Discover the fascinating stories of two iconic bridges—the Quebec Bridge and the Niagara Gorge Bridge—and the lessons they teach us about connection and collaboration. The Quebec Bridge, once the world’s longest cantilever bridge, faced tragedy during its construction but was rebuilt to stand strong over the St. Lawrence River. Meanwhile, the Niagara Gorge […]
Read moreExplore Maggie Jackson’s thought-provoking book Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age in this insightful review by the Moral Coherency Study Group. Jackson critiques modern society’s obsession with multitasking, technology, and constant connectivity, warning of an impending “dark age” fueled by distraction, loss of trust, and shallow thinking. Through sharp […]
Read moreThis document explores historical perspectives on mental health and societal challenges, featuring quotes from Walter Fernald (1912, 1918) and Samuel Gridley Howe (1866). Fernald discusses the impact of mental retardation on social issues like crime, poverty, and immorality, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and segregation through specialized public school classes. However, his later […]
Read moreThis heartfelt reflection explores themes of community, faith, and the importance of individual contributions. The author shares personal experiences, including the story of John Venuti, a man who prioritized his role in his church choir, believing his voice was needed. The narrative transitions to the author’s own experience attending a small morning Mass […]
Read moreThis document is a heartfelt reflection on John Winthrop, the leader of the Puritans who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. Written in a friendly and educational tone, it explores Winthrop’s legacy, particularly his famous sermon, “An Errand Into the Wilderness,” delivered upon the Puritans’ arrival in North America. The author highlights […]
Read moreThis heartfelt letter explores the metaphor of the sun’s corona during a total eclipse, likening it to the hidden opportunities and truths revealed during dark times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects on the challenges posed by the virus, including its impact on health and societal injustices, while highlighting the positive changes emerging […]
Read moreThis insightful reflection by Jack Yates explores the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12, emphasizing the vital role of the man’s four friends. While Jesus is the central figure, the narrative highlights the creativity, perseverance, and faith of the friends who went to extraordinary lengths—literally breaking through a roof—to bring […]
Read moreDiscover the rich history and cultural impact of the iconic “Grand Ole Opry” radio show, which has been a cornerstone of Country music since 1925. This document explores the show’s evolution, its role in connecting communities across the South and Midwest, and its significance in shaping valued social roles through shared experiences. Dive […]
Read moreDiscover the heartwarming story of Nana Anna, a woman who found purpose and connection despite immense loss and life’s challenges. Written by Father Stan Kolasa, this touching narrative recounts his mother Anna’s journey of resilience and love. After losing her husband and nearly all her children, Anna moved to the Bahamas at age […]
Read moreDiscover the transformative power of Social Role Valorization (SRV) in this insightful poster session from the Fourth International Conference on SRV, held in Ottawa in 2007. Authored by Jack Yates, the document explores how crafting valued social roles can lead to “the good things in life” for individuals, especially those vulnerable to societal devaluation. […]
Read moreThis document is a heartfelt exploration of unity, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity. It features profound reflections from historical and spiritual figures, including Edouard Seguin, Sharyn Sheyd, and St. Paul, emphasizing the importance of embracing differences and fostering connections among all people. Seguin highlights the role of individuals with intellectual impairments in […]
Read moreReview by Jack Yates 11/3/18 Discover the thought-provoking review of PBS’s documentary The Eugenics Crusade by Jack Yates, aired as part of The American Experience series in October 2018. This insightful critique explores the history of eugenics in America, a controversial movement that sought societal improvement through selective breeding, and its deep ties to […]
Read moreDiscover a powerful story from English legal history in “Though the Heavens May Fall” by Jack Yates. This compelling narrative recounts the landmark Somerset case of the 1770s, where a slave named Somerset sued for his freedom after escaping his “owner” in London. With the support of early abolitionist Thomas Clarkson, Somerset’s case […]
Read moreDiscover what truly brings out the best in Tess with this insightful and thought-provoking document. Written by Jack Yates, it explores how different contexts, activities, and interactions can highlight Tess’s intelligence, gentleness, focus, and work ethic. Rather than focusing on fixed traits or assessments, the author emphasizes the importance of identifying the environments […]
Read moreThis document is a heartfelt panel presentation by Jack Yates, reflecting on his transformative journey inspired by Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger, a pioneer in disability advocacy and human services. Yates recounts his first encounter with Wolfensberger at a 1974 PASS workshop, where he was introduced to the concept of devaluation and realized the profound societal […]
Read moreDream Catchers and Dolphins: A Journey of Resilience and Connection This heartfelt book, Dream Catchers and Dolphins, co-authored by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint, is a moving chronicle of their journey through life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, and the profound impact of mutual support. Through a global network of friends connected via email, Marsha and Jack […]
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Local initiatives in Perry County, where some leaders of Ohio Safeguards lived and worked, provided many practical lessons in making values real. Residential, Inc a small agency, pioneered re-purposing group home resources as individualized supports. Sunday Creek Associates supported a variety of local community development efforts. John Winnenberg tells thestory of nearly 50 years of […]
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PASS workshops were the foundation for Ohio Safeguards efforts to raise consciousness and mobilize action. Over five days these workshops combined a lectures on the principle of normalization with intensive small group work to create a detailed de-scription of the quality of a cooperating service program. (Learn more about PASS and the principle of normalization.)
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For nearly five decades, Jack Pealer and the late Sandy Landis co-edited a collection of ‘letters’ that were intended to mobilize and support Ohio citizens committed to creating full lives for citizens with mental disabilities in the community. The Collected Letters follow – but this is the back story.
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Promoting Life in Community for Ohio’s Citizens A remarkable policy proposal developedby Safeguards in 1992. They advocated for a “Life in the Community” for persons with developmental disabilities. Their Vision is even more relevant today.
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Beginning in 1986 – Jack Pealer, Sandy Landis and colleagues created a newsletter to support their network to create better futures for Ohio citizens with developmental disabilities. These letters have been scanned and made available below. They are a treasure chest of the journey towards inclusion and community.
Read moreOn July 12-14, Inclusion Press facilitated the first ever Virtual – Toronto Summer institute. And now, through the wizardly of Zoom, all the sessions are available to you (with captioning) Each segment has a brief mini-nenu of the workshops for that section. Have a glance, then choose the full sessions that appeal to you. We […]
Read moreWhat is Slack? Why are we using it? How do I give it a try? Slack is a messaging app that connects people. Slack is a way we can communicate as a community and makes access to others part of the VTSI easier. After you register, you will receive an email invite to our Slack. People […]
Read moreWelcome to our Virtual TSI
Read moreWe have heard about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and it’s 94 recommendations. Mostly, we have heard words – with very limited action. The Yellowhead Institute in Canmore Alberta assembled 20 leading indigenous scholars who collaborated for two years. CASH BACK is a deeply researched challenge to our current values and suggests alternative ways to […]
Read moreRichard Ruston – Life long advocate for the People First Movement and past President of People First of Ontario and People First of Canada. Richard passed on Feb. 22.2021 in hospital in Windsor, ON (this is a work in progress in tribute to our friend Richard) Tributes from friends follow…. Richard Ruston Life Celebration. April […]
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Who was Ed Roberts? Watch the video to learn about Ed Roberts, a pioneering member of the disability-rights movement who served as executive director of TheCIL from 1974 to 1976. January 23rd 1939 is the birthday of Ed Roberts the father of the Independent Living Movement. He described independent living as a psychological idea as much as a physical idea. […]
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Al Etmanski featured judith Snow’s painting “Winter Mourning” in his most recent Disability Digest Issue 5 – Feb. 6-13.2021 Judith taught many of us with blunt questions and profound observations. You can continue this Learning Journey with Judith because she was also an author, a video personality, a keynote speaker. She left tracks we can […]
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MADISON – Darwin Ness, age 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 22, 2021. Darwin had an amazing life journey. His lifeis an inspiration to all of us. Read on. Darwin had an amazing life journey. He was born May 31, 1930, to Joseph and Ida Ness, on a farm near […]
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Here are the Video recordings from the Ideas that Matter II Sessions on Jan 14.2021. There are four recordings: Full Recording: Ideas that Matter II – Jan 14. 2021 AND Three Breakout sessions included in the Ideas that Matter II The Power of Social Banking with the Intangible Currencies – De’Amon Harges Threshold 4 Change […]
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UNESCO’s Futures of Education is a global initiative to reimagine and rethink education by 2050. Through an open consultation process involving youth, educators, civil society, governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, it will gather ideas that will shape our future. A publication on how knowledge, education and learning will look like by 2050 will be presented […]
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John O’Brien A great question refuses to be answered. So it keeps leading us into deeper connections with each other and into deeper thinking. Judith’s engagement with the great questions she investigates in this collection was existential. From her earliest self-awareness untilgoing to bed late on the night she died she never knew herself apart from the need for […]
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At our Virtual Toronto Summer Institute, Heather Simmons continued a TSI tradition by recording a song – for our delight. David Hasbury scanned his TSI photo collection and created an image feast to accompany Heather’s dulcet tones. If your passion is song, you might want to spend more time with Heather Simmons – one of our Change […]
Read moreJune 27, 2020 John O’Brien The fast moving shocks of recognized inequalities in the effects of the pandemic and the mass mobilization in response to the murder of George Floyd create profound questions of personal and collective responsibility. The social context demands action that has tangible, structural consequences. Can all that has become visible signal […]
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Cherry Oakley from Neighbours Inc in New Jersey captures a spoken word reflection of a conversation about the questions emerging from this period marked by a pandemic, and clarity about systemic racial injustice. The video was created by Neighbours International.
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by John O’Brien Metaphors shape options for action by influencing thought. Imagine a person with a disability as suffering from a disease, channel attention into the search for a cure and compliance with treatment regimes. Imagine a system as a machine, channel attention toward engineering mechanisms of command and control. Playing with metaphors can sharpen […]
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Creating the Futures We Want Key links in this article: • Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report • CBC NEWS – Truth and Reconciliation offers 94 ‘calls to action’ • [Product] ABCD in Action • [Resource] Circles of Friends/Support The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report with 94 Recommendations is 5 years old this week. It […]
Read moreBy Beth Gallagher Eight years ago this month, a book was written about our experience with creating support teams around people using services. Intentional Teaming: Shifting Organizational Culture seemed at the time, somewhat of a dramatic departure from the norm as far as typical service provision was concerned. Our management style suggested that successful supports […]
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Colonialism??? Isn’t that ancient history? My answer is – not quite. If we make a space to look under the covers, we will begin to notice that many of these injustices have deep roots in our history – and my simplistic summary is ‘colonialism’ and ‘imperialism’. For Canadians, we need look no further than ‘our […]
Read moreTimes of crisis – of global disruption – are also times for new ideas to blossom and take root. While acknowledging the devastation of the pandemic, it also lays bare some of the catastrophic and systemic disregard for citizens with disabilities and others who have been marginalized in our society. Within this painful visibility, there […]
Read moreJohn Daniel O’Leary Oct. 10, 1951 – April 14, 2020 The O’Leary Collection – click here
Read moreWe are in new and relatively uncharted territory where ‘taking care of each other’ is the most powerful strategy to limit the impact of this viral pandemic. Many of us are privileged and thus even if we become ill, our capacity to rest and recover is excellent. Our concern is that those at greatest risk […]
Read moreCIRCLE OF SUPPORT (FRIENDS) Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest this article on Circles of Support was part of the description included on the 2001 ‘Tools for change CD” now gathered under the revised title Dealing with Change
Read moreA 25 minute film about a young adult with cognitive disabilities going to college. Micah Fialka Feldman wanted fully inclusive education. This is the story of how Micah, his family and friends succeeded in living that dream – in high school and in college. They all wanted it – they worked – and they got […]
Read moreThis mini selection featuring Marsha Forest was part of an attempt to create a community based facility for ‘all’. That proposal did not come to fruition, but the Marsha Forest Centre continues to honour her life work. (five minutes)
Read moreSCIL: Student Centred Individualized Learning. This approach to literacy and learning was developed by Marsha Forest at Frontier College. It’s foundation was a focus on the skills and capacities in each learner, and supporting each learner with strategies and tutors that maximized their own learning. (circa 1985) This 10 minute video features Jack Pearpoint (then […]
Read moreLesley has a deep commitment to her Church and wanted to become an ‘Associate’. Friends said “and why not” so on April 5th, Lesley was invested as an Associate of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. Sometimes when we say our dreams out loud – they become possible and achievable. Congratulations to Lesley and […]
Read moreA two minute clip of Jack doing graphical notes of a series of speakers at a Passport Mentoring conference in Toronto
Read moreThe Waterloo Region Separate School Board implemented Inclusion – as in this MAP demonstration (circa 1985) facilitated by Marsha Forest with graphics by David Hasbury (30 minutes) PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION, the MAPS Demonstration in one half of The PATH & MAPS DVD. It is a companion to our book,The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. This video features Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn as they share their insights on the many subtle techniques of facilitation involved in a […]
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION, the PATH Deomonstration in one hand of The PATH & MAPS DVD. It is a companion to our book,The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. This video features Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn as they share their insights on the many subtle techniques of facilitation involved in a […]
Read moreIn Yellowknife, North West Territories, in 1998, Marsha Forest & Jack Pearpoint worked with the Yellowknife School Board – stay and students to think about the future of a new High School. PATH sessions were conducted with the students, then school administrators and teachers – and finally ‘combined; to negotiate a common vision. this demonstrated […]
Read moreThe Original PATH Training video from Inclusion Press – with Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest facilitating a PATH for Joe with his family. Videoed in the lat e 1980’s some of the PATH conversations have matured with experience, but the fundamentals still apply. (33 minutes) PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThis vintage video – in three parts – demonstrates the work of including all students in the school system – in regular classrooms. Interviews with faculty, students – and the MAPS process in action make this video as relevant today as it was in 1988 when it was filmed with Marsha Forest, Fr. Patrick Mackan,Judith […]
Read moreA mone minute slide show of six year old Kayden doing his MAP in Alaska PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreIn April 2009, at Broadway United Church, Mike Mather welcomed John McKnight to reflect on his years of friendship and learning with Ivan Illich.(90 minutes) John McKnight: Videos, Articles, Books
Read moreJohn McKnight – co founder of the Asset Based Community Development movement once had a student – Barack Obama. Hear John tell the story – 7 minutes John McKnight: Videos, Articles, Books
Read moreJohn McKnight – consummate story-teller reminds us that the ‘system’ wants to convince us that they can ‘live your life for you’ with ‘more stuff’. Alternatively, WE ALL HAVE GIFTS. Gifts must be contributed. It isn’t about being a consumer – it is about being a citizen. John McKnight: Videos, Articles, Books
Read moreJessica Bolduc is a dreamer, translator, edge walker, web weaver. Jess reminds us that the these lands have been the home of Indigenous people for at least 10,000 years. Jess reminds that Indigenous people have been systematically destroyed by colonial policies- assimilation policies – so we became refugees on our own land. A frank challenge […]
Read moreBeth Mount’s spectacular quilts convey deep stories of inclusion. At the Telfair Museum in Savannah, Beth presents her quilts with many of the subjects of the stories present. Kenny’s Quilt is featured – the first time he was able to ‘see’ it…(6 minutes) Beth Mount Videos and Books
Read moreBeth Mount talks (21 minutes) about working in NYC to create a change that would generate real lives of BELONGING in the Community. The work she describes focuses on the changes WE need to make in order to see and support the rich capacities that are always in a neighbourhood – in spite of the […]
Read moreBeth Mount reminds us that a person who uses their head, their hand and their heart is an artist. Beth Mount Videos and Books
Read moreBeth Mount reviews core assumptions about the fundamentals of Person Centered Planning – and Personal Futures Planning – 3 minutes Beth Mount Videos and books
Read moreThis animated film taken from our module ‘Building Friendships and Community’ features Beth Mount as she explores the question ‘What can people contribute to their communities?’ For more information visit www,openfuturelearning.org Beth Mount Videos and books
Read moreIn this film Beth Mount explains how Person-Centered work differs from System-Centered. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/open_future… https://www.facebook.com/open.futurel… https://twitter.com/Open_Future System-centered planning comes from the idea that the people we support are defined and treated through the idea of what the system needs in order to run efficiently. The system believes it is their job to “fix” people […]
Read moreBeautiful Justice Beth Mount, a Georgia native who now calls New York City home, sees art as the one true global language, transcending the ordinary and allowing us to imagine greater possibilities. She will share visual examples of personal and collective transformation through the power of art. Beth Mount, PhD A Georgia native now living […]
Read moreBrad Goldman is a man with DRIVE. After living for most of the first 25 years of his life at Metheny Hospital and School in Peapack, NJ, he sought out the support of Neighbours Inc. to assist him in pursuing his vision of life as someone who had the power and authority to create life […]
Read moreThe Learning Tree is an association of neighbors in Indianapolis, that specializes in Asset Based Community Development, learning and education that improves the quality of lives of people, communities, schools and businesses. We help gather people and listen to each other. We listen and share life stories. We dare to see the abundance of gifts […]
Read moreDavid Pitonyak talks about the consequences of growing up with the identity of “needy”, and the importance of developing a practice of contributing, no matter what our “disabling conditions” might be. (8 minutes) David Pitonyak Web Page – Imagine
Read moreDavid Pitonyak reflects on the “social brain”, being “hardwired for belonging” and the implications of loneliness and disconnection for people with disabilities. Dr. David Pitonyak consults and provides training nationally and internationally with individuals, families and professionals through his private practice called Imagine, which is dedicated to supporting people who experience disabilities and “difficult behaviors.” […]
Read moreDavid Pitonyak reflects on the difference between authentic relationships, and the system wide approach to providing “coverage”. Dr. David Pitonyak consults and provides training nationally and internationally with individuals, families and professionals through his private practice called Imagine, which is dedicated to supporting people who experience disabilities and “difficult behaviors.” (4 minutes) For more information […]
Read moreJohn O’Brien and Connie Lyle-O’Brien have spent a lifetime moving our thinking about how people with developmental disabilities can be supported, shifting from institution and program centered life, to the person centered life of citizens contributing to the communities where people live. This video explores a framework for thinking that John and Connie began to […]
Read moreConnie Lyle-O’Brien and John O’Brien explore the complexity of choice for people with developmental disabilities in the absence of a breadth of experience, and a strong network of relationships. (5 minutes) John O’Brien & Connie Lyle O’Brien: Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreBeth Mount invites us to “see in the dark.” Systems and structures make people invisible and limit their potential. Social isolation, loneliness, heartbreak, and blame make it still harder to see and to be seen. Yet with focused attention, we can see how and why dominant systems confine people to specialized and segregated routines and […]
Read moreTom Kohler has spent 40 years connecting citizens of Savannah, Georgia to one another. As Co-ordinator and Executive Director of Chatham-Savannah Citizen Advocacy has introduced people who have an established place in community to people with disabilities who have found themselves placed on the margins of community life. Together these people explore how their relationship […]
Read moreThe PATH process is powerful with individuals, organizations and groups. This 65 minute video demonstrates PATH with a school system in Yellowknife, North West Territories, working with both students and faculty. Facilitated by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint, in 1998l PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThe first PATH Training video featured Joe and his family exploring his future. Facilitated by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint in 1994, the process has evolved, but the core facilitation skills remain. 33 minutes PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION with PATH & MAPS DVD is a companion to our book, The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. The DVD features Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn as they share their insights on the many subtle techniques of facilitation. The DVD has two components: • A demonstration MAP for […]
Read moreThe FACILITATION for INCLUSION with PATH & MAPS DVD is a companion to our book,The PATH & MAPS HANDBOOK, Person-Centred Ways to Build Community. – 33 minutes about the PATH process with SKETCH – an organization exploring the arts with street involved youth. Explanations with Lynda Kahn & Jack Pearpoint PATH, MAPS & Circles of […]
Read moreThis lovely 3 minute clip scans the PATH process with Lesley, and more important, the followup – as her life flourished and her engagement expanded dramatically (2010) PATH, MAPS & Circles of Friends Videos
Read moreFor more than 30 years the Summer Institute has gathered people, from around the world. People who care about the creation of inclusive communities, come together in dialogue, learning, story telling, and celebration of the potential of everyone to contribute gifts that make a difference. 10 minutes. Created by Neighbours International and Inclusion Press Additional […]
Read moreThe 34th Toronto Summer Institute — a celebration of learning about community, diversity and inclusion. The theme for this year was “Building A Bigger WE”. It was a rich exploration of our connectedness across issues, groups, nations, and geography. In a time of divisiveness, there is a need for finding what binds us together. 13 […]
Read moreJudith Snow – at the opening of the Toronto Summer Institute 2014 – Judith thinking about inclusion, diversity and giftedness – 20 minutes Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreJudith Snow – Remembering Peter Dill – is a talk Judith delivered on April 3, 2014 – at the Common Threads conference in Toronto. A powerful remembrance of what is important – Listen, Listen, Listen; Dream, Dream, Dream. 17 minutes Paragraph Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreIn 10 remarkable minutes, Judith Snow explains the nature of real listening – and the power of dreaming in terms that we can all understand – and thus appreciate her wisdom and clarity. Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreIn 1982, Judith Snow made this video with TVO — in order to enable the possibility of living independently in the community — decades before most people could imagine the possibility — they had to see it. Judith was always ahead — and willing to step up — and step out for others. 15 minutes […]
Read moreJudith Snow opened doors of possibility by ‘showing’ her life – putting herself on display – so people could begin to imagine the possibility of living full lives in the community. This TVO special was president setting in 1981 – and still is… – 28 minutes Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos
Read moreJudith Snow talks about the power of becoming an artist. . Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum. 2.6 minutes Judith Snow Books, Articles and Videos JUDITH SNOW Bundle$40.00Add to cart Who’s Drawing the Lines?$20.00Add to cart Judith Snow Poster$5.00Add to cart Great Questions: Writings of Judith Snow – eBook$0.00Add to cart NOW IN ONE BOOK: […]
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