Disability Inclusive Business Ally Program
Celebrating Commitment to Inclusion
Make A Difference. Be an Ally. Celebrate Inclusion.
The Disability Inclusive Business Ally Program, created by the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills (WDNBH), celebrates businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
Inclusion is pivotal in ensuring the success and retention of employees with disabilities. When employees feel respected and fully included, they are more likely to remain with the organization, seek advancement opportunities, and thrive in their careers.
Cultivating a positive workplace culture encourages employees to disclose their needs and request accommodations—critical factors in retaining valuable talent.
Why Become A WDNBH Ally?
Empower Your Workforce:
Attract and retain talented employees with disabilities by fostering aninclusive, supportive culture.
▪ Boost Your Brand: Show the world your business is socially responsible and committed to diversity and inclusion.
▪ Make an Impact: Help break down employment barriers for individuals with disabilities, creating a stronger community.
Prominent Recognition
Your business will receive an Ally Sticker to display at your physical location, be featured on the WDNBH website, and recognized across social media platforms. This visibility communicates to customers and potential employees that your business values inclusion and diversity.
Have questions? Get The Ally Program Information Flyer.
How WDNBH Supports Our Allies
As your community partner, WDNBH provides:
▪ Accessibility Assessments
▪ Free Disability Awareness Training
▪ Job Description Reviews
▪ Resource and Benefit Guidance
▪ Connections with Employment Specialists
We are here to ensure your business thrives while embracing inclusive practices.
Program Tiers
Our Disability Inclusive Business Ally Program offers multiple levels of recognition, each highlighting your business’s commitment to disability inclusion. Below are some of the criteria for reaching each level:
Creekside Level
Foundational Supporters
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This tier represents the foundational, steady support that nourishes WDNBH’s mission, much like the creeks that wind through the Black Hills. It is ideal for Allies providing essential contributions to disability inclusion.
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Participate in disability awareness training or utilize services offered by WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least once a year.
Demonstrate a proactive approach to recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities by using disability-friendly job search platforms and ensuring the hiring process is inclusive.
Donors: Contribute a minimum of 6 employee volunteer hours annually or provide financial support to WDNBH at the Friend, Ally, or Supporter levels.
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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
Committed to Inclusion
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This tier represents the depth and stability of a business’s commitment, echoing the enduring beauty and strength of the Black Hills canyons. It is ideal for mid-level Allies offering substantial support toward disability inclusion.
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Participate in disability awareness training or utilize services offered by WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least three times a year.
Demonstrate a proactive approach to recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities, using disability-friendly job search platforms and ensuring the hiring process is inclusive.
Donors: Contribute a minimum of 12 employee volunteer hours annually or provide financial support to WDNBH at the Benefactor or Champion levels.
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Businesses receive Canyon Level status, which they can display at their physical location or online.
Listed as a Canyon Level business on the WDNBH website, with a brief overview of their progress in fostering inclusivity.
Ponderosa Level
Deeply Engaged Partners
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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.
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Demonstrate consistent and sustained efforts in hiring and supporting employees with
disabilities by hosting or participating in training sessions or utilizing services offered by WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least four times a year.
Take a proactive approach to recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities, using disabilityfriendly job search platforms and ensuring the hiring process is inclusive.
Actively promote disability inclusion within the community through partnerships, advocacy, or events, sharing efforts related to inclusive hiring practices and training on their website and social media platforms.
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Businesses receive Ponderosa Level status to display, symbolizing exemplary progress in
fostering inclusivity.
Listed as a Ponderosa Level business on the WDNBH website, where their achievements are highlighted.
Summit Level
Leaders In Inclusivity
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This tier represents expansive vision and leadership, symbolizing those who elevate the mission of inclusivity to new heights, much like the peaks and summits of the Black Hills. It is ideal for Allies offering the most significant strategic support and community contribution.
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Achieve the highest commitment to inclusivity, demonstrated by sustained impact and recognition, such as being nominated for or winning the South Dakota Governor’s Award for Disability Employment.
Lead the way in disability inclusion by partnering with WDNBH or the South Dakota Department of Human Services at least six times a year through training opportunities or enlisting services.
Actively promote disabilityi nclusion in the community through partnerships, advocacy, or events, sharing efforts related to inclusive hiring practices and training on their website and social media platforms.
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Businesses receive Summit Level status, the highest level of recognition for leadership in disability inclusion.
Listed as a Summit Level business on the WDNBH website and prominently featured as a leading employer committed to inclusivity.
Program Guidelines
To be recognized as a Disability Inclusive Business Ally, your business must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Inclusive Hiring Practices
The business demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity by actively recruiting individuals with disabilities and ensuring accessible hiring practices. It promotes disability inclusion through partnerships, advocacy, and community events, sharing these efforts on its website and social media. Inclusive hiring practices foster workforce diversity, drive innovation, and create a more equitable business environment.
Positive Workplace Culture
Businesses foster an inclusive environment by encouraging participation in disability awareness training and employee resource consultations. By engaging in initiatives from WDNBH and the South Dakota Department of Human Services, the business reinforces its commitment to inclusivity. This supportive culture empowers employees with disabilities, improving retention and success.
Recognition of Business Impact
The businesses demonstrate the success of inclusive practices through increased employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. This commitment to long-term inclusion fosters a more positive and productive workplace. Businesses may also receive prestigious recognition, such as the South Dakota Governor’s Awards, validating their impact.
Donor Contributions
Businesses support WDNBH’s mission through financial donations and employee volunteerism. Advancing in the Ally Program requires businesses to also actively promote disability awareness, inclusive hiring practices, and community involvement. Meaningful engagement is key to progressing through the 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 actions toward inclusivity. This includes their commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities, fostering a positive workplace culture, impacting the community, and engaging in disability-related initiatives.
Final Decision:
After reviewing the evidence and feedback gathered and consulting with the WDNBH board, the Review Committee will make the final decision regarding the business's tier placement in the Ally Program. This process ensures that all decisions align with WDNBH’s core values.
Business Recognition:
Once a business is selected, the Executive Director will contact them to schedule a meeting. During this meeting, the business will be formally acknowledged for its nomination and introduced to the Inclusive Business Ally Program. If the business agrees to participate and be recognized by WDNBH, they will be awarded the Ally Sticker and given the opportunity to be featured on the WDNBH website. Additionally, the business will receive informational materials about WDNBH and the services offered.
Nominate a Business
If you know a business that exemplifies these practices, we want to hear from you. Please submit your nomination and help us celebrate those making a difference.
Executive Director: Heidi Mecham
Email: director@wdnbh.org
Phone: (605) 786-8311
Business Spotlight
Read about some of the local Rapid City and Black Hills area businesses in the Disability Inclusion Partner Program who actively employ persons with disabilities.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your commitment to inclusion can transform lives and strengthen our community. Nominate a business today and be part of the change!