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!

Contact WDNBH

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.

Next Session:
Disability Etiquette: Creating an Inclusive Workplace
March 25, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT

West Meets East: Access at Work session graphic featuring training hosts Heidi Mecham and Vicki Stewart
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Free Virtual Training:
Job Functions

Date & Time:
April 16, 2026
9:00 AM CT / 8:00 AM MT

Overview:
Essential Functions, Real Accommodations: A Strategy for Compliance

Clear job descriptions are one of the most important tools organizations have when making hiring decisions, supervising employees, and evaluating workplace accommodations.

During this virtual training, participants will learn how to distinguish between essential and marginal job functions and why job descriptions often become key evidence when determining essential duties in employment decisions.

Understanding this distinction helps employers support accessibility while maintaining consistent performance expectations across their workforce.

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

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Trainings we offer

  • A landscape scene with wind turbines on a foggy field at sunrise or sunset, with a light blue sky and scattered clouds.

    Windmills Awareness Training

    Harness the power of inclusion. Multiple training series available.

    Duration: 1 hr per training
    Category: Education

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  • A young man with sunglasses and a backpack sitting on a park bench, smiling and interacting with his black guide dog, with greenery and a flower in the background.

    Finding the Ability in Everyone

    How to implement effective communication strategies and set employees up for success.

    Duration: 1 hr
    Category: Awareness

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  • A judge's gavel, a set of balance scales, and some legal files on a wooden table, symbolizing justice and law.

    ADA Law Basics

    Understanding what businesses need to be ADA compliant.

    Duration: 1 hr
    Category: Education

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  • A woman with a prosthetic arm holding a coffee cup, smiling, seated at a wooden table in a modern, well-lit cafe or restaurant.

    Debunking the Myths of Disability

    Shining a light on the truths found when diversifying the workplace.

    Duration: 1 hr
    Category: Awareness

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