West Meets East
About West Meets East Training Series
West Meets East is a monthly, live training vlog series designed to give employers practical, plain-language guidance on disability-related workplace topics.
Co-hosted by partners from both sides of the state, this series bridges East River and West River perspectives while delivering consistent, statewide education on workplace accessibility and accommodation.
Session Information
Each 30-minute session focuses on one timely workplace topic and features real-world examples, clear definitions, and open discussion. Sessions are recorded and archived for on-demand viewing.
What to Expect
Monthly live, interactive conversations
Co-facilitated by Heidi Mecham and Vicki Stewart
One focused workplace topic per session
Practical guidance employers can apply immediately
Recordings available after each session
Who It’s For
This series is designed for:
Employers and business owners
Human resources professionals
Supervisors and managers
Anyone responsible for workplace decision-making
Watch West Meets East On Demand!
Our West Meets East series features real conversations about workplace challenges and practical solutions that support stronger teams and better outcomes.
Browse past sessions anytime on our YouTube channel!
Recognizing Talent, Removing Barriers: Practical Steps for Employers
September 23, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
Sometimes the biggest barrier to employment isn’t whether someone can do the job. It’s the way the path to employment has been designed.
Join the Workplace Disability Network for September’s West Meets East: Access at Work as we explore practical ways employers can recognize talent and identify unnecessary barriers throughout the employment process.
We’ll look at everyday workplace practices—from job descriptions and hiring to communication and how work gets done—and discuss how requirements or processes can unintentionally limit opportunities for qualified people with disabilities.
This practical conversation will help employers consider questions such as:
Is this an essential function of the job, or simply the way the work has always been done?
Are hiring practices measuring a candidate’s ability to do the job or their ability to navigate the hiring process?
Where might a small change remove a barrier without changing the expectations of the position?
How can employers focus on talent, skills, and what a person can do?
September Session
West Meets East: Access at Work is a free monthly virtual training series connecting employers and workforce professionals across South Dakota with practical information about disability employment and workplace accessibility.
Register today and join the conversation.
A 10-minute question-and-answer period will follow the discussion.
Who should attend: Employers, supervisors, managers, HR professionals, business owners, service providers, and community partners interested in workplace accessibility and disability inclusion.
Session Hosts
Heidi Mecham
Executive Director
Workplace Disability Network
Heidi Mecham is the Executive Director of the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills, where she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to support employers and employees across the region. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Wyoming.
Heidi has experience in non-profit leadership, grant administration, and community engagement, including work with the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities on Project ECHO. Since returning to Rapid City in 2018, she has focused on expanding employer education, strengthening partnerships, and advancing practical, employer-focused solutions that support disability accessibility and long-term workplace success. She is a WINDMILLS: Changing the Perception of Abilities certified trainer.
Vicki Stewart
Executive Director
Employment Disability Resources
Vicki Stewart is the Executive Director of Employment Disability Resources in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she brings more than 30 years of experience in disability employment and access. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion with a minor in psychology from Augustana University.
Vicki serves on numerous local and state boards, including the Pathways to Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces Board, the Advisory Committee for Business Administration, the USD Health Sciences Advisory Board, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board, the Sioux Empire United Way Board, the City of Sioux Falls Human Relations Commission, and the South Dakota State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation. She is also a certified WINDMILLS: Changing the Perception of Abilities trainer and is deeply committed to helping employers build accessible, effective workplaces.