Education and Training
Sharing the path for successful employment
Free Training & Learning Opportunities
The Workplace Disability Network offers training and learning opportunities designed to empower businesses with the knowledge and confidence to successfully employ individuals with disabilities. Our training programs provide practical tools, insights, and strategies for creating inclusive workplaces.
Our training sessions are tailored for corporations, business associations, and umbrella organizations (such as chambers of commerce and economic development groups). They are led by our Executive Director and community professionals, including members of our board.
Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of ADA guidelines and compliance or want to explore best practices for hiring and supporting employees with disabilities, we have a training for you.
We understand that navigating disability employment can raise questions. That’s why WDN is here to support you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more about our training sessions or have specific questions, reach out to us today—we’re ready to help!
Register NOW for WIN with WDN!
The Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills invites you to join us in Rapid City for an upcoming Wisdom, Innovation, Networking (WIN) Luncheon featuring Heidi Mecham, Executive Director of WDNBH.
Invisible disabilities aren’t always visible, yet they affect how millions of employees experience the workplace every day. From chronic health conditions to neurological and mental health disabilities, many challenges go unseen—but they matter.
During this WIN Luncheon, Heidi Mecham will share her experience and insight into the realities of invisible disabilities and provide practical tools to help employers, leaders, and coworkers foster understanding, support, and pathways forward for every employee.
Event Details:
Day & Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT
Location: Rushmore Hotel & Suites, Rapid City
Tickets: $25
Registration Deadline: 2/6/2026 12:00 p.m. (MST)
Announcing:
West Meets East
A monthly collaborative conversation series with Heidi Mecham from Workplace Disability Network and Vicki Stewart from Employment Disability Resources, offering practical, plain-language guidance on disability-related workplace topics. Each 30-minute session focuses on one timely issue with workplace accessibility and accommodations, allows for questions, and is recorded for on-demand viewing.
First Session:
Understanding South Dakota’s 2026
Service Animal Legislation
February 25, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
Free Virtual Training:
Job Functions
Date & Time:
April, TBD
9:00 AM CT / 8:00 AM MT
Overview:
Information coming soon!
Join us for a free virtual training designed to help businesses, supervisors, and HR professionals understand how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies in real workplace scenarios on different topics.
Who Should Attend:
Human Resource professionals
Small business owners
Supervisors and team leads
Accessibility:
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
Flyer Coming Soon!
Trainings we offer
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Windmills Awareness Training
Harness the power of inclusion. Multiple training series available.
Duration: 1 hr per training
Category: Education -
Finding the Ability in Everyone
How to implement effective communication strategies and set employees up for success.
Duration: 1 hr
Category: Awareness -
ADA Law Basics
Understanding what businesses need to be ADA compliant.
Duration: 1 hr
Category: Education -
Debunking the Myths of Disability
Shining a light on the truths found when diversifying the workplace.
Duration: 1 hr
Category: Awareness