Category: Tip Tuesday

Tip Tuesday is a series of weekly blog posts published on every Tuesday containing useful tips for disabled adults and their families. Our goal is to provide advice and ideas that make everyday living with disabilities easier. We also aim to educate people on how to act around people with special needs, and to create a safe, nurturing environment for them.

Winter Wellness for Individuals With Disabilities
Supporting physical health, emotional well-being, sensory comfort, and routine stability during colder months

Winter can bring a unique set of challenges for individuals with disabilities. Shorter days, colder temperatures, disrupted routines, and increased time indoors can affect physical health, emotional regulation, sensory comfort, and overall well-being.

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe wellness is more than avoiding illness—it’s about supporting the whole person. With thoughtful planning and person-centered strategies, DSPs, caregivers, and families can help individuals feel safe, comfortable, and empowered throughout the winter season.

Key areas to focus on when supporting winter wellness

1. Supporting Physical Health

Cold and flu season, reduced activity levels, and limited outdoor time can impact physical health during winter months.

Helpful strategies include:
- Encouraging regular handwashing and healthy hygiene routines
- Supporting proper hydration (even when thirst cues are lower in cold weather)
- Maintaining balanced, nutritious meals
- Supporting medication schedules and routine health appointments
- Encouraging gentle movement and physical activity indoors
Even small amounts of daily movement—stretching, walking indoors, or light exercises—can support circulation, energy levels, and mood.

2. Prioritizing Mental & Emotional Well-Being

Seasonal changes can affect emotional regulation and mental health. Individuals may experience increased anxiety, fatigue, sadness, or irritability as routines shift and daylight decreases.

Ways to provide emotional support:
- Maintain consistent daily check-ins
- Validate feelings (“It’s okay to feel tired or frustrated today.”)
- Offer reassurance during changes in routine
- Encourage preferred activities that bring comfort or joy
- Watch for changes in behavior that may signal distress
Emotional support helps build trust, safety, and resilience—especially during unpredictable seasons.

3. Creating Sensory Comfort

Winter environments often come with heavier clothing, indoor heating, reduced daylight, and more crowded indoor spaces—all of which can affect sensory processing.

Consider offering:
- Soft or preferred clothing layers
- Weighted blankets or compression items
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Adjustable lighting or access to natural light
- Quiet spaces for breaks
- Familiar sensory tools or routines
Meeting sensory needs proactively can reduce overstimulation and support emotional regulation.

4. Maintaining Routine Stability

Weather disruptions, holidays, and shorter days can interrupt established routines, which may feel unsettling for many individuals.

Helpful approaches include:
- Using visual schedules or calendars
- Previewing changes in advance
- Keeping consistent wake-up, mealtime, and bedtime routines
- Gradually reintroducing structure after disruptions
- Offering predictable daily “anchor points”
Structure provides security and helps individuals feel more in control of their environment.

5. Supporting DSPs and Caregivers Too

Wellness extends to the people providing support. Winter can be demanding for DSPs and caregivers balancing increased needs, staffing challenges, and their own seasonal stress.

At CSN, we recognize that supporting staff well-being strengthens the care individuals receive. Encouraging rest, communication, teamwork, and access to resources benefits everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

Winter may bring challenges, but it also offers opportunities to deepen connection, strengthen routines, and practice compassion.

By supporting physical health, emotional wellness, sensory comfort, and routine stability, DSPs and caregivers help individuals navigate the season with dignity, confidence, and care.

At Community Supports Network, we remain committed to providing person-centered support — every season of the year.
January 15, 2026
Goal Setting the Person-Centered Way: Supporting Individuals in 2026

As we welcome a new year, many people begin setting goals, resolutions, or intentions for the months ahead. For individuals with disabilities, this season provides a meaningful opportunity to explore what matters to them — not just what others expect. At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that goal setting should always be person-centered, empowering, and rooted in each individual’s strengths, preferences, and vision for their own life.
Rather than focusing on resolutions that fade by February, person-centered goals help individuals build skills, confidence, and purpose throughout the entire year. These goals can be small or big, simple or ambitious — what matters most is that the individual has ownership of the process. Below are ways DSPs, families, and caregivers can help support meaningful goal setting in 2026.

Tips for Person-Centered Goal Setting

1. Start With What the Individual Enjoys

The most successful goals grow from genuine interests. Ask open-ended questions or offer choices: “What would you like to do more of this year?” “What makes you happy or excited?” “Is there something new you want to try?” Interests often lead naturally to skill-building opportunities — whether it’s cooking, community outings, fitness, or creative expression.

2. Break Goals Into Achievable Steps

Large goals can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into small, manageable steps helps individuals experience success and stay motivated. For example: Instead of “make more meals independently,” start with choosing a recipe, gathering ingredients, practicing one skill at a time (measuring, mixing, etc.). Each step is progress worth celebrating.

3. Use Visuals and Supports to Clarify the Path

Visual schedules, checklists, and simple planning tools help individuals understand what a goal looks like in action. Communication supports such as AAC, picture cards, or written prompts ensure everyone can participate meaningfully in the process.

4. Celebrate Progress — Not Just Outcomes

Every skill gained, step completed, or moment of independence matters. Celebrating small wins builds confidence, motivation, trust, and long-term success. Recognition doesn’t need to be elaborate — a high-five, a note, or a shared moment of reflection can make a big impact.

5. Revisit and Adjust Throughout the Year

Person-centered goals evolve. Interests may change, routines shift, or new opportunities arise. Support teams should feel comfortable revisiting and modifying goals to keep them relevant and meaningful. Checking in regularly ensures goals remain achievable, aligned with the individual’s preferences, and supportive of daily growth.

6. Make the Process Collaborative and Empowering

The strongest goals come from partnership. DSPs, guardians, families, and the individuals themselves all play a role — but the individual should remain at the center. Ask for feedback. Encourage choices. Support self-advocacy. Person-centered planning is not about telling someone what they should do — it’s about helping them discover what they want to do.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we step into a new year, person-centered goal setting offers a meaningful pathway toward independence, learning, and fulfillment. Whether someone aims to build daily living skills, connect more with their community, strengthen communication, or explore new interests, each goal is an opportunity for growth. At CSN, we remain committed to empowering individuals to define their own versions of success — and supporting them every step of the way.

Looking for More Resources?

CSN is here to support individuals, families, and care teams with person-centered tools and programs designed to promote independence and meaningful daily living.
Explore more of our services and resources on our website.

January 6, 2026
Supporting Individuals Through the Quiet Week Between Holidays

The days between Christmas and New Year’s move at a different rhythm — slower mornings, lighter schedules, and a brief pause in the routines that shape everyday life. While many people welcome this downtime, it can feel unfamiliar or even unsettling for individuals with disabilities who rely on structure, predictability, and consistent support.

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we understand how important this “in-between” week can be. With a thoughtful, person-centered approach, these quieter days can become meaningful opportunities for connection, comfort, and gentle engagement.

Here are a few ways DSPs, caregivers, and families can support individuals during this unique stretch of time:

• Keep a simple, steady rhythm.
Even when programs close or schedules change, maintaining small daily anchors — morning greetings, shared meals, favorite activities — helps provide orientation and stability.

• Create calming sensory spaces.
After the stimulation of holiday gatherings, many individuals benefit from quiet corners, soft lighting, familiar textures, or soothing music to help regulate and reset.

• Choose low-pressure activities.
Baking, puzzles, art projects, stretching, listening to music, or watching a favorite movie can offer meaningful connection without overwhelming the senses.

• Normalize the shift in routine.
Sometimes the reassurance that “things feel different this week, and that’s okay” is enough to ease uncertainty and help someone settle into the rhythm of the day.

• Offer gentle previews of what’s ahead.
Looking at next week’s schedule or reviewing upcoming January activities can prepare individuals for the transition back into regular programming.

This quiet week may be short, but it holds real value. Slower days and softer moments can foster connection, build trust, and help individuals feel grounded as the year comes to a close. With care and intention, we can make this time not just manageable — but meaningful.

Editor’s note: If you liked the tips in this post, check out our Tip Tuesday series of blog posts for more helpful advice and tips!

December 31, 2025
Easy Sensory-Friendly Activities for Indoor Days

When colder weather, snow, or early sunsets keep us inside, it’s helpful to have a set of sensory-friendly activities that support regulation, creativity, and engagement. For individuals with disabilities, sensory experiences can play an important role in emotional wellness, skill-building, and daily comfort—especially during the winter months when routines shift and outdoor time may be limited.

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that meaningful learning can happen anywhere. Even simple indoor moments can become opportunities to explore new textures, movements, sounds, and calming strategies. Below are easy, budget-friendly sensory activities that DSPs, caregivers, and families can use on those long indoor days.

Easy Sensory Activities That You Can Do Any Day

1. Create a Calm Corner

Setting up a small sensory-friendly space can give individuals a place to reset when they feel overwhelmed or tired. Include items such as soft blankets, weighted lap pads, noise-reducing headphones, dim lighting, or a favorite fidget tool. Offering this quiet space teaches self-regulation by letting individuals choose when they need a break.

2. Try Simple Movement Breaks

Movement supports emotional regulation and can help release energy when outdoor play isn’t an option. Chair yoga, stretching routines, dance parties, balloon tapping, or following along with a movement video are all great options. Adapt activities to each person’s physical abilities and comfort.

3. Build Sensory Bins with Household Items

Sensory bins can be calming and engaging without requiring special supplies. Fill containers with rice, pasta, cotton balls, water beads, or even snow brought inside on winter days. Add spoons, cups, small toys, or textured objects. Sensory bins help support fine motor skills, exploration, and focus.

4. Explore Music and Sound Activities

Music can be grounding, energizing, or soothing depending on what the individual needs. Create simple rhythms with household objects, explore different genres together, or use soft background music to support relaxation. Singing, humming, or using basic instruments can also help regulate emotions.

5. Try Low-Pressure Creative Projects

Art can be an excellent sensory experience. Finger painting, coloring with different textures of crayons or markers, modeling clay, sticker scenes, or simple craft kits all offer opportunities for expression without pressure. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s exploration.

6. Use Baking as a Sensory Experience

Baking can be a great multi-sensory activity involving texture, smell, taste, and sequence-following. Stirring, pouring, kneading, and measuring provide natural opportunities for building motor skills and supporting independence. Keep tasks simple and accessible to each individual’s skill level.

Bringing It All Together

Indoor days don’t have to feel limiting. With a little creativity and flexibility, sensory-friendly activities can help individuals stay regulated, engaged, and connected. Whether the goal is calming, exploring, or simply having fun, these moments offer meaningful opportunities for growth and comfort during the winter months.

Looking for More Resources?

CSN is here to support individuals, families, and care teams with person-centered tools and programs designed to promote independence and meaningful daily living.
Explore more of our services and resources on our website.

December 16, 2025
Tip Tuesday: Building Everyday Skills Through Community Activities
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that learning doesn’t have to be confined to a classroom or a scheduled session. Some of the most meaningful skill-building happens out in the community—during everyday moments that naturally spark curiosity, confidence, and connection.

Whether someone is grabbing groceries, visiting the park, or stopping for a cup of coffee, each outing offers opportunities to practice real-world skills in a supportive, engaging way. For DSPs, caregivers, and families, intentionally weaving learning into everyday environments can make growth feel fun, natural, and achievable.

Building everyday skills can seem daunting for adults with disabilities, but it can be done quite easily by following our tips in this post. Below are a few simple but powerful ways everyday community activities can strengthen independence:

🛒 1. Grocery Shopping → Sequencing, Budgeting & Decision-Making

Walking through a grocery store can be a skill-building goldmine.

Tips:
- Create a short list together to practice planning and sequencing.
- Compare prices to introduce budgeting and money management.
- Encourage decision-making by offering two options (e.g., “apples or grapes?”).
A simple grocery run becomes a chance to strengthen cognitive skills while promoting autonomy.

🎲 2. Local Parks → Safety Awareness & Motor Development

Parks offer open-ended opportunities to build confidence and independence.

Tips:
- Practice physical coordination on playground equipment.
- Reinforce safety skills like staying within a designated area or following visual cues.
- Explore nature to build observation and communication skills.
These experiences help individuals feel more comfortable navigating different environments.

📚 3. The Library → Communication, Literacy & Self-Advocacy

Libraries are calm, structured environments perfect for gentle skill building.

Tips:
- Practice asking staff for help (“Where are the animal books?”).
- Browse together to support personal interests and reading skills.
- Use checkout kiosks to build independence with technology.
Every visit empowers individuals to express their preferences and make choices.

☕ 4. Coffee Shops & Small Businesses → Social Interaction & Money Handling

Local businesses offer ways to practice community engagement and social confidence.

Tips:
- Order a snack or drink to practice communication and polite exchanges.
- Use cash or a card to build comfort with money handling.
- Sit together and talk about the environment to build conversation skills.
These small experiences increase confidence in public spaces.

Why This Matters

Community-based learning taps into:
- Real-world problem-solving
- Natural motivation
- Confidence-building opportunities
- Building everyday skills
- Social and communication development
- A stronger sense of belonging
At CSN, we see every outing as a chance to help individuals live, learn, and thrive in the communities they love.

With a little creativity and intention, everyday activities become incredible moments of growth.

Ready to learn more?

Explore how CSN supports independence, community engagement, and meaningful skill-building across New Jersey.
Visit our blog for more tips, stories, and resources.
December 9, 2025
The One Phrase That Builds Confidence in Every Interaction
At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that progress starts with the way we communicate. Words shape confidence, connection, and how supported someone feels — especially during moments of learning, challenge, or change. One of the simplest and most powerful tools we use every day is strength-based language (more info here), a communication style that focuses on capability rather than limitation. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to begin using right now.

Try This Swap: “Be careful!” → “You’ve got this — I’m right here if you need me.”

“Be careful” comes from a good place, but it can create hesitation or fear. Saying “You’ve got this — I’m right here if you need me” encourages independence while still offering safety and support. It shifts the focus from what could go wrong to what the person can do.

Here Are a Few More Powerful Language Swaps That Make a Big Difference:

❌ “No, not like that.”

✅ “Let’s try it together another way.”

This keeps the moment collaborative rather than corrective.

❌ “You can’t do that alone.”

✅ “Let’s build up to doing this together.”

This sets a path forward and reinforces that progress is possible.

❌ “Hurry up.”

✅ “Take your time — we’re not rushing.”

This reduces pressure, especially for individuals who need more processing time or sensory support.

Why This Matters

Strength-based language:
- Builds confidence
- Encourages autonomy
- Reduces anxiety
- Strengthens relationships between caregivers, DSPs, and the individuals we serve
- Helps people feel seen for who they are, not what they struggle with
At CSN, we use these strategies to create supportive, empowering environments where everyone has the chance to grow at their own pace — and feel proud while doing it.

Tip to Try This Week

Choose one language swap and use it throughout your week. Notice how the energy of the interaction changes — for you and for the person you’re supporting. Small shifts lead to meaningful progress. 💙

Looking for more ways to support skill-building, independence, and confidence? Explore more resources and stories on the CSN blog and stay connected with us for weekly tips.
December 4, 2025
Tip Tuesday: Caregiver Self-Care That Actually Fits Your Schedule

Tips for Scheduling Self-Care

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that caregiving is love in action — but it can also be exhausting, emotional, and demanding, leaving no room for self-care. Since November is National Family Caregivers Month, this is the perfect time to recognize the incredible individuals who care for loved ones with disabilities, medical needs, or age-related challenges.

Therefore, this month, in honor of caregivers who give of themselves so much every day, we want to remind everyone of something that’s easy to forget — you deserve care, too.

Between managing appointments, advocating for services, and juggling home and work responsibilities, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. But self-care doesn’t always require hours or big changes — sometimes it’s about small, sustainable moments that help you reset.

Here are a few practical ways to care for yourself, even on the busiest days:

💧 1. Take Micro-Moments of Rest

Even five minutes can make a difference. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, stretch between tasks, or sit quietly with your coffee before the day begins. These small pauses help reduce stress and refocus your energy.

☕ 2. Ask for Help — and Accept It

You don’t have to do it all alone. Let a friend run an errand, ask a family member to step in for an hour, or explore respite options through programs like CSN. Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s an act of strength and sustainability.

🕰️ 3. Simplify Where You Can

Choose shortcuts that lighten your load: order groceries online, set up medication reminders, or plan easy meals for the week. Efficiency is a form of self-care too.

💛 4. Stay Connected

Isolation is one of the hardest parts of caregiving. Join a support group, connect with other families, or reach out to your CSN coordinator for resources. Community makes the journey easier.

🌷 5. Celebrate Yourself

You are doing meaningful, life-changing work — even on the days it doesn’t feel like it. Take a moment to recognize your effort, your love, and your resilience. You are the heart of caregiving.

At CSN, we see you. We honor your strength, your patience, and your commitment to those you love. This National Family Caregivers Month, we encourage every caregiver to take one small step toward caring for themselves, too.

Because when you’re supported, those you care for thrive. 💙

Learn more about our caregiver resources and support programs at www.yourcsn.com.

November 18, 2025
Building Independence One Step at a Time
Why Breaking Down Tasks Matters in Disability Support

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that independence doesn’t happen all at once — it’s built one step, one choice, and one moment of trust at a time. This week, while preparing lunch with a client, we were reminded how important that approach truly is.

The individual we were working with assumed we would handle the entire lunch preparation from start to finish, explaining that they don’t typically use the stove. It would have been easy — and faster — to simply step in and prepare everything ourselves. But that would have turned a support opportunity into a missed opportunity. Instead, we looked for moments within the task to build skills and confidence. Even though using the stove wasn’t appropriate for them right now, there were many other steps they could safely take part in. So we shifted our mindset from “doing it for them” to “doing it with them.”

Here’s how we incorporated them into the process:
✅ They helped gather ingredients from the fridge and cabinets.
✅ We discussed each part of the recipe and what tools were needed.
✅ They stirred and mixed ingredients at the counter.
✅ We introduced basic kitchen safety concepts in real time.
✅ They plated the final meal and took ownership of the finished product.

By the end, this wasn’t just “lunch someone made for me.” It became, “lunch I helped prepare.”

How Breaking Down Tasks Helps Build Independence

For many individuals with disabilities, being left out of tasks — even unintentionally — can reinforce the belief that they are dependent rather than capable. When we break down tasks into accessible pieces, we’re not simplifying the process — we’re strengthening it.

Breaking a task into steps helps:
✅ Build confidence through achievable actions.
✅ Support skill development gradually over time.
✅ Reduce fear or anxiety around unfamiliar tasks.
✅ Show individuals that participation is possible, even if full independence isn’t there yet.
✅ Encourage pride, ownership, and self-worth.

It’s a common misconception that being “independent” means doing everything entirely alone. In reality, independence often begins with supported participation. Even being involved in one step can open the door to stronger engagement the next time. This eventually leads to greater independence over time. When a person realizes, “I can do this part,” it shifts the narrative from limitation to possibility.

As DSPs, caregivers, and support professionals, our role isn’t to rush to finish a task — we use that task as a bridge toward growth. That often means slowing down, asking “Where can I include them here?” and celebrating progress at every level. At CSN, we believe that success is not measured by whether someone completes an entire task alone. We see success when they gain confidence, learn something new, or feel empowered to try again.

Next time we approach a daily task with someone we support, we can ask ourselves:

“Am I doing this for them — or with them?”
“Is there a step here they can safely try?”
“How can we turn this routine moment into a chance to build independence?”

Whether someone stirs ingredients, chooses a topping, or sets the table, these moments are not small. They are stepping stones toward confidence, self-reliance, and pride in their abilities.

At CSN, we don’t just finish tasks — we build futures, one step at a time.

Have you witnessed a moment when breaking a task into smaller steps led to growth or independence? We’d love to hear about it!

Share your story with us or tag CSN on social media to inspire others in our community!
Together, we can continue empowering individuals to discover what’s possible — one step at a time. Visit www.yourcsn.com to learn more!
October 28, 2025
Tip Tuesday: Start with What They Love

Turning Interests into Skill-Building Opportunities

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that progress happens when people feel seen, heard, and motivated. That’s why one of our favorite strategies for promoting growth and independence is simple — but powerful:

👉 Start with what they love.

Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all activity, we lean into each person’s interests to create meaningful, engaging experiences that naturally encourage skill development.

✨ A Real-Life Example from Today

One of our clients loves exploring new places and playing games. She’s curious, energetic, and thrives when there’s a bit of adventure involved. Rather than sticking with a traditional structured activity indoors, her DSP got creative.

Together, they built a community scavenger hunt and took it into local stores around town. 🎯

With a simple list of items to “find,” the activity suddenly became:

✅ A game (which she loves)
✅ A chance to explore different environments
✅ A way to practice navigation and awareness
✅ An opportunity to engage with store staff (communication + social skills)
✅ A platform for working on money skills and decision-making
✅ A confidence booster with every successful item found

What looked like a game was actually a customized, person-centered plan in motion — rooted in joy but full of purpose.

🎯 Why Interests Matter in Support

When activities are aligned with a person’s passions, they are more likely to:

✔ Show enthusiasm and stay engaged
✔ Take ownership of their progress
✔ Build confidence in their abilities
✔ Develop new job skills more naturally
✔ See themselves as capable and independent

Starting with interests doesn’t just make activities fun — it builds trust, sparks motivation, and opens the door for deeper, long-term growth.

💡 DSP Tip: Ask This First

Before planning your next session, try asking:

“What does this person love — and how can I build skills around that?”

Whether it’s cooking, music, shopping, sports, or exploring the community, there’s always a way to transform interests into opportunities for independence.

🌱 When we build with joy, we build confidence. When we start with interests, we build futures.

At CSN, independence doesn’t begin with instructions — it begins with excitement.

Editor’s note: If you are looking to help build independence for a loved one who has special needs, please take a look at our individual supports page for more information.

October 21, 2025
5 Simple Ways to Recharge While Supporting Others

Self-Care Tips For Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with a disability is one of the most meaningful roles you can have — but it’s also one of the most demanding physically, emotionally and spiritually. Caregivers often pour so much of themselves into the needs of others that they forget to check in with their own well-being. Over time, this can lead to stress, exhaustion, or even burnout.

At Community Supports Network (CSN), we know that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential. When caregivers take time to recharge, they can provide better, more consistent and intentional support for those who rely on them. Here are five simple, actionable ways to make self-care part of your routine.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Many caregivers feel guilty for taking a break, but rest is a non-negotiable part of health. Even a few minutes of quiet time with a cup of tea, a short nap, or reading a chapter of a book can restore your energy.

Tip: Schedule and time block downtime on your calendar just like you would a doctor’s appointment — because it’s just as important.

2. Build a Support Network

No one should navigate the caregiving journey alone. Reach out to friends, family, or local support groups who understand what you’re going through. Sharing experiences and challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable emotional support.

Need ideas? Check out local disability organizations, online forums, or ask CSN staff about resources in your area.

3. Move Your Body — Even in Small Way

Physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress. You don’t need an intense workout — a 15-minute walk, stretching while watching TV, or even dancing around the kitchen counts!

Remember: Movement is as much about releasing tension and stress as it is about fitness.

4. Practice Mindfulness or Gratitude

Caring for others can feel overwhelming, especially on tough days. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, meditate, or reflect on small wins can bring a sense of calm. Even jotting down three things you’re grateful for each night can shift your mindset in powerful ways.

5. Ask for Help Without Guilt

It’s okay — and necessary — to ask for help. Whether it’s requesting respite care, swapping duties with a friend, or leaning on professional services like those at CSN, support is available.

You don’t have to do everything alone. Accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The Bottom Line

Caring for someone you love is a profound act of compassion, but you deserve care, too. By incorporating these small steps into your daily life, you’ll not only nurture your own well-being but also create a sustainable, healthy environment for the person you care for.

If you’re looking for additional support or resources, CSN is here to help. Visit yourcsn.com to explore our services and learn how we can walk alongside you on your caregiving journey.

Written by Jessica Quarello, Brand Communications Manager

October 14, 2025

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