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  • Faith, Disability, and the Power of Empathy with Desiree Taylor - Episode 112
    2025/06/27
    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron sits down with Desiree Taylor, a deaf author, advocate, and mom, to discuss her personal journey with hearing loss and raising a child with the same condition. Desiree opens up about navigating an inaccessible education system, embracing her identity, and transitioning from legalism to a personal relationship with Jesus. The conversation explores the emotional layers of inclusion, faith, and self-advocacy—and how empathy can be a bridge to belonging. From cochlear implants to the church pew, this episode is a powerful reminder that intentional inclusion begins with understanding and connection.Key Takeaways:Early Misplacement – Desiree was placed in the wrong educational setting due to lack of disability awareness.Self-Advocacy Skills – She learned to lip-read on her own and later advocated for herself and her son.Intentional Inclusion – True inclusion is meeting individual needs, not fitting people into a system.Faith Redefined – She shifted from legalism to grace-filled relationship with God through her disability journey.Power of Empathy – Empathy and awareness are foundational to creating inclusive environments.Desiree’s definition of inclusion:Inclusion is an intentional willingness to accommodate and meet the needs of a person with disability even if it doesn't look like everyone else so that they can be a part of what's going on.Desiree’s Bio:My name is Desiree Taylor. I have been married to my husband, Duane, for twenty-eight years. We have two grown sons, Kyle and David. I am an author and writer. My first book, Created to Relate: Living Beyond Religion, was published this past August. This book shares my journey of breaking through legalism and religion to live a life of authentic relationship with Jesus. I am a speaker, and I love connecting with women through sharing all the different parts of my story. I was a part of the Women’s Retreats at Camp Berea in New Hampshire this past year and will be back again this year. I have spoken at a few Women’s events at Christian Hill Community Church, the church I call my home. I enjoy being a guest on several different Apple, Spotify, and YouTube podcasts.My husband serves as an Elder at our church, and I love serving the women in this beautiful body of Christ. My heart especially loves and has a special place for our 20 -30-year-old ladies. I am deeply invested in mentoring and discipleship. God has created us for a relationship with Him and one another, and He has given us each other to grow with together.I am deaf with bilateral cochlear implants. I have sensorineural hearing loss, and it is progressive. I got my first hearing aid at age nine and have progressed to complete deafness since then. After much prayer and consideration, I made the personal choice to have the cochlear implant surgery, and it has been the best decision for me. I love connecting with others with different disabilities, and I am a passionate and powerful advocate for them.Connect with Desiree:Website: https://www.arenewedcreation.com/Substack: https://substack.com/@arenewedcreationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/desrenewed/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-taylor-536827199/SPAM© Count:Host:YesCurrent Guest:YesCumulative Guest Stats:Yes - 45No - 65☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedadSubscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdatesWant to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad
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    31 分
  • Beyond the Diagnosis: Seeing the Divine in Our Children with Kanika Vasudeva - Episode 111
    2025/06/24
    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kanika Vasudeva, an energy coach and Akashic records healer, for a powerful conversation on soul contracts, energetic healing, and inclusion. Kanika shares how children with disabilities may bring deep spiritual lessons and how parents are often part of sacred agreements to help shift outdated societal narratives. Together, they explore how viewing disabilities through an energetic and spiritual lens can cultivate empathy, resilience, and unconditional love. This transformative dialogue challenges conventional thinking and empowers listeners to see all children—and themselves—as divine, purposeful, and deeply worthy.Key Takeaways:Energy Awareness – Understanding how energy impacts our emotions and interactions can shift our parenting and personal outlook.Soul Contracts – Children with disabilities and their parents may share pre-birth agreements to foster growth, empathy, and spiritual purpose.Inclusion as Love – True inclusion is unconditional love—seeing, accepting, and honoring each person’s unique light.Healing the Past – Through Akashic records, we can identify and heal generational, childhood, and past-life traumas influencing current relationships.From Limitation to Light – What society labels as “weakness” may actually be divine design for transformation and contribution.Kanika’s definition of inclusion:Inclusion = Love. Love is accepting. Love is seeing the other person, seeing the light in them, accepting and being absolutely okay with that.Kanika’s Bio:Kanika Vasudeva is a Parenting Coach and Akashic Records Reader who helps parents heal emotional wounds, and clear energetic imprints — so they can raise empowered, resilient children.Her journey began after the loss of her daughter—a turning point that led her into deep inner work, energy healing, and the Akashic Records. Along the way, she uncovered the hidden roots of parenting pain: ancestral trauma, karmic patterns, and emotional burdens quietly passed down through generations.Today, Kanika supports parents navigating everything from legal disputes and co-parenting tension to loss, grief, guilt, and spiritual awakening.Connect with Kanika:Website: https://artoflifecenter.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kanikaenergycoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanikaenergycoach/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanikaenergycoach/Download her free 3-part audio series: Soul Contracts in Parenting: https://artoflifecenter.com/soul-contracts-parent-childSPAM© Count:Host:YesCurrent Guest:NoCumulative Guest Stats:Yes - 44No - 65☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedadSubscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdatesWant to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad
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    40 分
  • Faith, Disability, and the Power of Belonging with Jeannie Ewing - Episode 110
    2025/06/20
    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author and speaker Jeannie Ewing for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, inclusion, grief, and redefining faith. Jeannie shares her journey of raising a daughter with Abert syndrome, navigating neurodivergence in her family, and transforming grief into purpose. They explore how faith evolves, what true inclusion means, and how churches can either harm or heal. With personal stories, practical wisdom, and spiritual insights, this episode offers hope and direction for anyone walking a complex journey of love, disability, and belonging.Key Takeaways:Redefining Inclusion – Inclusion means accompaniment, not condescension; it’s about walking beside people, not fixing them.Grief Beyond Death – Jeannie reframes grief as more than death—it’s also the loss of dreams, identity, or stability.Faith Reconstruction – Parenting a child with disabilities can spark spiritual deconstruction and rebuilding.Empathy as Skill – Empathy isn’t innate for everyone; it must be modeled, practiced, and intentionally taught.Small Acts Matter – Daily kindness is a practical way to build a more inclusive world—smile, speak, notice, care.Jeannie’s definition of inclusion:Inclusion is acknowledging the dignity of every human and welcoming them as a fellow pilgrim.Jeannie’s Bio:I am a middle-aged wife to Ben and mom of five crazy kiddos: Felicity (13), Sarah (11), Veronica (7), Joey (5), and Auggie (4). Honestly, I never imagined myself having even one child, let alone five, but here I am. The weirdest part is that we don’t have a “typical” family, in the sense that some of our kids have developed according to the norm of their peers.Felicity struggles with anxiety. Sarah was born with a genetic craniofacial condition (Apert syndrome, which I mentioned earlier) that affects her entire body. It’s more of a systemic issue than merely a facial one. She currently has fifteen specialists, many of whom we see monthly or even weekly, and she is also on the ASD (autism spectrum disorder), as well as struggling with ADHD and intellectual disabilities.There are many avocations that fascinate me and capture my attention. These days, they mostly include creative cooking, wine tasting, reading, and walking in nature. Occasionally, I scrap book mementos and photos throughout the year, and I’d love to pick up traveling again, once the kids are a bit older.Our family lives in northern Indiana. I’ve always been a Midwestern gal, born and raised as a Hoosier. My husband is a transplant from Colorado, though, and he will always miss his Rocky Mountains.Connect with Jeannie:Website: https://jeannieewing.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeannie_ewingSubstack: https://jeannieewing.substack.com/SPAM© Count:Host:YesCurrent Guest:NoCumulative Guest Stats:Yes - 44No - 64☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedadSubscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdatesWant to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad
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    34 分
  • Empowered Parents: Bridging the Gap to Inclusive Schools with Dr. Diana Fannon - Episode 109
    2025/06/17
    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Diana Fannon—special education director, bilingual school psychologist, and parent of a child with autism. Together, they explore the power of informed consent, the importance of transparency in IEP meetings, and how lived experience fuels inclusive advocacy. Dr. Diana shares how her own journey with epilepsy shaped her commitment to equity, and how schools can better support and listen to families. This episode offers practical strategies for empowering parents and building trust between home and school, while reminding us that inclusion starts with seeing, hearing, and valuing every child.Key Takeaways:Informed Consent Clarity: True informed consent means parents fully understand and feel part of the decision-making process.Parent-Led Advocacy: Families often lead the way in uncovering best practices before schools do.Define Inclusion Clearly: Inclusion should mean access, value, and belonging—not just physical presence.Lived Experience Matters: Diana’s journey with epilepsy deepens her empathy and effectiveness in special education.Talk to the Student: Always acknowledge and speak directly to students—no matter their disability.Dr. Diana’s definition of inclusion:Inclusion means designing learning environments where every child is seen, valued, and supported alongside their peers—not by forcing them into existing systems, but by creating systems that meet their diverse needs and ensure access and belonging.Dr. Diana’s Bio:At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with epilepsy—a life-changing moment that shaped my journey in profound ways. I went on to attend Yale University, navigating challenges and embracing resilience. Over the years, I’ve transformed these experiences into a mission to inspire and empower others. My journey includes overcoming the aftermath of seizures, including a serious car accident, and achieving better seizure control seven years ago with a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS). This turning point gave me the confidence to embark on my most rewarding role yet: becoming a single parent to an incredible little boy, now nearly 4 years old. He was recently diagnosed with autism. He is my driving force and a HUGE part of my “why.”Professionally, I bring over 22 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher, school psychologist, and now director of special education. This background has provided me with a deep understanding of the complexities within the education system. I’ve attended thousands of Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and worked directly with countless families to navigate special education processes. I know how the system works—and where it doesn’t—and have seen firsthand how well-informed parents can transform outcomes for their children.In addition to my professional expertise, I offer families practical guidance on understanding and navigating special education laws, including due process, mediation, and state complaints. While I’m not a lawyer, my extensive experience enables me to demystify the system for parents and empower them to advocate effectively for their children.Connect with Dr. Diana:Website: https://www.disabilityedpros.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disability.ed/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityedpros/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DisabilityEdProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fannon-ed-d/SPAM© Count:Host:YesCurrent Guest:YesCumulative Guest Stats:Yes - 44No - 63☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedadSubscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdatesWant to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad
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    34 分
  • Judgment-Free Notes: Inclusion and Empathy Through Music with Lital Yohay - Episode 108
    2025/06/13

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Israeli singer-songwriter and genre-blending artist Lital Yohay. Lital shares her personal journey with a hearing disorder, her unique definition of inclusion, and how music serves as both escape and connection. From growing up in silence about her condition to using sound as a tool for empathy and storytelling, Lital invites listeners into a world where deep thinking, emotional honesty, and creative courage take center stage. Together, they explore how invisible disabilities shape identity and how music can be a powerful force for inclusion and healing.


    Key Takeaways:

    Invisible Disability Reality – Lital opens up about navigating life with a hearing disorder that’s often unseen but deeply felt.

    Healing Through Music – She describes music as a tool to process pain, joy, and the complex emotions of life.

    Inclusive Creativity – Lital blends genres intentionally to include diverse sounds and listeners.

    Empathy Through Art – Lyrics and storytelling help people understand different life perspectives.

    Judgment-Free Living – Lital calls for deeper thinking and less judgment as keys to inclusion.


    Lital’s definition of inclusion:

    Inclusion is the comprehension of the abstract idea to escape is luring to the point it's getting the self to accept the inclusive darkness and light at the same time.


    Lital’s Bio:

    Lital Yohay - a hearing disordered musician from Israel creates eight genres in one music including: pop, rock, theatrical jazz, blues,funk,electronic, soul and Latin.

    All the songs are written and composed by herself.


    Connect with Lital:

    Website: https://www.litalyomusic.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/litalyohay/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@litalyohay6260


    SPAM© Count:

    Host:

    Yes

    Current Guest:

    No

    Cumulative Guest Stats:

    Yes - 43

    No - 63

    ☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

    Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates

    Want to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432


    Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

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    27 分
  • Making Music Matter: Inclusion Through Music Therapy with Samantha Foote - Episode 107
    2025/06/10

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, neurodivergent mom of three, and podcast host of Every Brain is Different. They explore Samantha’s journey of parenting neurodivergent kids, navigating therapy overload, and using music as a tool for healing and expression. Samantha shares how her own ADHD diagnosis shaped her understanding of inclusion and community. Together, they challenge traditional parenting approaches and offer empowering, practical strategies for fostering empathy, embracing neurodiversity, and creating inclusive spaces for all families.


    Key Takeaways:

    Neurodivergent Parenting – Parenting neurodivergent kids requires adaptive strategies and prioritizing individualized needs.

    Music as Therapy – Music therapy is a powerful, flexible tool for emotional, sensory, and communication development.

    Therapy Overload – Families must carefully prioritize therapies to avoid burnout and honor their child's need to just be a kid.

    Inclusive Redefinition – Inclusion means letting people show up as their full selves while still being welcomed and valued.

    Positive Parenting – Empathy, problem-solving, and self-regulation are more effective than punishment in the long term.


    Samantha’s definition of inclusion:

    Inclusion is allowing people to be themselves while including them in what you're doing.


    Samantha’s Bio:

    Samantha is a board-certified music therapist and a Positive Discipline Parent Educator who has helped hundreds of children gain independence and learn coping skills. With over 18 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and their families, Samantha uses her training in Neurologic Music Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help clients navigate home and school life with confidence. When she is not working, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her family. She is diagnosed with ADHD and OCD and has three neurodivergent children.


    Connect with Samantha:

    Website: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everybrainisdifferent

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-foote/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent


    SPAM© Count:

    Host:

    Yes

    Current Guest:

    No

    Cumulative Guest Stats:

    Yes - 43

    No - 62


    ☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

    Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates

    Want to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432

    Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

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    30 分
  • Seizures, Strength and Storytelling: Parenting Through Challenges with Constance Lewis - Episode 106
    2025/06/06

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Constance Lewis, a nurse practitioner turned children’s book author and mom of three, to explore how emotions, inclusion, and advocacy intersect. Constance shares her family’s emotional journey navigating her son’s seizures, the inspiration behind her upcoming children’s book Colorful Capes of Feelings, and the power of teaching emotional literacy through creativity. She discusses practical strategies for helping children—especially those with medical or developmental challenges—express emotions safely. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that inclusion begins with empathy, storytelling, and listening to our children in new ways.


    Key Takeaways:


    Emotional Expression – Teaching kids to express feelings through creative tools like colors fosters emotional literacy.

    Medical Advocacy – Parents must trust their intuition and ask questions—especially when navigating complex healthcare systems.

    Inclusion Through Storytelling – Books that reflect all children’s experiences help kids feel seen, safe, and included.

    From Nurse to Author – Personal experience inspired Constance’s transition from nurse to author and emotional coach.

    Start with Feelings – Building inclusive environments starts by helping kids understand and express their emotions.


    Constance’s definition of inclusion:

    Inclusion is just creating space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, especially in their full authentic expression.


    Constance’s Bio:

    Constance Lewis, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, began her career in neonatal intensive care before transitioning into roles as a discharge nurse, breastfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator. Inspired by her personal experiences with infertility and pregnancy, Constance pursued a WHNP degree, which allowed her to provide compassionate care to women for eight years in a private OBGYN office. After their son Miles was diagnosed with epilepsy, Constance decided to step back from her career to focus on her family. Her son was diagnosed at age 4, at which she started an uphill battle with multiple doctors and medical facilities to improve his overall care. She continues to advocate for other families who have children with a similar diagnosis. Her personal experiences navigating her son’s health issues led to the creation of "Miles and His Capes of Feelings," a heartwarming and practical tool to help children express their emotions. Their home, filled with love, laughter, and a red Labradoodle named Ginger, reflects their deep commitment to family and helping others.


    Connect with Constance:

    Website: https://www.colorfulcapesoffeelings.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorful_feelings.books


    SPAM© Count:

    Host:

    Yes

    Current Guest:

    Yes

    Cumulative Guest Stats:

    Yes - 43

    No - 61


    ☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

    Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates

    Want to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432

    Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

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    32 分
  • Jesus, Justice, Inclusion and the LGBTQ+ Believer with Romell Parks-Weekly - Episode 105
    2025/06/03

    In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Pastor Romell Parks-Weekly for a powerful conversation on faith, identity, and inclusion. Romell shares his journey as an openly gay pastor in a formerly non-affirming church, unpacking how biblical interpretation, cultural context, and lived experience shape his theology. They discuss the intersection of Christianity, sexuality, and the call to radically love others. This honest and deeply reflective episode challenges assumptions and encourages listeners to embrace inclusion at every level. Whether you're questioning, learning, or leading, this conversation is a must-listen for inclusive hearts.


    Key Takeaways:


    Radical Reinterpretation – Understanding scripture requires context, including original language, culture, and intent.

    Affirming Faith – It's entirely possible to be gay and Christian; salvation is based on grace, not orientation.

    Biblical Misuse – Many anti-LGBTQ+ views come from mistranslations and cultural bias, not divine truth.

    Jesus-Centered Inclusion – The life and actions of Jesus offer a blueprint for loving others inclusively.

    Courageous Living – Embracing and teaching affirming theology cost Romell deeply but brought deep integrity and peace.


    Romell’s definition of inclusion:


    Inclusion is having a space for everyone to be present and to actually have a voice. To not just have a seat, but to actually have a voice at that table.


    Romell’s Bio:


    I am the spiritual leader (traditionally: pastor) of The Sanctuary, a church located in my home of Saint Louis, MO. As a part of my apostolic work, I have also founded other ministries, listed below. I serve as the Director of Executive Affairs on the national board (Presidium) of the Church of the Everlasting Kingdom (COTEK), and as the National Apostle of the organization.


    I received a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Eden Theological Seminary, and am currently pursuing a Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree at Kairos University. During my nearly three decades in ministry, I have published multiple transformative books, and have had the privilege of being a nationally recognized leader in the affirming Christian community, having spoken at conferences and seminars in cities such as Dallas, TX; Nashville, TN; Phoenix, AZ; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Tampa Bay, FL; Kansas, City, MO; and Saint Louis, MO.


    The major themes of my ministry include the Kingdom of God, divine (supernatural) empowerment, affirmation (LGBTQ+, women), social justice and advocacy, theological imagination, and didactic preaching (I won't whoop and holler like most Black preachers, but you will walk away having learned something).


    Connect with Romell:

    Website: https://www.rparksweekly.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/overseerparksweekly/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rparksweekly

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rparksweekly

    Buy his Book: https://amzn.to/43EMLKX

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


    SPAM© Count:

    Host:

    Yes

    Current Guest:

    No

    Cumulative Guest Stats:

    Yes - 42

    No - 61


    ☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

    Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates

    Want to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432

    Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad

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    29 分