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Category Archives: news archive

Photo of Bismah Khalid

2021 U of T Student Leadership Award: Bismah Khalid

The University of Toronto Student Leadership Award recognizes graduating students for their exemplary contributions and significant impact at U of T and on the university experience of their peers. This year, four MScOT students (Class of 2021) received this prestigious award: Congratulations to Bismah Khalid, Meera Premnazeer, Gobika Sithamparanathan,  and Marcus Yu.
Below,  Bismah Khalid shares thoughts on leadership as an occupational therapy student:


What motivates you to take on leadership roles?

My family has been my greatest motivation to pursue leadership roles within the university. As immigrants to Canada, my parents gave up many of their own roles, interests, and education to provide my brother and I with valuable opportunities. I feel beyond grateful to be able to attend a university with endless opportunities and support for any endeavor I choose to take. This alone has been the greatest motivation for me to become involved in meaningful initiatives.

However, the path to feeling comfortable in leadership roles has not been the easiest. I have frequently felt imposter syndrome stepping into these roles and never quite felt like I belong in these spaces. But these feelings have only motivated me further to carve out the space that I need to feel confident and best serve my community.

Tell me about the leadership role(s) you are most proud of, and why.

During my undergrad at UTM, I was involved in the early years of establishing UTM Global Brigades – a non-profit organization that strives to end healthcare and economic disparities through community empowerment. In the summer of 2018, I led our annual medical brigade to Honduras with a group of student volunteers from UTM. It was here that I learned about the value of community care and capacity for creating lasting change. This was a pivotal moment for understanding the “why” behind the work I was doing internationally and locally. I am most proud of my contributions to this organization and the impacts we have made in the communities we serve.

What advice or support can you give to students who would like to be active leaders but are unsure how to get started?

My first piece of advice would be to begin by exploring the spaces that you genuinely want to be in. Looking back, the most impactful leadership opportunities were the ones that I felt the most passion for. For example, I grew up in a family of musicians so music has always been an important part of my identity and self-care. At the beginning of the OT program, Robyn Sirkin and I created an open music group called “The Sagittal Bands” (pun intended) for students to come jam out or just listen. It allowed me to re-connect with my musical roots and foster meaningful relationships in the program.

My second piece of advice is to turn to the university for support. It is important to make your voice heard and advocate for the gaps you want to fill. UofT has a multitude of opportunities, financial support, and mentors that can help students make a meaningful change. But these supports will go unused unless you reach out yourself and ask – and if you don’t ask, the answer is always no.

Do you have any role models who supported and encouraged your leadership capabilities, and if so, what did they do to support you?

In these past two years, I have looked up to many of my peers in the OT program. My cohort has some of the most thoughtful, creative, intelligent, and innovative individuals that I have ever met in my life. I truly have gained momentum and encouragement to pursue university and community initiatives through their courageous and infectious energy.

How did it feel to be nominated for this award, and to be a recipient?

I feel incredibly grateful to be the recipient of this award alongside a few of my peers that I have had the pleasure of working with throughout the program. It gives me a lot of hope and confidence to continue to serve in my community even after graduating from the OT program. This has been an incredible way to conclude my six years at the University of Toronto.

March 4, 2021

This entry was posted in news archive on March 4, 2021 by comm.

Assistant Professor position in OS&OT, Early Career Professorship

TheDepartment of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, invites applications a three-year Contractually Limited Term Appointment (CLTA) in the area of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy with a specialization in community integration and participation. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will also hold the March of Dimes Canada Paul J. J. Martin Early Career Professorship for three years and may be renewed for an additional two years following a successful review. The expected start date is July 1, 2021 or shortly thereafter.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in occupational science, occupational therapy, rehabilitation science, or a related field at the time of the appointment and will have completed a post-doctoral fellowship or equivalent (such as a junior scientist role at a university or research institute) for a minimum of one year. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of excellence in research, innovative scholarship and teaching. An occupational therapist eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario is preferred.

This position will support a researcher with innovative approaches to community integration and participation related to achieving wellbeing through occupational engagement. We are seeking candidates with programs of research in effective and cost-effective community-based interventions, measurement, epidemiological and policy studies, and technological or systems innovations that focus on community integration and/or participation.

The applicant should have strong collaboration and user engagement skills. March of Dimes Canada serves 70,000 Canadians of all ages through its programs and services each year, and is in an excellent position to facilitate the application and dissemination of scientific evidence to individuals and organizations across Canada.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

Visit the University of Toronto Careers Website for full details, including links to apply.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2021, 11:59 pm ET

This entry was posted in news archive on February 19, 2021 by comm.

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream and UTM Academic Coordinator

The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, invites applications for a full-time continuing teaching stream appointment in the area of occupational science and occupational therapy at the rank of Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream. The successful candidate will be appointed the Academic Coordinator at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus. The position will start on July 1, 2021 or shortly thereafter.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in occupational science, occupational therapy, rehabilitation science, or a related field at the time of the appointment; will have a degree in occupational therapy from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)-approved educational program; at least three years of experience as an occupational therapy educator, and at least five years of experience as a practising occupational therapist. Eligibility for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario is required.

Candidates must also have teaching expertise in an entry-level Master of Occupational Therapy program. Additionally, candidates must possess proven leadership abilities and a demonstrated commitment to excellent pedagogical practices and teaching-related scholarly activities. Candidates must also convey a demonstrated commitment to, and appreciation of, equity, diversity and inclusion issues impacting student mental health, learning experiences and access to the program. We seek candidates whose teaching interests complement and strengthen our existing departmental strengths.

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy’s Graduate Coordinator and the Vice-Chair Education, and has UTM-specific responsibilities related to the implementation of the MScOT program and graduate coordination.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

Visit the University of Toronto Careers Website for full details, including links to apply.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2021, 11:59 pm ET

This entry was posted in news archive on February 17, 2021 by comm.

Welcome New Tenure-Stream Faculty: Rotenberg, Farragher

The Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is delighted to announce the appointments of our newest tenure stream faculty members, Shlomit Rotenberg and Janine Farragher:

Photo of Prof. Shlomit RotenbergShlomit Rotenberg, PhD, MSc, BScOT, Assistant Professor, Tenure Stream.  Dr. Rotenberg received her PhD in 2017 from The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto. Dr. Rotenberg’s scholarship focuses on understanding occupational challenges and enabling participation in meaningful activities of people experiencing cognitive impairments due to aging and/or neurological deficits. Dr. Rotenberg uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine the nature of occupational limitations experienced by adults and older adults with cognitive impairments and the factors that impact their activity participation. Dr. Rotenberg also focuses on the development and validation of standardized ecologically valid cognitive functional assessments. Using the knowledge gained on facilitators and barriers to participation, Dr Rotenberg has developed and examined meta-cognitive interventions to promote everyday functioning, health and wellbeing of older adults, with a specific interest in older adults with subjective cognitive decline.

Dr. Rotenberg worked as an occupational therapist for 10 years in an inter-disciplinary geriatric clinic and community-based rehabilitation unit, working with adults and older adults with cognitive impairments.

Dr. Rotenberg has taught undergraduate and graduate occupational therapy courses at the Hebrew University and Haifa University in Israel, and has been a guest lecturer and student research project supervisor in the MScOT program in the Department of OS&OT since 2017, and joined the Department in her current position in October 2020.  View Dr. Rotenberg’s faculty web page


Photo of Prof. Janine FarragherJanine Farragher, PhD,  Assistant Professor, Tenure Stream. Dr. Farragher received her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Toronto in 2018, and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and via the Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training (KRESCENT) Program in Montreal.

Dr. Farragher’s research focuses on holistic approaches to the management of advanced chronic diseases, with a focus on geriatric conditions such as chronic kidney disease. Such approaches include an occupation-focused energy management intervention, a mindfulness practice called mindful “doing”, and a focus on environmental design that promotes mental well-being in care settings. Dr. Farragher is also interested in applying a life course perspective to understand experiences of and responses to chronic conditions.

Dr. Farragher has been involved in the MScOT program in the Dept. of OS&OT since 2017 as a sessional course instructor, student research project supervisor, guest lecturer, teaching assistant, and workshop facilitator, and joined the Department in her new role in January 2021. View Dr. Farragher’s faculty web page 

This entry was posted in news archive on January 19, 2021 by comm.

Two faculty awarded prestigious Canada Research Chairs

Researchers to examine traumatic brain injury for underserved people, pediatric concussions

Two faculty members of the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy will be doing research in expanding understanding of traumatic brain injuries and pediatric concussions, after receiving Canada Research Chairs.

Photo of Prof. Nick Reed

On December 16, the 2020 Canada Research Chairs were announced. Professor Angela Colantonio was awarded a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Traumatic Brain Injury in Underserved Populations. Professor Nick Reed was awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Concussion.

Colantonio is a Professor in the Department of OS&OT and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and a Senior Scientist at University Health Network’s Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-KITE.

Reed is an Associate Professor in the Department of OS&OT and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and an Adjunct Scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

We asked Professors Colantonio and Reed to share with us how their research will impact society and occupational therapy practice.

Professor Colantonio, Why is the area you’re doing research of public importance, and what are you hoping to learn more about through the Canada Research Chair?

Colantonio: My research explores health services for people with traumatic brain injury with a focus on marginalized Canadians who are underserved by the health care system.

We have to address the lack of awareness, understanding and support for people with brain injury, particularly among the most underserved populations. Some of these communities are women who experience intimate partner violence, people who experience housing instability or who interact with the justice system.

My work aims to create more capacity inside and outside the health care system to address the unique needs of  Canadians who have a traumatic brain injury.

I hope to enable greater access to rehabilitation professionals, such as occupational therapists, who can support people experiencing cognitive and other health outcomes resulting from brain injury.

I also plan to address larger societal and environmental conditions that historically lead to discrepancies in health services available to underserved people, for example, by creating educational and training tools for health professionals and other front line workers who interact with members of these communities. My research considers sex and gender, ethnicity, age and other determinants of health that affect provision of and access to services.

What is the goal of your work, Professor Reed?

Reed: The goal of my work is to raise concussion awareness, improve concussion-related health behaviours and optimize care and rehabilitation options for children and youth following a concussion.  The need for concussion support and care has never been higher in Canada.
Concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury, isn’t only a sports injury and can happen from many different causes.

As a society, we need to know more about concussion so that we can properly recognize when an injury has taken place and take the right steps towards recovery and positive health outcomes.

My goal over the next five years is to create and share new treatments for concussion, positively change concussion knowledge, attitudes, and health behaviours, and improve social support for children and youth with concussion.

Concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury, isn’t only a sports injury and can happen from many different causes. Because of this, I hope to engage a broader population beyond athletes to provide necessary supports to children and youth impacted by concussion.  This research will have a particular emphasis on populations and communities that have largely been left out of concussion research, education and care initiatives to date.

How will your research benefit occupational therapy practice and education?

Colantonio: Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to advance the health and well-being of people with traumatic brain injury in underserved populations because of their holistic approach to care. They understand the impact of the environment and the wider social context in which people live, and are therefore well equipped to recognize and address barriers.

Occupational therapy and rehabilitation in general have not yet been included in the care of people with traumatic brain injury in underserved populations.

However, occupational therapy and rehabilitation in general have not yet been substantially included in the care of people with traumatic brain injury in underserved populations. This program of research will highlight the important role of occupational therapists and rehabilitation to improve health outcomes and reduce social injustice, and ultimately, advance occupational therapy practice with, and the profession’s contribution to, this area.

My research program embodies the values of the occupational therapy profession and I couldn’t think of a better place to conduct this research. This program will provide extraordinary research and clinical training opportunities and will open the door for new areas of practice for occupational therapy students. I feel extremely fortunate to be advancing our research in this environment.

Reed: This research is fundamentally grounded in occupational therapy by virtue that it aims to enable children and youth with concussion to do the things they need, want and love to do in their lives.

Often after a concussion, a lot of emphasis is put on the symptoms that a child feels or reports (e.g., headaches, nausea, decreased attention etc.). However, we really need to focus on how these symptoms impact function, or what a child can or cannot do in their lives, for instance  go to school, play sports, or spend time with friends or family.

Occupational therapists focus on function, on getting people back to life after injury, and can provide such an important perspective during concussion care and rehabilitation.

Occupational therapy practice will benefit by putting the findings of this research into action, informing new approaches to education and care, and creating a role for occupational therapy when caring for children and youth after a concussion.

“As international leaders in their fields, Professors Angela Colantonio and Nick Reed are committed to enabling meaningful participation and improving the quality lives of people with traumatic brain injury,” states Heather Colquhoun, Interim Chair, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.  “The investment by the Canada Research Chair program will allow them to further advance their work and train the next generation of promising researchers in the field. I am thrilled to have their expertise in our Department and look forward to the contributions they will make to health and well-being in the groups they serve.”


The Canada Research Chair program was created by the Government of Canada in 2000 to help Canadian universities attract and retain world-renowned researchers, develop Canadian research expertise and achieve excellence in training. Tier 1 awards provide researchers $200,000 annually for seven years and Tier 2 awards provide researchers $100,000 for five years.

Authors: Dayna Frydman and Sandra Sokoloff

This entry was posted in news archive on December 16, 2020 by comm.

Chair and Associate Professor/Professor Position in Dept. of OS&OT

Applications are invited for the position of Chair of the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy , Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. The successful candidate must be eligible for a tenure-stream academic appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The appointment as Chair will be for a 5-year term effective July 1, 2021, or shortly thereafter, renewable following a favourable review.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a field relevant to occupational science and/or occupational therapy and have a degree in occupational therapy and be eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. They must demonstrate an exceptional record of excellence in research, teaching, and leadership. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and strengthen OS&OT’s existing strengths. Candidates will have an established international reputation and will be expected to sustain and lead innovative and independent research at the highest international level and to maintain a competitive externally-funded research program. Candidates must also have demonstrated teaching excellence in a degree-granting program at the graduate level and significant experience as an effective mentor to successful trainees.

Candidates must have comprehensive knowledge of the occupational therapy profession—academically and clinically—and bring a vision for innovative research and education relevant to the future of occupational science and occupational therapy. They will have a record of accomplishment in collaborative leadership to engage with leads in other rehabilitation science disciplines at the St. George and Mississauga campuses of the university and across fully-affiliated hospitals, community-based health and rehabilitation organizations, school boards and private practices, as well as cultivate strategic partnerships with stakeholders in corporate sectors and government ministries including Canadian occupational therapy leadership organizations.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

Visit the University of Toronto Careers Website to see the full job description, additional information about the application process,  and a link to apply for this position.

This entry was posted in news archive on November 20, 2020 by comm.

Spotlight on Class of 2020 MScOT Students

Jasmine Bacola and Claudia Yousif, two of our exceptional students from the Class of 2020, are featured in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine news feature, Class of 2020: Celebrating our Rehabilitation Sciences Graduates.

Some excerpts:

Jasmine: I first learned about occupational therapy (OT) through my own family’s experience of caregiving for my beloved Great Aunt. An occupational therapist enabled my Aunt to age in place, which gave her the key to living her life to the fullest. Through this experience, I learned that engaging in meaningful daily activities adds quality to people’s lives…COVID-19 has highlighted to me how important daily occupations are; our daily routines and roles have been completely turned upside down due to the pandemic. I believe occupational therapists are needed now more than ever.


Claudia: I have witnessed first-hand the impacts of disability and injuries on my family members’ quality of life and engagement in daily activities. By pursuing occupational therapy, I hope to help people participate and engage in occupations that are meaningful to them, while understanding how various factors may impact their functioning… The COVID-19 pandemic has refocused my attention to the importance of maintaining occupations during life transitions. This pandemic has impacted all of us to some extent, whether it be how we interact with our social circles, our employment status, and even how we engage in our leisure occupations.

Article by Julia Soudat, Temerty Faculty of Medicine Communications, November 18, 2020. Read their full statements.

This entry was posted in news archive on November 20, 2020 by comm.

2020 OS&OT Alumni Achievement Award

We are delighted to announce that Isabel Fryszberg is the recipient of the 2020 Alumni Achievement Award in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Isabel Fryszberg is inspired by the creative spirit that shaped the early beginnings of our profession. Her life’s work is driven by the belief that arts based occupational therapy can achieve wellness for growing resilient communities today.

Isabel Fryszberg, OT Reg. (Ont.) is an interdisciplinary artist: a painter, musician and filmmaker known for her award winning work as an arts-based registered occupational therapist. Isabel founded and ran Creative Works Studio, the innovative community program for adults living with mental health conditions, through Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital for over twenty years. Most recently, Isabel has developed an educational initiative informed by evidence-based practice. Arts and Well Being is designed to integrate the principals of occupational enablement with the arts and wellness and is delivered nationally through online courses and workshops. Her clients includes the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and health, corporate, non-profit and arts organizations.  As well, she mentors other professionals in arts based approaches and she has a private practice. With the support of an Ontario Arts Council grant, Isabel is creating a website to provide a toolkit for cultivating resilience through the arts.

Isabel is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and is a consultant for the department’s student led initiative, The Art of Keeping Well, a creative hub for Graduate Students to promote mental health.

Listen to the title track Coming out of Darkness from the debut album by the Social Mystics—a band comprised of professional musicians and members of Creative Works Studio.

Congratulations to Dr. Sara Guilcher, recipient of the 2020 Alumni Achievement Award in Physical Therapy.

This entry was posted in news archive on October 30, 2020 by comm.

PhD Trainee Opportunity

Dr. Rebecca Renwick and her team are seeking a PhD trainee to work on the SSHRC-funded project “Moving beyond inclusion: Pathways to belonging for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” This is a 12-month contract beginning as soon as possible, with an opportunity for extension, with an average of 12-15 hours per week.

This training opportunity is expected to complement the nature of the PhD trainee’s thesis research and augment courses taken in theory and methods and specialized courses (e.g., related to young adulthood, disability studies). The full job description, qualifications and instructions to apply are listed in the job posting.

Visit the project website at pathwaystobelonging.ca to learn more.

This entry was posted in news archive on September 23, 2020 by comm.
Photo of Karishma Patel

2020 U of T Student Leadership Award Recipient: Karishma Patel

The University of Toronto Student Leadership Award recognizes graduating students for their exemplary contributions and significant impact at U of T and on the university experience of their peers. This year, two MScOT students (Class of 2020) received this prestigious award: Timothy Spadzinski and Karishma Patel. Tim and Karishma shared their perspectives on leadership as occupational therapy students.


What motivates you to take on leadership roles?

My parents, who immigrated to Canada, are the key inspirations for my engagement in leadership roles. They made great sacrifices to provide better opportunities for their children. Having the opportunity to be a part of their struggles allows me to remain grounded and truly learn the importance of hearing one’s stories about their lived experiences. My previous experiences have shaped my lens, values, and beliefs, and being in a leadership role allows me to further enhance my skills and abilities to empower others. The experiences that I have acquired from leadership roles have shaped me and allowed me to practice in a client-centered manner as well as promote the inclusion of all members in our diverse community, thereby, ensuring their stories do not go unheard.

Tell me about the leadership role(s) you are most proud of, and why.

I believe one aspect of being a leader is recognizing where the gaps are and then advocating to address these gaps. Shahrose Aratia, Priya Thakkar, and I recognized that our MScOT program had a lack of involvement for OT students to engage in areas of assistive technology. This year, to address this gap, we co-founded OTech U of T, which is a student-led group that aims to bring together OT students who are interested in the intersectionality between healthcare, OT, and technology. Part of our vision is to advocate for more awareness of how OTs can play an imperative role in the assistive technology field through hosting workshops, speaker sessions, and tours of rehabilitation technology facilities. At the same time, we are building partnerships with other professions to promote an interprofessional approach within our community. It is through these leadership approaches we have the opportunity to spread awareness of the OT role, and I could not be prouder of this ongoing achievement as we have now expanded OTech U of T to a national level – OTech Canada where we bring together OT students across Canada!

What advice or support can you give to students who would like to be active leaders but are unsure how to get started?

My advice to you would be to take advantage of the many different committees and clubs you can get involved in! If you think you might be interested in a particular role, you can give it a try. If there is an area you want to become more involved in, but you recognize that this particular area does not exist, then address the gap! It is easy to get swept up in our coursework, but one way we can expand our critical reasoning is through our involvement in extra-curriculars. One piece of advice that I received in my first year that really promoted some self-reflection was: You made it into this competitive program and now it is time to enjoy the journey. For me, enjoying the journey involved being surrounded by such great leadership within my peers and faculty members! It is through one another that we learn the most about the qualities that makes one a leader! I believe when you are passionate about what you do, your leadership capabilities will develop.

Do you have any role models who supported and encouraged your leadership capabilities, and if so, what did they do to support you?

Being surrounded by professors and supportive peers really encourage my leadership capabilities. Having an environment filled by such great leaders who not only support you but challenge you to flourish really provides you with a perspective that you can apply to your future role as a clinician. One of my professors who really supported my engagement in my leadership pursuits is Jill Stier. Jill is the epitome of what is means to be a leader. She is compassionate, respectful, and diligent to all of her students. Above all, she has been able to challenge me in my leadership pursuits and really support the initiatives we take on as students.

How did it feel to be nominated for this award, and to be a recipient?

It is a humbling experience to be nominated for this award and be a recipient. I would not be in this position without the support of my peers and faculty members. Above all, I am truly humbled by having the opportunity to work alongside my peers and faculty members who are inspiring leaders. Receiving this award provides me with more confidence in myself and motivates me to continue to engage in leadership pursuits.

Sandra Sokoloff
August 5, 2020

This entry was posted in news archive on August 5, 2020 by comm.

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