Nancy Murray has lived through many of the very challenges that face the families she works with every day. The Bethel Park woman raised two children with Down syndrome who have become successful adults. Now Ms. Murray advocates for others as the new president of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, a nonprofit agency devoted to disability issues.

She said the experience she gained seeking help for her own family has prepared her for a career as an advocate for people with mental disabilities.

As president of The Arc, Ms. Murray, 54, plans to improve educational programs and work closely with legislators to increase funding and address delays in procuring government services.

Ms. Murray and her husband, Joe, raised Michael Scarselli now 38, and Marisa Niwa, 34. Both have gone on to work and participate in community activities.

"They came to live with us two years after we graduated from college, through a program called Host Homes," Ms. Murray said.

Although the pair were never officially adopted, the Murrays have cared for them for more than 30 years.

Along the way, Ms. Murray realized there was a lack of services and funding to help challenged people and set out to change that.

Today, Mr. Scarselli works at a hotel and lives in an apartment with a friend through a program called Citizen Care. He comes home to visit the Murrays every weekend.

Ms. Niwa works at a local grocery store and lives at home.

Though she concedes that life for those with disabilities has improved over the years, Ms. Murray said she believes there is still more to do.

"Even this many years later, we're still working with legislators to increase funding, develop services and unique programs," she said.

Ensuring that educators, physicians and others have correct, up-to-date information about mental disabilities and cognitive delays is one important aspect of her job.

"We're always making sure we are looking out for the rights of people with disabilities," she said.

What is the biggest challenge facing people with disabilities and their families?

"There is a huge waiting list for people with disabilities to get services," Ms. Murray said. She estimates there are several thousand families currently waiting for services in this state.

Ms. Murray hopes to work with legislators to shorten or eliminate the waiting list.

Ms. Murray also wants to provide families with information to help them advocate for challenged family members.

In her new role, she supervises 14 employees in the Allegheny and Beaver offices of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. The staff is primarily focused on advocacy, educational training and governmental relations. The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh is a nonprofit member organization, and is a subsidiary of Achieva.

Ms. Murray hopes to introduce several unique services, such as distance learning on the Arc Web site to increase the agency's reach.

"A family in Potter County who can't make a four-hour trip could participate in one of our workshops via the Internet," she said.

Sometime in 2009, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh will host The Arc of United States national convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The date has not been finalized yet

"We're expecting a couple thousand participants," Ms. Murray said.

She believes there have been great improvements in the lives of the mentally challenged over the years. She points to mainstreaming of schoolchildren, increased job placement and voting rights as examples of positive milestones in disability advocacy.

"To see a person with a disability earn a paycheck ... even 10 years ago, you didn't see that as often as you do now," she said.

"It's nice to know that younger families today, when they're told their child has Down syndrome or autism, don't have to struggle as much for information," Ms. Murray said.

Information, she believes, is the key to helping families. "I think it helps families come to terms with things faster. I think it makes them stronger," she said.

Ms. Murray has advice for people facing the challenge of caring for those with mental disabilities.

"Learn as much as you can and reach out to other families that have gone down the road ahead of you. Professionals will come and go, but families will always be there,'' she said.