) |
R.J. Cooper |
$68 |
| 1.0.2.2.b |
Switch Adapted Mouse Joystick - Mac (60456) |
R.J. Cooper |
$137 |
| 1.0.2.2.c |
Thunderstick Joystick-Mac (60457) |
Kraft |
$100 |
Touchscreens
Touch screens let a person touch items
on a computer screen to make selections. Since the person points directly
to what he wants, rather than moving an object to move a cursor to
point to what he wants, it is cognitively easier to use. However,
the user also needs to be able to reach up to the monitor.
| 1.0.2.3.c |
Magic Touch (Touch Screen) - Windows (61310) |
Keytec |
$178 |
| 1.0.2.3.b |
TouchWindow - Mac/Win (61035) |
Edmark |
$300 |
Touchpads
To operate a touch pad, a person moves his/her
finger, or a stylus, around on a flat tablet. The cursor moves in
a corresponding pattern on the screen. This can be a good solution
for a person who is not able to grasp a device. Most touch pads require
only a small range of motion, and some are as small as a 2 x 2 inch
square.
| 1.0.2.5.a |
Alps GlidePoint Track Pad-Mac (60086) |
Alps |
$76 |
| 1.0.2.5.b |
Versa Pad - IBM (60548) |
Interlink Electronics |
$70 |
Other Mouse Alternatives
These devices have features that are unique
and provide some additional alternative computer access options. These
devices may come with one or more of the following features: access
by foot, mouth, or other controllable body part, as well as interface
devices that facilitate switch access.
| 1.0.2.6.j |
Graphire 2 - Digital Pen, Tablet & Mouse (61260) |
Wacom |
$80 |
| 1.0.2.6.h |
Gus Mouse - Win (61033) |
Gus Comm. |
$95 |
| 1.0.2.6.g |
LaZee Mouse Pro |
Lazee Tek |
$1,295 |
| 1.0.2.6.k |
LaZee Mouse Cursor Mac/Win |
LaZee Tek |
$500 |
| 1.0.2.6.e |
NoHands Mouse-Mac (60749) |
Infogrip |
$230 |
| 1.0.2.6.d |
NoHands Mouse-PC (60748) |
Infogrip |
$230 |
| 1.0.2.6.f |
Palm Mouse-PC (60750) |
Infogrip |
$50 |
| 1.0.2.6.a |
R.A.T. - Rodent Activated By Touch-Win (60509) |
Adaptivation |
$169 |
| 1.0.2.6.b |
R.A.T.-Rodent Activated By Touch-Mac (60510) |
Adaptivation |
$169 |
| 1.0.2.6.c |
Smart-Nav AT Hands Free Mouse for Windows |
NaturalPoint |
$375 |
Back to top
Keyguards
A keyguard placed over the keyboard assists
in directing key activation and stabilization by providing a frame
to support the hand and reduce accidental key activations.
| 1.0.3.0.h |
AlphaSmart 2000 Keyguard
**Fits the 3000 model (60878) |
ORCCA Tech. |
$60 |
| 1.0.3.0.i |
Dynavox: 3100 Keyguard - 30 (60887) |
Dynavox Systems |
$110 |
| 1.0.3.0.j |
Dynavox: 3100 Keyguard - 40 (60888) |
Dynavox Systems |
$110 |
| 1.0.3.0.k |
Dynavox: 3100 Keyguard - 60 (60889) |
Dynavox Systems |
$110 |
| 1.0.3.0.c |
IntelliKeys Keyguard: Alphabet (60110) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
| 1.0.3.0.d |
IntelliKeys Keyguard: Apple Qwerty (60113) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
| 1.0.3.0.b |
IntelliKeys Keyguard: Arrows (60109) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
| 1.0.3.0.e |
IntelliKeys Keyguard: Basic Writing (60115) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
| 1.0.3.0.f |
IntelliKeys Keyguard: IBM QWERTY (60116) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
| 1.0.3.0.g |
IntelliKeys Keyguard: Numbers (60118) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
Back to top
Switches
& Accessories
A variety of switches exist which can
be used for scanning or directly activating another device. Virtually
any action that can be made reliably and consistently can be utilized
to activate a switch. Close observation of the individual's motor
abilities is needed to select the best switch. The switch categories
are: Pressure, Motion, Sound Sensitive, Pneumatic, and Photosensitive.
Pressure
Momentarily activated by applying light
pressure or touch to the switch using any body part.
| 1.0.4.1.l |
Accessible Switch (60715) |
Access First |
$20 |
| 1.0.4.1.o |
AirLink Cordless Switch (61022) |
AbleNet |
$79 |
| 1.0.4.1.a |
Big Red Switch (60318) |
AbleNet |
$43 |
| 1.0.4.1.m |
Bubbles Touch Sensitive Switch (60781) |
Equal Access |
$136 |
| 1.0.4.1.i |
Cordless Control System |
AbleNet |
$89 |
| 1.0.4.1.e |
Ellipse 1 Switch (60323) |
Don Johnston |
$77 |
| 1.0.4.1.d |
Ellipse 3 Switch (60322) |
Don Johnston |
$67 |
| 1.0.4.1.c |
Ellipse 6 Switch (60320) |
Don Johnston |
$70 |
| 1.0.4.1.f |
Jelly Bean Switch (60329) |
AbleNet |
$42 |
| 1.0.4.1.p |
L.T. Switch (61177) |
Don Johnston |
$59 |
| 1.0.4.1.k |
Lighted Signal Switch (60696) |
Toys for Special Children |
$46 |
| 1.0.4.1.h |
Linkswitch (60511) |
Adaptivation |
$106 |
| 1.0.4.1.n |
Mini Moon Switch (60885) |
Adv.Multimedia Devices |
$35 |
| 1.0.4.1.g |
Musical Plate Switch (60331) |
Toys for Special Children |
$48 |
| 1.0.4.1.r |
Pal Pad Switch (Mini - 2" x 2") |
Adaptivation |
$30 |
| 1.0.4.1.s |
Pal Pad Switch (Medium - 4" x 2.75") |
Adaptivation |
$33 |
| 1.0.4.1.q |
Plate Switch (61178) |
Don Johnston |
$44 |
| 1.0.4.1.t |
Pneumatic Switch Kit |
Adaptivation |
$45 |
| 1.0.4.1.b |
Specs Switch (60319) |
AbleNet |
$49 |
Lever
Using any body part to move a lever from
a vertical or horizontal position to activate.
| 1.0.4.2.a |
Leaf Switch |
Enabling Devices |
$36 |
| 1.0.4.2.b |
Rocker On And Off Switch (60515) |
Northern Wisconsin Center |
$12 |
| 1.0.4.2.c |
Ultimate Switch (60531) |
Toys for Special Children |
$65 |
| 1.0.4.2.e |
Vertical Wobble Switch (61179) |
Enabling Devices |
$80 |
Muscle Sensor
A sensitive electronic switch is activated
by any muscle movement.
| 1.0.4.3.b |
Sensor Switch (60580) |
Don Johnston |
$295 |
| 1.0.4.3.c |
Sensor Switch Kit (61295) |
Toys for Special Children |
$130 |
| 1.0.4.3.a |
Twitch Switch (60332) |
Toys for Special Children |
$80 |
Sound Sensitive
Activated with a loud noise such as a clap
or vocalization.
| 1.0.4.4.a |
Voice Activated Switch (60334) |
Toys for Special Children |
$90 |
Pneumatic
Is activated by compressed air through sip
and puff breath control or squeezing and releasing air in a tube.
| 1.0.4.5.b |
Grip 'n Puff Switch/Latch/Timer Toys for
& Grip Kit (60695) |
Special Children |
$70 |
| 1.0.4.5.a |
Sip And Puff Switch (Double Closure) (60335) |
Toys for Special Children |
$37 |
| 1.0.4.5.c |
Switch, Latch & Timer Choice (61271) |
AbleNet |
$92 |
Photosensitive
Activated when either light shines on or
is prohibited from a photo cell.
| 1.0.4.6.b |
SCATIR
Self-Calibrating Auditory Tone Infrared Michigan State
(SCATIR) Switch (61153) |
University |
$175 |
Tilt
Activated when the switch itself is rotated
or tilted.
| 1.0.4.7.a |
Tilt Switch (60333) |
Toys for Special Children |
$26 |
Pull
Activated by pulling a cord attached to
the switch.
| 1.0.4.8.a |
Overhead Switch (61175) |
Enabling Devices |
$54 |
| 1.0.4.8.b |
String Switch (61176) |
AbleNet |
$30 |
Accessories
In addition to the large number of switches
available, there is a variety of computer and switch related accessories.
Some will allow you to connect switches to your computer.
| 1.0.4.9.a |
Crick USB Switch Interface |
Crick |
$159 |
| 1.0.4.9.c |
IMATE - USB to ADB Adapter (60844) |
Griffin Technology's |
$39 |
| 1.0.4.9.i |
PS2 to USB Adapter (61312) |
Infogrip |
$53 |
| 1.0.4.9.e |
ScanLite System (61267) |
ORCCA Technology |
$150 |
| 1.0.4.9.h |
Serial to USB Adapter (61311) |
Infogrip |
$45 |
| 1.0.4.9.d |
Switch Interface Pro 5.0 Mac/Win (61246) |
Don Johnston |
$99 |
| 1.0.4.9.g |
Switch Modifier (61297) |
Enabling Devices |
$57 |
| 1.0.4.9.f |
USB - PS/2 converter (61294) |
Available locally |
$25 |
| 1.0.4.9.b |
Vibrating Sack (60326) |
Toys for Special Children |
$44 |
Back to top
Computer
Access with Head Movement
When the student cannot use his or her hands
to activate a keyboard or mouse, a computer can be controlled with
head movement and mouse emulators and an onscreen keyboard.
| 1.0.5.0.d |
Head Master Plus (60105) |
Prentke Romich |
$997 |
| 1.0.5.0.b |
HeadMouse for Macintosh (60101) |
Orgin Instruments |
$1795 |
| 1.0.5.0.f |
HeadMouse for Portables (61202) |
Orgin Instruments |
$1695 |
| 1.0.5.0.e |
Tracer (61104) |
Boost Technology, LLC |
$785 |
| 1.0.5.0.c |
Tracker 2000 (60104) |
Madentec |
$2995 |
Back to top
Software
Software – Switches and Accessories
Single switch software refers to a program
that requires pressing only one switch to operate the software. Additionally,
several standard computer input devices can be used as switches. Some
examples include the button of a joystick, a mouse click, and the
keyboard space bar for children with limited motor skills, any type
of switch connected to the computer with a specially designed computer
interface can be used.
| 1.0.7.1.r-s |
Cause & Effect Cinema CD Rom Win (v.6) |
Mayer Johnson |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.t-s |
Cinema II - Life Skills CD Rom Win (v.2) |
Mayer Johnson |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.h-s |
Creature Antics CD ROM – Laureate Learning
Mac/Win (v.1.2) (61334) |
Systems |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.i-s |
Creature Capers CD ROM – Laureate Learning
Mac/Win (v.1.20) (61335) |
Systems |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.k-s |
Creature Cartoons- Laureate Learning
Mac/Win (v.1.20) (61337) |
Systems |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.m-s |
Creature Chorus - Laureate Learning
Mac/Win (v.2.0.3) (61339) |
Systems |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.j-s |
Creature Features- Mac/Win (v.1.20) (61336) |
Laureate Learning Systems |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.l-s |
Creature Magic - Mac/Win (v.1.20) (61338) |
Laureate Learning Systems |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.n-s |
In Sequence Daily Living Skills CD Rom Win (v. 1.3) |
Judy Lynn Software |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.p-s |
In Sequence Illustrated CD Rom Win (v.1.3) |
Mayer Johnson |
$43 |
| 1.0.7.1.g-s |
Judy Lynn Software: Cause & Effect Factory –
CD ROM Win (v. 3) (61305) |
Judy Lynn Software |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.f-s |
Judy Lynn Software: Intro to Cause & Effect –
CD ROM Win (v 1.1) (61304) |
Judy Lynn Software |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.e-s |
Judy Lynn Software: Match It – CD ROM Win (61303) |
Judy Lynn Software |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.d-s |
Judy Lynn Software: Scan & Paint –
CD ROM Win (61302) |
Judy Lynn Software |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.s-s |
Look & Listen CD Rom Win |
Mayer Johnson |
$39 |
| 1.0.7.1.c-s |
Single Switch Games - Version 1 –
CD Rom Mac/Win (61257) |
Marblesoft |
$60 |
| 1.0.7.1.a-s |
Single Switch Games 2 CD Rom Mac/ Win (v. 2.02) |
Marblesoft |
$60 |
| 1.0.7.1.b-s |
Switch Basics - CD Rom Mac/Win (61208) |
SoftTouch |
$115 |
| 1.0.7.1.v-s |
Two Switches to Success! CD Rom Mac/Win (v.3) |
Linda Burkhart |
$45 |
| 1.0.7.1.u-s |
Wheel of Sounds (Program #219) CD Rom Win |
Mayer Johnson |
$39 |
Software – Computer Access
There are software programs that allow you
to create interfaces for non-adapted software programs, so an individual
can use switches, special keyboard, and other input devices to operate
the program.
| 1.0.7.2.a-s |
Accessibility Suite (suite 4.1) - CD Rom Win |
Premier Assistive Technology |
$299 |
| 1.0.7.2.f-s |
ClickIt! - V 1.06 - CD Win (60698) |
IntelliTools |
$100 |
| 1.0.7.2.b-s |
ClickIt! - V1.2f - CD Mac (60280) |
IntelliTools |
$100 |
| 1.0.7.2.g-s |
Overlay Maker - CD ROM –
Mac (v. 2.2d) - Win (v. 1.06) (61333) |
IntelliTools |
$100 |
Software – OnScreen
Software that generates an image of a keyboard
on the screen is referred to as an onscreen keyboard. The user makes
selections using a mouse or mouse emulating device.
| 1.0.7.3.d-s |
Discover Screen - CD Mac/Win
Win V 1.6.4.2 / Mac V 4.1 (60842) |
Madentec |
$200 |
| 1.0.7.3.b-s |
Screen Doors 2000 v2.14 CD ROM Win |
Madentec |
$295 |
Software – Voice Recognition
Voice recognition is a computer application
that lets people control a computer by speaking to it. In other words,
rather than using a keyboard and mouse to communicate with the computer,
the user speaks commands into a microphone that is connected to a
computer. Students can write using voice recognition in conjunction
with a standard word processing program. When users speak into the
microphone their words can appear on a computer screen in a word processing
format, ready for revision and editing. Voice recognition technology
can benefit students who have motor impairments limiting their use
of a keyboard or who have learning disabilities that interfere with
their ability to spell and write. If the students’ oral language
skills far exceed their ability to generate text with pencil and paper
or standard word processing, voice recognition may enable them to
become successful writers. For some, the visual-motor demands of keyboarding
can be a major stumbling block that compounds the writing process.
Similarly students who are the poorest spellers are frequently unable
to effectively use standard spell checkers.
| 1.0.7.4.i-s |
Dragon Naturally Speaking 9 Preferred - CD Rom Win |
Nuance |
$200 |
| 1.0.7.4.c-s |
Dragon Naturally Speaking:
7 Preferred - CD Rom Win (60992) |
ScanSoft |
$200 |
| 1.0.7.4.f-s |
Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 Preferred - CD Rom Win |
ScanSoft |
$200 |
| 1.0.7.4.d-s |
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7 w/
Voice-It Hand-Held Digital Recorder –
CD Rom Win (61173) |
ScanSoft |
$200 |
| 1.0.7.4.a-s |
DragonDictate 3.0.1 - CD Rom Win (60482) |
ScanSoft |
$355 |
| 1.0.7.4.h |
Parrott Talk Pro Xpress Headset Microphone |
Parrott |
$50 |
| 1.0.7.4.g |
USB Headset Adapter |
Andrea |
$40 |
| 1.0.7.4.b-s |
ViaVoice OS X Edition - CD Rom Mac (60991) |
IBM |
$60 |
Software – Setups/Overlays
This software is packaged with overlays
to be used with IntelliKeys. (See Expanded Keyboards #1.0.1.1.b)
| 1.0.7.5.m-s |
Animal Habitats Overlays –
CD Rom Mac/Win (60985) |
IntelliTools |
$80 |
| 1.0.7.5.h-s |
Exploring Patterns - Mac (60856) |
IntelliTools |
$80 |
| 1.0.7.5.e-s |
IntelliPics Collection:
Early Songs & Play - Mac (60417) |
Linda Burkhart |
$40 |
| 1.0.7.5.o-s |
Little Dough Man - Version 1.0 –
CD Rom Mac/Win (61003) |
Hands On Concepts |
$110 |
| 1.0.7.5.l-s |
Math Pad Plus - Fractions & Decimals –
CD Rom Mac/Win (60984) |
IntelliTools |
$100 |
| 1.0.7.5.k-s |
Number Concepts 2 - CD Rom Mac/Win (60983) |
IntelliTools |
$80 |
| 1.0.7.5.g-s |
Storytime Just for Fun! IntelliKeys Series –
CD Rom Mac (60786) |
Creative Comm |
$75 |
| 1.0.7.5.n-s |
Switch It! - Early Math
CD Rom Mac/Win (60986) |
IntelliTools |
$50 |
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