About us

We are a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with disabilities, founded in 1949. We were originally known as United Cerebral Palsy of Greater St. Paul, and provided support to children with Cerebral Palsy. Over time, we began supporting people with a wide range of disabilities. In 1982, recognizing the diverse needs of the people we support, the Board of Directors voted to discontinue our association with the national organization of United Cerebral Palsy and changed our name to Midwest Special Services. The name was officially changed to MSS in 2018.

We operate six locations that span the Twin Cities metro area, designed to support the diverse needs and aspirations of approximately 600 individuals who receive services each year. A volunteer Board of Directors guides the agency to continually innovate and adapt. A dedicated group of volunteers assists the 150-person staff, dedicated to helping people reach their individual goals.  

We empower people to live the life they choose by providing opportunities and developing partnerships built on collaboration and community engagement. We invite you to be a part of our large, open, and inclusive community.

MSS Mission Statement

Our mission is to support people with disabilities as vital and contributing members of our community.

MSS Vision Statement

Our vision is a future where people are supported in living the life they choose.

MSS Values

  • Partnerships and collaborations.

  • Choice.

  • Embracing diversity and celebrating individuality.

  • Innovation.

  • Taking a position of possibility.

CARF Accreditation

We are extremely proud of the work we do, and our peers concur.

In 2023 we received our 14th consecutive 3-year Accreditation from CARF, the international accrediting body for organizations like MSS.

We’ve also received exemplary ratings for our creative arts program, our eTrac®  software, and our services for people with autism; this is an honor given to less than 1% of agencies in North America.

This continuous accreditation is the result of our strong commitment to value every person that comes our way.

An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation is subjected to a rigorous peer review process that requires the organization to demonstrate that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.