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!
Finding What Works:
The Interactive Process in Practice
August 26, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
Workplace accommodations are rarely a one-time decision. They often require an ongoing conversation between the employer and employee.
During the August West Meets East: Access at Work session, Moni Patterson of Monument Health will join hosts Heidi Mecham and Vicki Stewart for a practical discussion about the interactive process.
The conversation will explore how employers can respond when an accommodation need is raised, ask appropriate questions, consider possible solutions, and continue working with the employee when circumstances change or the first accommodation is not effective.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of:
How the interactive process begins
The roles of the employer and employee
How to discuss workplace limitations and job responsibilities
Why there may be more than one effective accommodation
What to do when additional information is needed
How ongoing communication can prevent
August Session
Moni Patterson is an HR Compliance Consultant at Monument Health, where she has served for the past 11 years. She brings more than 25 years of human resources experience across a wide range of industries, including Fortune 50 companies, manufacturing, retail, and consulting work with clients in 45 states. Moni holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Malone University and is a Senior Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, a division of the ADA National Network, where she supports efforts to advance workplace accessibility and inclusion.
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.