One of the problems in trying to obtain services for disabled adults is, as with many things, there doesn't appear to be enough money to go around.

"It keeps getting better, but what's also happening is costs are going up faster than budgets," said Steven Eidelman, co-director of the National Leadership Collaboration on Developmental Delays. He noted that the Pennsylvania budget makes allowance for increases in such services.

"There are enormous resources to do good things, and Pennsylvania in general is a state that does good things, or tries to. That being said, the system for kids who need special education is an entitlement, the system for adults is not."

Pennsylvania remains one of six states without an adult protective services system, according to a document from the Pennsylvania organization of ARC of the United States, the country's "largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Studies show that special needs students who progress through programs until the age of 22 -- when funding generally dwindles -- can, after ensuing years of relative inactivity, suffer a regression of skills, both cognitive and social.

A national waiting list exists for those who need services. In Pennsylvania, 21,225 disabled adults are on the list.

"The waiting list has been for the last 10 years and continues to be the No. 1 issue facing families of children and adults with disabilities," said Nancy Murray, president of ARC of Greater Pittsburgh.

Western Pennsylvania offers some programs funded federally through Medicaid and others funded through local government or private donations. Achieva, formerly ARC Allegheny County, has served more than 7,000 adults and children and their families this year.

Other smaller groups include Lauren's Work, Best Buddies International and The Celebration of Life.

-- Maria Sciullo