The Academy of Special Needs Planners helps its special needs planning professional members -- attorneys, financial planners and trust officers -- deliver the highest quality service and advice to persons with special needs and their families. The Academy does this by providing its members with the latest information on legal developments nationwide; a forum for exchanging best practices in serving persons with special needs; and professional development programs that include an acclaimed annual conference. The Academy also provides direct information to persons with disabilities and their families through a consumer website and a monthly e-mail newsletter.