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!
Access at Work:
What does the ADA really mean for employers?
July 22, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most important civil rights laws protecting people with disabilities in employment, access, and community life.
In this session of West Meets East: Access at Work, Heidi Mecham and Vicki Stewart will have a practical conversation about what the ADA means for employers. This session will move beyond general awareness and focus on how the ADA shows up in everyday workplace situations.
The discussion will include:
· Why the ADA matters as a civil rights law
· What the ADA covers in employment
· What reasonable accommodation really means
· Common employer misunderstandings
· Common employee misunderstandings
· The role both employers and employees have in the interactive process
· Practical steps employers can take to strengthen ADA readiness.
July Session
This session is designed to help employers understand that the ADA is not about lowering expectations or providing special treatment. It is about removing unnecessary disability-related barriers so qualified employees have an equal opportunity to work, contribute, and succeed.
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.