2025 National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The 2025 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event was held October 15 at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel. This year the event was a part of the South Dakota RehabACTion’s 2025 Fall Conference.
There were two breakout sessions offered in the morning. The first featured Jana Burke, Mariposa Professional Services. Her topic was, “Business Benefits of Disability Inclusion.”
The second session was a panel presentation, titled, “Valued Voices: Experiences of Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace.” Employees with disabilities Nick Pavel with Goal Solutions, Will Kruse with Sanford Health, and Landon Wagner with The First National Bank shared their personal stories. 
Their employers, Chris Ekstrum, CEO & President, The First National Bank; Holly Wessels, Senior Disability Management Specialist, Sanford Health; and Barbi Roberts, Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Specialist, Goal Solutions shared their perspectives.
The supervisor of the Sioux Falls Division of Rehabilitation Services, Laura Schmit, and Will’s mom, Susan Kruse, provided insight into their roles as advocates.
The luncheon was held at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall with musical entertainment provided by pianist, Mary Carrell.
Businesses that sponsored a table at the luncheon were also recognized. They included: Avera, Employment Disability Resources, The First National Bank, Goodwill of the Great Plains, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sanford Health, USD Center for Disabilities.
Special thanks were given to the NDEAM planning committee: Laura Schmit, Chasity Colton, Shana Arcudi, Pat Herman, Kendra Gottsleben, Betsy Drew, April Schulte, Sarah Jo Jorgensen, Kendra Tifft, Holly Wessels, Vicki Stewart, and Holly Wessels.
NDEAM event sponsors were also recognized: Employment Disability Resources, South Dakota Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Statewide Independent Living Council, Department of Human Services, South Dakota RehabACTion, and USD Sanford School of Medicine Center for Disabilities.
The luncheon keynote speaker was Parker Hanson. The title of his presentation was, “Rise Above- No Excuses.” Parker shared his journey to professional baseball despite being born without his left hand and the many obstacles he faced to get there. Although the odds were stacked against him, he refused to listen to those who didn’t believe in him, becoming the 2nd ever professional baseball player who was born without a hand. Parker shared actionable items everyone can use to help overcome their own individual obstacles.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing you next year at our 2026 NDEAM event!
Appreciation in Action
Throughout the month of October, Employment Disability Resources (EDR) board members and the Sioux Falls Disability Awareness and Accessibility Review Board (DAARB), visited their Disability Employment Partners for their Appreciation in Action campaign.
It gave them the opportunity to say thank you, provide resources, and update their contact information for the almost 300 businesses on our list. We want to build lasting relationships with our Disability Employment Partners by offering free educational training, providing information about reasonable accommodations, and sharing job openings with employment specialists who working directly with job seekers with disabilities.
Please let us know how we can continue supporting your workforce through these offerings and more. We greatly appreciate your partnership and your commitment to promoting equal employment opportunities for everyone!
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
By Carin Griffith, Buddies & Co. Board Member and parent of a young adult with Down syndrome
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the unique abilities, talents, and perspectives of individuals with Down syndrome. October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which allows for recognition of the positive impact people with disabilities make in the American workforce.
At Buddies & Co., we’re proud to be in a position to celebrate both! Some of the incredible individuals we employ have Down syndrome, and we value what they bring to our workplace and community.
Employment is so much more than a job — it’s a pathway to independence, purpose, and belonging. For individuals with Down syndrome, meaningful work offers the opportunity to showcase their strengths, develop new skills, and experience the pride that comes from contributing to a team. At Buddies & Co., we see those benefits every day.
Our employees with Down syndrome bring enthusiasm, kindness, and a contagious joy that uplifts everyone around them. But just as importantly, we recognize that they experience the full range of human emotions — happiness, frustration, excitement, disappointment, and everything in between. People with Down syndrome are not defined by constant cheerfulness; they are complex, capable individuals whose feelings and experiences deserve to be acknowledged and respected.
Like any workplace relationship, employing individuals with Down syndrome can come with challenges — learning styles may differ, communication may take more time, and support may need to be adapted. But those moments of growth and patience are far outweighed by the rewards. The outcome is worth every effort. The lessons learned, the joy shared, and the sense of purpose that fills our workspace make it all worthwhile.
Inclusive employment doesn’t just change the lives of those who are hired — it transforms entire workplaces. When businesses choose to focus on ability rather than limitation, they open the door to stronger communities and a more compassionate culture.
This October, as we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate our Buddies — and all individuals with Down syndrome — for the unique gifts they bring to the world.
At Buddies & Co., inclusion isn’t just part of our mission. It’s who we are.
Employment Disability Resources is proud to offer the Disability Inclusion Partner program!
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.
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]