February 2026 Newsletter

Ad for West Meets East Access at Work event.

Introducing West Meets East: Access at Work — a new monthly collaborative conversation series with Vicki Stewart, Employment Disability Resources, and Heidi Mecham, Workplace Disability Network, exploring practical approaches to workplace accessibility and accommodations.

March 4, 2026 (new date)
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
Special Guest: Tony Russell, Lion Heart LLC

Our first conversation will focus on South Dakota’s 2026 Service Animal Legislation, including SB 81 and SB 82. Tony Russell, one of the authors of the legislation, will join the discussion to explain what changed and what employers need to know.

Employment Disability Resources Board

We are excited to introduce the leaders who will help advance our impact in 2026. In January, EDR elected new officers:

  • Board Chair: Bonnie Duffy, Duffy Appraisals

  • Board Vice Chair: Kellie Hauglid, Cindy Van Gerpen Agency

  • Board Secretary/Treasurer: Pat Herman, Center for Disabilities, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota

We also welcome our new board members:

  • Isabella Chow, SoundMind Neurofeedback and Psychotherapy

  • Jaci Pieters, Young Professionals Network, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

  • Undrea Kruse, Avera

  • Laura Schmit, Division of Rehabilitation Services

  • Ty Vuong, University of South Dakota

  • Dane Ekdom, ISG

  • Beth Overmoe, Halbach | Szwarc Law Firm

We are excited to have these individuals join us and bring fresh perspectives to our work.

Continuing board members include:

  • Laura Arnett, Flynn Wright

  • Parker Hanson, Nelson Wealth Management

  • Peter Klein, Wells Fargo Bank

  • Holly Wessels, Sanford Health

  • April Schulte, South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind

With a full board of fifteen exceptional members, we are grateful for their leadership, involvement, and guidance as we continue advancing EDR’s mission.

Employment Disability Resources is proud to offer the Disability Inclusion Partner program!

Disability Inclusion Partner sticker

In partnership with the Sioux Falls Disability Awareness and Accessibility Review Board (DAARB), we give local businesses who employ one or more people with disabilities an award to acknowledge and celebrate their diverse, inclusive workplace culture. Watch for the “Disability Inclusion Partner” sticker on the doors of local businesses.

Interstates recently received a Disability Inclusion Partner award.

Interstates employees posing for receipt of Disability Employment Partner award.
Pictured above L-R: Cathleen Zepeda, DAARB; Andrew Roelfs, Development and Training Manager; Evan Westra, Engineering Manager; Vicki Stewart, EDR; and Matt Pruner, Virtual Design and Construction Designer.
EDR Favicon.

For more information about employing individuals with disabilities, please contact:
Vicki Stewart, Executive Director
Employment Disability Resources
2900 W. 11th Street, Suite 101, Sioux Falls, SD  57104
605-215-1760 or [email protected]

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