MSDC Earns Exemplary Rating in 2026 Supported Employment+ Fidelity Review

Marshall-Starke Development Center has achieved the highest rating on the Supported Employment+ Fidelity Scale, earning an Exemplary designation following its July 2026 review.

MSDC received 55 out of a possible 60 points, moving the organization from its 2025 “Good” rating of 53 points into the Exemplary category.

The achievement reflects significant growth in MSDC's employment services and the work being done to help people with disabilities pursue competitive, integrated employment based on their individual interests, strengths and goals.

What the Review Found

The Supported Employment+ Fidelity Review took place July 20, 2026, and included interviews with employment staff, MSDC leadership, participants and a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.

Reviewers also examined participant records, charts, data tracking, reports, marketing materials, MSDC's annual report and brochure.

The report concluded:

“MSDC ... has shown a tremendous amount of growth in employment services during the course of the SE+ project, even when faced with staffing and funding changes.”

Reviewers also noted the care demonstrated by staff, MSDC's preparation for the review and the quality of the organization's documentation.

Strength Across Employment Services

MSDC received full points in 10 of the 13 categories included in the review.

Among the areas receiving the highest possible score were:

• Zero Exclusion
• Agency Focus on Competitive Employment
• Ongoing Work-Based Vocational Assessment
• Individualized Job Search
• Diversity of Job Types and Employers
• Competitive Jobs
• Individualized Follow-Along Supports
• Community-Based Services

The report found that all placements reviewed were competitive and integrated.

Reviewers also reported that MSDC Employment Consultants spend more than 80% of their time in the community, working alongside participants throughout different stages of the employment process.

Employment Built Around the Individual

One of the strongest findings came in Individualized Job Search.

Participants interviewed during the review said they felt their Employment Consultant listened to them during the job development process.

Reviewers found that MSDC staff take time to identify employment opportunities based on each person's interests, transportation, strengths and other individual factors rather than simply placing someone wherever a job happens to be available.

MSDC received the maximum score of five in this category.

The review also recognized MSDC's Zero Exclusion approach, meaning people interested in working have access to employment services and assistance pursuing jobs of their choice.

Leadership Behind the Progress

The achievement also reflects the leadership of Ginger Moore, MSDC Director of Employment Services and SE+ Lead.

Under Moore's leadership, MSDC's Employment Services team has continued strengthening relationships with participants, employers, Vocational Rehabilitation and community partners while expanding the organization's focus on competitive employment.

That work extends beyond the Employment Services department.

Reviewers specifically recognized employment-related activities incorporated into MSDC's Day Services programs, including self-employment exploration and learning skills such as driving.

The report noted the organization's efforts to overcome what one staff member described as a previous “culture of you don't work.”

Today, employment is increasingly part of the conversation across MSDC.

Growth Continues

While earning an Exemplary rating is something worth celebrating, the review also identified opportunities for continued improvement, particularly around Rapid Job Search and Work Incentive Planning.

There has already been measurable progress.

The average length of time measured for first employer contact improved from 242.8 days in the previous review to 184.3 days in 2026, which reviewers described as a significant improvement.

MSDC will continue building on that progress.

An Exemplary rating doesn't mean the work is finished. It means the systems being built around employment are working, and MSDC has a strong foundation from which to continue improving.

For the people MSDC serves, that work ultimately comes down to something much bigger than a fidelity score.

It means Choice. Opportunity. Independence. And the chance to be part of the workforce and community.

Learn more about Community Employment and MSDC at msdcin.org/community-employment.