Mission
PLAN’s mission is rooted in three fundamental goals:
- To support people with disabilities in living fulfilling lives as active and valued members of their communities.
- To provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones with disabilities will be safe, secure, and supported throughout their lives.
- To nurture inclusive and engaged communities where everyone feels connected, valued, and has opportunities to participate and grow.
Vision
At PLAN, we believe in a world where people with disabilities and their families are leaders in inclusive communities. Together, we nurture belonging, purpose, and connection through personal support networks and mutual support.
To us, a good life means that every person:
- Knows the loving support of friends and family.
- Contributes to and participates in a caring and inclusive community.
- Is respected, empowered, and supported in decision-making.
- Lives in a place they call home.
- Enjoys a meaningful, financially secure, and fulfilling life.
- Has a well-planned future that brings peace of mind to their family.
Core Values
PLAN was founded on values that continue to guide everything we do. These values reflect our commitment to building relationships, supporting inclusion, and working alongside families and people with disabilities to create meaningful lives.
1. Relationships are the foundation of safety and belonging.
Caring relationships are essential for a good life. The number and quality of relationships in a person’s life directly affect their safety, security, and overall well-being. At PLAN, we focus on helping families and people with disabilities build personal support networks that connect individuals to their communities. These networks create meaningful, mutual relationships that provide support and peace of mind.
2. Contribution is citizenship.
Everyone has something valuable to offer, and people with disabilities make important contributions to their communities. At PLAN, we ensure these contributions are recognized and celebrated, fostering communities that are diverse and inclusive. When people are given opportunities to share their gifts, they are seen as active and integral members of their communities.
3. Independence strengthens our advocacy.
Because PLAN is not funded by the government, we can advocate boldly and without compromise for people with disabilities and their families. This independence allows us to speak clearly and strongly about the issues that matter most to the families we support.
4. Families are our leaders.
PLAN was founded by families and remains family-led today. Families guide and shape our work to ensure it reflects their real challenges, priorities, and hopes. Most of PLAN’s Board of Directors are parents, caregivers, or people with lived experience, and family-led committees help keep our efforts focused and grounded.
Why PLAN?
For over 30 years, PLAN has been a pioneer in the family-led disability movement, creating innovative approaches to foster inclusive, caring communities. From the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) to initiatives like Siblings Canada and the Canada Disability Benefit, PLAN has championed systemic change, built meaningful personal support networks, and amplified the voices of families and people with disabilities.
Guided by lived experience, PLAN combines advocacy, relationship-building, and action to help families and individuals lead lives of connection, purpose, and belonging.