Disability Employment Ally Program

Make an Impact. Be an Ally. Champion Accessibility.

The Disability Accessible Employment Ally Program, created by the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills (WDNBH), recognizes businesses that actively support individuals with disabilities and create work environments where all employees can contribute and succeed.

A workplace that values and respects all employees helps ensure the success and long-term retention of individuals with disabilities. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to grow within the organization, pursue advancement opportunities, and reach their full potential.

Fostering a welcoming and adaptable workplace encourages employees to communicate their needs and request accommodations—key factors in retaining skilled talent.

Why Become A WDNBH Ally?

Empower Your Workforce:

▪ Attract and retain skilled employees with disabilities by building a workplace that values support and accessibility.
▪ Enhance your reputation by demonstrating your commitment to creating opportunities and being a socially responsible business.
▪ Drive positive change by helping remove employment barriers for individuals with disabilities, contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

Prominent Recognition

Your business will receive an Ally Sticker to display at your location, be featured on the WDNBH website, and be recognized across social media platforms. This visibility showcases your commitment to supporting employees with disabilities and creating a welcoming workplace.

Have questions? Get The Ally Program Information Flyer.

How WDNBH Supports Our Allies

WDNBH offers valuable support to help your business create a strong and accessible work environment:

▪ Accessibility Assessments
▪ Free Disability Awareness Training
▪ Job Description Reviews
▪ Resource and Benefit Guidance
▪ Connections with Employment Specialists

We’re here to help your business grow while supporting employees of all abilities.

Disability Employment Ally Program Tiers

Our Ally Program offers multiple levels of recognition, showcasing your business’s dedication to supporting employees with disabilities. Below are some of the criteria for achieving each level:

Creekside Level

Foundational Supporters

  • This tier represents the foundational support that sustains WDNBH’s mission, much like the creeks that flow through the Black Hills. It is ideal for Allies who play a vital role in expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

    • Participate in disability awareness training or utilize resources provided by WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least once a year.

    • Take an active approach to recruiting and hiring employees with disabilities by using accessible job search platforms and ensuring an open, fair hiring process.

    • Contribute a minimum of 6 employee volunteer hours annually or provide financial support to WDNBH at the Friend, Ally, or Supporter levels.

    • Businesses receive Creekside Level status, which they can proudly display on their website or at their physical location.

    • Listed as a Creekside Level business on the WDNBH website.

Canyon Level

Dedicated to Opportunity

  • This tier reflects the depth and strength of a business’s commitment, much like the enduring canyons of the Black Hills. It is ideal for mid-level Allies providing significant support toward expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

    • Take part in disability awareness training or use services provided by WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least three times a year.

    • Actively recruit and hire employees with disabilities by using accessible job search platforms and ensuring a fair and open hiring process.

    • Contribute a minimum of 12 employee volunteer hours annually or provide financial support to WDNBH at the Benefactor or Champion levels.

    • Businesses earn Canyon Level status, which can be displayed at their physical location or online.

    • Featured as a Canyon Level business on the WDNBH website, with a brief overview of their efforts in creating accessible and supportive workplaces.

Ponderosa Level

Deeply Engaged Partners

  • This tier reflects the towering strength and enduring presence of the Ponderosa pines, symbolizing growth and lasting impact, much like the pines found throughout the Black Hills. It is ideal for Allies who are making a significant time contribution and are deeply invested in WDNBH’s mission.

    • Show ongoing commitment to hiring and supporting employees with disabilities by hosting or participating in training sessions or utilizing services from WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least four times a year.

    • Take an active role in recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities by using accessible job search platforms and ensuring a fair and welcoming hiring process.

    • Promote opportunities for individuals with disabilities within the community through partnerships, advocacy, or events, sharing efforts related to accessible hiring practices and workplace training on their website and social media platforms.

    • Businesses earn Ponderosa Level status, representing outstanding commitment to supporting employees with disabilities. This designation can be proudly displayed at their location or online.

    • Recognized as a Ponderosa Level business on the WDNBH website, with a spotlight on their efforts and accomplishments in creating accessible workplaces.

Summit Level

Leaders In Accessibility

  • This tier represents visionary leadership and dedication, symbolizing those who elevate the mission of workplace accessibility to new heights—much like the peaks and summits of the Black Hills. It is ideal for Allies providing the most significant strategic support and community impact.

    • Achieve the highest level of commitment by demonstrating sustained impact and earning recognition, such as being nominated for or winning the South Dakota Governor’s Award for Disability Employment.

    • Lead the way in supporting employees with disabilities by partnering with WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least six times a year through training opportunities or utilizing services.

    • Actively champion workplace accessibility in the community through partnerships, advocacy, or events, sharing efforts related to hiring practices and workplace training on their website and social media platforms.

    • Businesses earn Summit Level status, the highest recognition for leadership in creating accessible workplaces.

    • Recognized as a Summit Level business on the WDNBH website, with prominent visibility as a top employer committed to opportunity for all.

Program Guidelines

To be recognized as a Disability Accessibility Business Ally, your business must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Accessible Hiring Practices

The business actively recruits individuals with disabilities and ensures a fair and accessible hiring process. It supports disability employment through partnerships, advocacy, and community events, sharing these efforts on its website and social media. Accessible hiring practices help build strong teams, encourage innovation, and create a more welcoming workplace.

Supportive Workplace Culture

Businesses cultivate a work environment where employees feel valued by encouraging participation in disability awareness training and resource consultations. By engaging with WDNBH and the South Dakota Department of Human Services, businesses reinforce their commitment to supporting employees with disabilities, leading to improved retention and career success.

Demonstrated Business Impact

Businesses showcase the positive effects of their efforts through increased employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Their long-term commitment to accessibility helps create a thriving workplace. Some businesses may also receive prestigious recognition, such as the South Dakota Governor’s Awards, highlighting their leadership in disability employment.

Community & Financial Support

Businesses contribute to WDNBH’s mission through financial donations and employee volunteerism. Advancing in the Ally Program also involves promoting disability awareness, accessible hiring practices, and community engagement. Meaningful participation is key to reaching higher program tiers.

Program Oversight and Decision-Making Process

A dedicated Review Committee will oversee the nomination and tier assessment process to ensure fairness and transparency. This committee, composed of WDNBH executive board members, will carefully review all applications and make tier determinations based on the established criteria.

Referral, Review & Award Process

Nominations:

Any WDNBH member or community member can nominate businesses. Nominations may be submitted through the WDNBH website or by emailing the necessary information to the Executive Director at director@wdnbh.org. Please include, if available, the business contact name, email address, and/or phone number with your submission.

Review Criteria

The Review Committee will evaluate nominated businesses based on their demonstrated efforts to create an accessible and supportive workplace. This includes their commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities, fostering a positive work environment, contributing to the community, and engaging in disability-related initiatives.

Final Decision

After reviewing the provided evidence and feedback, and consulting with the WDNBH board, the Review Committee will determine the business’s tier placement in the Ally Program. This process ensures that all decisions align with WDNBH’s mission and values.

Business Recognition

Once a business is selected, the Executive Director will reach out to schedule a meeting. The business will be formally recognized for its nomination and introduced to the Business Ally Program during this meeting. If the business agrees to participate and partner with WDNBH, they will receive an Ally Sticker and have the opportunity to be featured on the WDNBH website. Additionally, the business will receive informational materials about WDNBH and the services available to support them.

Nominate a Business

We want to hear from you if you know a business that exemplifies these practices. Please submit your nomination and help us celebrate those making a difference.

Contact our Executive Director, Heidi Mecham

Email: director@wdnbh.org

Phone: (605) 786-8311

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your commitment to accessibility and opportunity can make a lasting impact. Nominate a business today and help create a stronger community!