The Morning Blend
The Morning Blend is a free virtual training series designed to help employers better understand disability in the workplace. Each session combines practical guidance, real-world insights, and actionable strategies to support hiring, retention, and compliance—giving businesses the tools they need to build stronger, more effective teams.
Offered quarterly, these virtual sessions are sponsored by the Workplace Disability Network and Employment Disability Resources, bringing together trusted partners committed to strengthening the workforce through education and connection.
New Training Quarterly
Free, Virtual Training
New Training Quarterly Free, Virtual Training
What You’ll Learn
Learn practical approaches to hiring, supporting, and retaining employees with disabilities through effective and thoughtful workplace strategies.
Workplace Practices
Gain insight into the strengths and skills individuals with disabilities bring, and how to better align those talents with business needs.
Talent Recognition
Discover ways to strengthen communication, build supportive environments, and create a workplace where all employees can contribute and succeed.
Team Culture
Understand what workplace supports can look like in practice and how to implement solutions that help employees perform at their best.
Effective Supports
This session is ideal for professionals who play a role in hiring, managing, and supporting employees in the workplace, including:
Who Should Attend:
Human Resource Professionals
Small Business Owners
Supervisors and Managers
Meet Your April Instructors
Moni Patterson
Human Resources Compliance Consultant, Monument Health
Moni Patterson is a Human Resources Compliance Consultant at Monument Health with over 25 years of experience across a wide range of industries, including Fortune 50 companies, manufacturing, retail, and multi-state consulting. She brings a deep understanding of workplace practices, having supported clients in more than 45 states.
Moni holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Malone University and is a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the ADA National Network, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, where she contributes to advancing accessibility and inclusive workplace practices.
Alyson Wiedrich
Manager of the Human Resources Business Partners, Monument Health
Alyson Wiedrich is the Manager of Human Resources Business Partners at Monument Health in Rapid City. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State University and brings over 18 years of experience with Monument Health, including 14 years in Human Resources.
Alyson has extensive experience in recruitment and employee relations and is passionate about the role Human Resources plays in supporting effective operations and strong workplace practices.
April Session
Essential Functions,
Real Accommodations:
A Strategy for Compliance
The April session explores the critical role job descriptions play in supporting effective workplace practices and employee success. Participants will learn how clearly defined job duties can guide conversations around job expectations and workplace supports, helping teams better align responsibilities with business needs.
The training will also cover practical approaches to reviewing, writing, and maintaining job descriptions to distinguish between essential and non-essential tasks—providing a stronger foundation for consistent decision-making and effective employee support.
If you require auxiliary aids or services (such as sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or alternative format materials), please contact Kim Ludwig at least 10 days in advance:
Phone: 605.626.2313
Email: kimberly.ludwig@state.sd.us