Established as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization in 1997, the National PLAN Alliance is the umbrella organization for 26 PLAN affiliates in 21 states. The NPA Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer and staff leaders as well as family members representing the 26 affiliates. NPA provides a variety of vital support services to existing and new programs, such as program and board development, feasibility surveys, fund raising, marketing, conferences and strategic planning assistance to its affiliate PLAN programs.

  The NPA and its affiliate PLAN programs have partnerships with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, ARC, the Mental Health Association and UCP as well as the John Kitchen Special Needs Center.

  PLAN (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network) programs were founded to assist families in planning for the future care of loved ones with lifelong disabilities. The goal of the NPA is to have at least one PLAN program in each state.

   A recent program evaluation study looked at six PLAN programs to examine the long-term impact of PLAN on participants and their families. The most highly rated outcomes were reduction of family stress, peace of mind for families and a more satisfying life style for participants with a lifelong disability.