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AAC INSTITUTE A not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the most effective communication for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
ACHIEVA Western Pennsylvania's largest provider of comprehensive services and supports for children and adults with disabilities and their families.
ADVOCATES: EDUCATIONAL - SHAWN FUNK Retired FCASD teacher of 32 years, currently teaching courses on Inclusive Practices at Duquesne University and supporting families as an advocate. *Previous PALS Guest Speaker.
ADVOCATES: EDUCATIONAL - ANDREA GALLAGHER / ATYPICAL ZEBRA Professional experience includes 25 years in the classroom: public school and private, special education and general, with students of all ages and ability levels.
ADVOCATES: EDUCATIONAL - LIST OF LOCAL *Note: this list is from 2019 and we are currently contacting advocates to confirm.
ALLEGHENY FAMILY NETWORK delivers services through individual parent-to-parent support, support groups, parent education opportunities, the Parent Support Line, and social events.
AIU 3 ALLEGHENY INTERMEDIATE UNIT AIU3 provides specialized educational services to Allegheny County's 42 suburban school districts and five vocational/technical school
THE ALLIANCE FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN The service coordination for families with children receiving early intervention services (birth to 3 years of age) in Allegheny County.
THE ALLIANCE TO RECLAIM OUR SCHOOLS envisions an equitable and excellent system of public education that serves all, not some, students. Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools believes that public schools are public institutions where self-determination and the democratic process allow community voices to be heard, respected, and centered. Teaching should be delivered by committed, respected, and supported educators who create safe, welcoming, anti-racist and culturally inclusive and affirming spaces for their students. Schools should be fully funded at the federal, state, and local levels, providing needed resources and supports for educators, support staff, students, families, and community members through sustainable Community Schools.
THE ARC The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime.
THE ARTS: PITTSBURGH CLO NEW HORIZONS For over 25 years, the CLO New Horizons program has been teaching performing arts to people with disabilities. Sing, dance and act with your peers at our Downtown Location. You can also join virtually as our new online classes allow us to bring our musical theater classes to you.
ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) is a partnership of medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities, and other providers involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. ASERT was developed to bring together resources locally, regionally, and statewide.
AUTISM CARING CENTER mission is to enhance the lives of individuals and families by working diligently to provide support, resources, advocacy and offer training to community businesses to raise awareness and acceptance.
AUTISM CONNECTION OF PA Advisory Board on Autism and related diagnosis. Get information, advocacy, and more.
AUTISM SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH Since 1967, Autism-Pittsburgh has been the foremost voice and resource of the local autism community. We are comprised of volunteers, parents and professionals, working on behalf of all children and those of adult age on the autism spectrum.
AUTISM URBAN CONNECTIONS INC Founded in 2015 after discovering the lack of supports, education, and resources available in the African American, minority, and economically disadvantaged communities, Autism Urban Connections Inc, is the first and only African American, minority, family-focused Autism 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
BARBER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH currently serves more than 7,300 children, adults and families across the commonwealth with a wide range of quality educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health services.
BRAIN BALANCE An integrated approach combines cognitive, physical and sensory training with nutritional guidance to strengthen and build brain connectivity without the use of medication. Stronger connections translate to improved attention, behaviors, and social-emotional well-being. *Previous PALS Guest Speaker.
CAMPS: S.P.E.A.K. The purpose of Summer Program for the Education of Autistic Kids is to provide extended school year (ESY) services to autistic children as determined by their IEPs, thus preventing summertime regression and ensuring their smooth transition into the upcoming school year.
CAMPS: THE WOODLANDS The Woodlands signature programs, expert staff and adapted facilities are all designed around our mission to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families navigating the journey of disability and chronic illness. We also collaborate with other nonprofits serving individuals with special needs to deepen our offerings and expand resources available to participants and caregivers.
CAREGIVER ACTION NETWORK The nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or disease, as well as those supporting the living needs of older adults.
CEFAR at the University of Pittsburgh is developing new interventions for autistic individuals and conducting clinical trials to assess efficacy. Evidence of efficacy is key to approval of interventions for standard of care and reimbursement by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid.
CEREBRAL PALSY GUIDE provides free educational materials, financial resources, and support options for families affected by this condition and other birth injuries.
THE CHILDREN'S INSTITUTE helps nearly 9,000 children and families each year reach their full potential through educational services, autism services, outpatient physical and behavioral health services, early intervention, and family support services.
COMMUNITY LEISURE LEARN One of the University of Pittsburgh's oldest outreach programs CLL was designed to assist local residents optimize the quality of their life through improving their overall health and well-being.
COMMUNITY LIVING AND SUPPORT SERVICES is driven by organizational values that foster community inclusion for people with disabilities. The organization offers a variety of individualized services ranging from independent living skills training in the classroom to community-based case management for social, recreational, and residential supports.
DISABILITY EQUALITY EDUCATION is a cross-disability nonprofit organization led by disabled people who are experts in the fields of inclusive disability education and advocacy providing unique perspectives on disability in educational settings.
DISABILITY OPTIONS NETWORK is Assisting people with disabilities to live how and where they choose by providing Home and Community Based Services.
DISABILITY PRIDE PENNSYLVANIA More than just a means of self advocacy and a push for acceptance, Disability Pride is above all a celebration of inclusion and disabled people who are proud to be themselves! Our mission is to celebrate the pride that the disability community feels. It's a place for us to come together to celebrate the disability experience. What makes our programming different from others is that we plan accessible community events to bring disabled and non-disabled people together.
EASTER SEALS OF WESTERN & CENTRAL PA provides exceptional programs and services to ensure that people with disabilities or other special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
EDUCATION RIGHTS NETWORK is comprised of a dedicated group of parents and caregivers who are working to ensure equity and inclusion for all students in Pittsburgh Public Schools. In addition to reviewing and analyzing suspension data and raising awareness of the issue, ERN works to educate and support parent leaders via “Know Your Rights” workshops and provides direct help in navigating the District’s Code of Conduct and discipline procedures. ERN has successfully mobilized and supported parent leaders to rally for necessary changes to the District’s discipline policies and practices, and has achieved wins including the ratification of some recommended changes to the district’s Code of Conduct.
EMPOWERED VOICES Achieva’s Empowered Voices Leadership Group is comprised of self-advocates from around the Pittsburgh area. Driven by the voices and interests of the members, participants meet for opportunities to learn new things, have fun, and meet new people.
EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN & CENTRAL PA is dedicated to providing real epilepsy help for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy.
EVOLVE COACHING is committed to helping Autistic and other neurodiverse adults show the world what they have to offer. provides highly specialized coaching services to more than 200 people each year in the Pittsburgh area, helping these individuals become integrated and productive members of the local community.
Neurodiverse adults require a spectrum of support that is just as diverse as the people themselves. Living independently, navigating the college environment, making friends, and transitioning to the workplace are common challenges faced by the population we serve. Through one-on-one coaching services, social groups, and peer mentorship, Evolve provides each client with individualized support to help them meet their goals.
FAMILIES TO THE MAX This dedicated group of families, professionals, and community members is leading change in our homes, schools, and communities. By building awareness, empowering families, presuming competence, and fostering high expectations of students with disabilities, the Network is leading change in Pennsylvania.
FAMILYLINKS For more than 65 years, Familylinks has been proudly serving individuals and families in western Pennsylvania through personalized and family-centered community, behavioral, and social programs.
FCA LGBTQIA+ FAMILY CONVERSATION GROUP If you are proud parent or caregiver of a student who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and would like to connect with other parents and caregivers, please complete the form below. This conversation group is intended for residents of the Fox Chapel Area SD, but students do not need to be enrolled in FCASD for caregivers to participate.
FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel Area School District website
FCPAGE The official website of FCAPAGE, the Fox Chapel Area chapter of PAGE, the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education.
HAPPEN began about 30 years ago as a support group for parents of children with special needs in Hampton Township. The group has gone through a number of evolutions and we embrace opportunities to share our experiences and knowledge. **If you know HAPPEN's website URL or FB group please let us know.
THE HOPE CENTERS provides thorough, personalized education and therapy programs to students of all abilities in the Pittsburgh area, allowing them to learn and live at their highest level.
HOPE GROWS has been providing emotional/mental health services and counseling to family caregivers through on-site programming, phone, and in-person counseling or virtual services, support programming, Therapeutic Respite™ activities, and educational programming.
HOPE NETWORK Empowering every athlete, every ability: Adaptive Sports and Recreation
IN TOTO In Toto’s mission is to provide community centered social support to individuals with increased risk of mental health struggles to help them build confidence, make lasting connections, and achieve personal growth.
JOHN'S FUNKY INFLATABLES offers rentable inflatable displays from a carefully curated, lovingly maintained collection of inflatables for celebrations like: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, St Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Hanukkah, Summer, Weddings, 4th of July, etc. John has created displays for locations such as private homes, nursing homes, schools, children’s hospitals, even a trunk-or-treat event. John also offers inflatable repairs and restorations for those people with inflatables that need a quick tune up.
LEGAL: DISABILITY RIGHTS PENNSYLVANIA Protecting and Advancing the Rights of People with Disabilities. *Previous PALS Guest Speaker.
LEGAL: EDUCATION LAW CENTER The Education Law Center’s mission is to ensure access to a quality public education for all children in Pennsylvania. We pursue this mission by focusing on the most underserved students: children living in poverty, children of color, children with disabilities, children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, children experiencing homelessness, English learners, LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming students – and many who are at the intersection of these identities.
LEGAL: PENNSYLVANIA HEALTH LAW PROJECT Since 1981, the Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) has been standing with vulnerable Pennsylvanians and helping them access one of the basic necessities of life: health care. PHLP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit legal services organization that represents Pennsylvanians who need help getting or keeping Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance or MA).
LEGAL: ATTORNEY - EDUCATION LAW - MCANDREW LAW OFFICES Pennsylvania, Delaware, and The Washington, D.C. Area Special Education, Estate Planning, and Disability Law Firm
LEGAL: ATTORNEY - EDUCATION LAW - POTTER LAW Nancy E. Potter, Esq., founder of Potter Law, has spent more than a decade providing practical education law solutions to students and institutions across the country, empowering them with the tools they need. Nancy has graciously attended PALS meetings in the past as Speaker. *Previous PALS Guest Speaker.
LEGAL: RESOURCES - WRIGHTSLAW Parents, advocates, teachers, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for reliable, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
LIFE ENRICHMENT TRUST offers caregivers and family members a secure means to financially provide for individuals with disabilities receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medical Assistance (MA) without endangering their source of monthly income, medical insurance, or other government benefits.
LIFE'SWORK OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA is a nonprofit organization empowering people to live the life they choose. LWWPA partners with people with disabilities, people with other barriers, young adults, children, and families to pursue their hopes and dreams through strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and developing meaningful relationships.
LTF3: LOCAL TASK FORCE 3 Right to Education Task Force: IU 3 (Allegheny) The Local Task Force membership consists of parents and family members of children with disabilities, local IU representatives, local MH / ID office, the Local Arc, area school districts and charter schools, and additional agency outreach programs. The function of the Local Task Force is to support each other through dialogue, trainings and networking.
MISSION EMPOWER provides advocacy, education, and the promotion of inclusion, assisting families and their children with disabilities to enable their children to use their gifts and talents to reach their potential and become productive members of our community.
NEW STORY SCHOOL & SERVICES believes in the incredible potential of each child and young adult. Our education, therapeutic and clinical programs are designed to meet the needs of each child to promote their achievement, growth, and development.
NORTH ALLEGHENY SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENTS NETWORKING GROUP NASEPNG's mission is to enhance the education of children who have different learning styles by educating and bringing families together to share ideas, information, and resources through monthly parent support group meetings and educational seminars thereby creating an in-district parent support network.
OFFICE OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ODR) The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thought to be gifted), and students with disabilities (or thought to have disabilities).
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORTS (ODS); ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Get support for someone with a intellectual disability (ID), Autism, Developmental Disability (DD) prior to age 9, and Medically Complex Condition (MCC) prior to age 22. *A valuable resource for families.
ODS FACT SHEETS AND INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS including social, recreational, and lifelong learning opportunities, medical assistance related resources and information, MA eligible resources, community and service systems, and free clothing, furniture, and basic needs resources. *A valuable resource for families.
PA ABLE A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts.
PA PARENT AND FAMILY ALLIANCE offers one-of-a-kind, FREE resources for parents whose children are experiencing mental health challenges because we believe that parents are the best advocates for their children. And to be your child’s best advocate, you need tools and guidance. That’s where PAPFA comes in.
PARENT TO PARENT matches parents, grandparents, guardians, and family members of children and adults with a disability or special need to a volunteer Peer Supporter, who is chosen to support based on the Referred person’s criteria, such as condition and/or concerns. Peer Supporters offer a listening ear, their experience, time, heart, and share information based on their unique experiences. The staff at Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania are all parents of children or adults with a disability or special need, which puts us in a unique position to understand the “peaks and valleys” you may be experiencing raising a child with a disability or special need and offer you emotional support by matching you to a volunteer Peer Supporter.
PATTEN: PENNSYLVANIA TRAINING AND TECHNICAL NETWORK Working with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results. This professional development and technical assistance takes many forms in order to meet the varied needs of PaTTAN’s constituents.
PBIDA: PENNSYLVANIA BRANCH OF THE INTERNATIONAL DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION champions individuals with dyslexia and all students learning to read. We support their families, community, educators, and related professionals.
PEAC: PENNSYLVANIA'S EDUCATION FOR ALL COALITION, INC. believes that children of ALL BACKGROUNDS AND ABILITIES should be successfully educated together in their neighborhood schools within the general education curriculum.
THE PEAL CENTER Promoting inclusion and access in education and healthcare. Empowering families and young adults across Pennsylvania. Providing important webinars, events, and trainings to help families to add to their advocacy toolbox. *A valuable resource for families and a top PALS referral.
TRANSITION CHECKLIST - THE PEAL CENTER The checklist is intended as a resource for students (with support from their families, schools, and supporting agency professionals) to review and help provide information and suggestions to guide the transition process for students with disabilities, grades 7 - 12, (ages 14 up to 22nd birthday). The checklist, while designed for students receiving special education services under IDEA (2004), may also be useful for any student with a disability. Every student is different and should have their own individualized transition plan. Use any sections, suggestion or references needed.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION oversees 500 public school districts, 170+ public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges. PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.
PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR AUTISTIC ADVOCACY seeks to advance the equity of autistic people in all realms of life. PCAA believes in inclusive education, policy, and community for autistic people and all people with disabilities. We work to make autistic voices heard in conversations about autism and empower autistic leaders in our community using principles of the disability rights movement and intersectional feminism.
PRESSLEY RIDGE Through collaborative and inclusive relationships, Pressley Ridge empowers children and families to transform their lives and develop to their full potential. We believe our differences are our strengths, and we are committed to embracing a culture of respect, dignity and inclusivity.
RIVER ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE prioritizes building positive relationships with students and families as a basis for a healthy working partnership. Open communication between our teachers, therapists, and parents encourages the most efficiency and progress for each student. River has a positive track record of staying on course with educational goals. We provide fast turn-around on evaluations, reports, and IEP development. *A frequent financial supporter of PALS by sponsoring this website.
RMU TREES NETWORK provides services and training to enhance supports for children and adolescents with mild, moderate, or severe intellectual disabilities and their families through professional preparation of teachers, continued professional development of teachers and service providers, and direct services to children and families.
SAU1: SELF ADVOCATES UNITED AS 1 is a group of people who envision a world where people with developmental disabilities and their families are united to share knowledge, empower others, and use their voices to transform their communities and people’s lives.
SIBSHOPS / SIBLING SUPPORT PROJECT Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special developmental, health, and mental health needs. Sibshops are lively events for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with disabilities and health concerns. Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is currently the only facilitator of SibShops in the Pittsburgh area. They offer meet-ups four times a year. For more information on this local resource, please contact Mark Kislan Kislanm@wpsbc.org 412-621-0100 x 1122 or Mandy Gallagher gallaghera@wpsbc.org 412-621-0100 x 1287.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTLINE ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for parents and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted education, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Consultline is a part of The Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR).
SPORTS/RECREATION: DYNAMIC PADDLING Paddling with youth and adults of all abilities from around Southwestern Pennsylvania.
SPORTS/RECREATIONS: ENVISION BLIND SPORTS To provide sport and physical activity opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to promote lifelong wellness information about special education, gifted education, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Consultline is a part of The Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR).
SPORTS/RECREATION: MIGHTY PENGUINS Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey is a fun, therapeutic and competitive program for physically disabled children and adults. We aim to develop character, sportsmanship and physical fitness – while promoting and encouraging both educational and cultural experiences.
SPORTS/RECREATION: MIRACLE LEAGUE The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MLSWPA) was formed in January 2007 and is dedicated to providing the opportunity for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities to play organized baseball.
SPORTS/RECREATION: OPEN UP PITTSBURGH Open Up's mission is to teach mindfulness tools through movement and art practices that center people living with disabilities. Our programs are open to all who identify as having a disability and those who do not. They are for everyone.
SPORTS/RECREATION: PITTSBURGH YOUTH CHOIR CANTATE CHOIR Cantate focuses on singing and experiencing music in a welcoming choral community with musical instruction specifically geared to meet the abilities of students with physical, social, emotional, and/or intellectual challenges. With an inclusive focus, children who may learn differently will have a sensory-friendly environment that allows for varying strategies to experience the joy of singing.
SPORTS/RECREATION: THREE RIVERS ROWING ASSOCIATION (TRRA) Three Rivers Rowing Adaptive Programs offer athletes age 12+ with disabilities the chance to enjoy sport of rowing.
SPORTS/RECREATION: TOPSOCCER PA WEST TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with special needs.
SPORTS/RECREATION: TRY TRY is a special needs non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide recreational and social programs to mentally and/or physically handicapped youth and adults. A second focus is being an important network to the families, primarily parents of individuals with handicaps. These families receive information and referrals, as well as emotional support from the organization.
THERAPY: HORSEBACK - ELLIOT ACRES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER A certified therapeutic riding center for those with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities. Serving western Pennsylvania.
THERAPY: HORSEBACK - FALLOWFIELD STABLE THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING Offers sessions in both Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
THERAPY: HORSEBACK - HORSES WITH HOPE Therapeutic riding program enhances the lives of individuals with special needs through the process of teaching them basic riding skills. This contributes positively to the riders' cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.
THERAPY: HORSEBACK -RIDING FOR THE HANDICAPPED OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA RHWPA INC. is a therapeutic horseback riding program that has helped children and young adults with disabilities for more than 30 years. It is staffed entirely by volunteers and funded exclusively by donations, fundraising, and grants.
THERAPY: ICAN TALK CLINIC ICAN™ Talk Clinic is a full-service speech and language pathology outpatient center with a specialty in providing professional services to individuals with severe communication disorders, particularly those who rely on Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) systems or benefit from other assistive technology to support treatment.
THERAPY: MULTIPLE - RIVER THERAPIES River is staffed with over 50 outstanding, certified and licensed Speech Language Pathologists, Developmental Therapists, Behavioral Therapists, Occupational Therapies, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, and Social Workers. *A frequent financial supporter of PALS by sponsoring this website.
THERAPY: MULTIPLE - SENSORY LINK PEDIATRIC THERAPY A multidisciplinary practice founded by Shari Habovick MEd. OTR/L in 2008 and is located in both North Pittsburgh , Murrysville , and Cranberry Twp. (New). Our goal is to provide quality services for infants and children up to 18 years of age.
THERAPY: MULTIPLE - THEIS EARLY INTERVENTION Empowering Families with Children Ages 0 – 3 in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. TEIS EI employs highly qualified therapists to provide services, trains each therapist to ensure best practice, offer families tools and a custom family portal to allow children in our care to reach their potential.
THERAPY: MUSIC - THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY CARE Providing board-certified music therapy services for individuals who love music at all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
THERAPY: SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST - JULIA CHAMBERS Julia Chambers Speech and Language Pathologist
TUTOR: MATH - DOMINIC NICKEL A 2014 Fox Chapel Area High School graduate, Dominic has tutored one-on-one high school and introductory college math to those who have struggled. He works well with students of any age, elementary through early college.
TWICE EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCES: PAGE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED EDUCATION is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to helping gifted learners, parents and educators.
VARIETY, THE CHILDREN'S CHARITY Helping Kids, Be Kids! Variety empowers children with disabilities to live life to the fullest!
VISION FOR EQUALITY assists and empowers people with disabilities and their families to seek quality and satisfaction in their lives as well as equal access to supports and services.
WATSON INSTITUTE is on a mission to help children reach their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. At the Watson Institute, children with special needs and their families receive support through exceptional individualized special education school programming, resources, transition services, and mental and behavioral health services.
WESLEY FAMILY SERVICES Wesley Family Services provides quality behavioral healthcare and therapeutic support services that support the needs of children, adults, and families throughout their lifespan.