Trainings Available for Businesses

Disability Etiquette

People with disabilities make up the largest minority group in the world—yet many people still feel unsure about how to communicate or interact respectfully. This training offers simple, practical tips for creating more welcoming environments both at work and in everyday life. Learn best practices for engaging with people with a variety of disabilities and gain confidence by eliminating common fears and misconceptions.

Service Animals: More Than Companions

Focused primarily on service dogs, this session provides an in-depth look at how these animals are trained, the essential tasks they perform, and the laws that protect their use in public spaces. You will also learn about emotional support animals and therapy animals. Please note: This training is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Employment Disability Resources

Get to know the nonprofit organization behind many local disability employment efforts. This session explores our mission, history, and the services we offer to businesses. Learn how to become a Disability Employment Partner, take part in mentorships, or host a Job Provider meeting to recruit job candidates with disabilities.

Panel Presentations: Real Voices, Real Stories

Hear directly from employees with disabilities as they share their personal career journeys, the supports and technologies that help them thrive, and the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. This panel offers a powerful perspective on ability, resilience, and the future of work.

Morning Blend

Grab your morning coffee and join us for this free, virtual, hour-long training—designed especially for Human Resource professionals, small business owners, and supervisors. Presented quarterly by the South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services, Employment Disability Resources, and the Workplace Disability Network, Morning Blend covers timely topics and practical strategies for hiring and retaining employees with disabilities.

West Meets East: Access at Work

West Meets East: Access at Work is a monthly, live collaborative conversation series designed to give employers practical, plain-language guidance on disability-related workplace topics. Co-led by Vicki Stewart (Employment Disability Resources) and Heidi Mecham (Workplace Disability Network), the series brings together East River and West River perspectives to support employers across the state. Each 30-minute session focuses on one timely workplace topic and features real-world examples, clear definitions, and open discussion about workplace accessibility and accommodations. Sessions are recorded and archived for on-demand viewing.

Other Resources

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information about accommodations and related issues to facilitate the employment and retention of workers with disabilities. 1-800-526-7234  www.askjan.org
• Rocky Mountain ADA Center serves individuals and organizations throughout Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota with training and resources on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  1-800-949-4232 www.rockymountainada.org
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) through the Department of Labor provides leadership on disability employment policies and practices through research yielding authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities. 1-866-487-2365  www.dol.gov/agencies/odep
• Employer Assistance & Resource Network (EARN) provides free consulting services and resources to support the recruitment and hiring of people with disabilities. 1-866-327-6669  www.askearn.org