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!
Designed for Different Minds:
ADHD, Work, and What Actually Works
October 28, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
What happens when a workplace or community space is designed with different ways of thinking, focusing, processing, and interacting in mind from the beginning?
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this month’s West Meets East: Access at Work explores ADHD through the perspective of someone who brings both lived experience and business ownership to the conversation
Our guest, Shannon Ward, is co-founder of Good NAtured, Sioux Falls’ community living room and “third place.” Shannon holds a degree in Psychology from South Dakota State University and lives with ADHD herself. Her experience has influenced how Good NAtured approaches everything from the physical environment to the way events and activities are structured.
During this 30-minute conversation, we’ll explore what Shannon has learned about creating spaces that work for different brains—and what employers can take from those lessons.
We’ll discuss:
How ADHD can affect the way people experience work and workplace environments
Why seemingly small environmental or organizational choices can make a difference
What Shannon considered when designing Good NAtured
How businesses can think differently about focus, communication, structure, and productivity
Why designing with different needs in mind can create better experiences for more people
October Session
This isn’t about creating one workplace that works perfectly for everyone. It’s about recognizing that people work differently—and considering where greater flexibility and thoughtful design can remove unnecessary barriers.
Join us for a practical conversation about ADHD, work, and what actually works.
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.