On the blog

Here are the top frequently asked questions we get from business owners in regards to employing people with disabilities and the answers to help lead to a successful employment opportunity and accessible workplace.

The Workforce Diversity Network of the Black Hills (WDNBH) receives financial support from the South Dakota Department of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services through a grant process.

Rapid City Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is working with RTS to develop the Rapid Transit Development Plan. The document will provide a vision for transit in the region over the next 5 to 10 years with an emphasis on future needs and sustainable growth.

In this educational training, we helped attendees evaluate case-to-case basis job matches for a person with a disability, examined the stereotyping of people with disabilities and how that can impact hiring decisions, and explored the assumptions of “good” and “bad” jobs for people with disabilities.

We understand that a healthy workforce is inclusive of individuals with disabilities and how these individuals can improve your business and your bottom line.

Through this presentation with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, participants were able to learn the definitions of “service animals” and how they differ from emotional support animals, as well as handler rights and responsibilities, and important knowledge for employers and public businesses/spaces.

The Windmills Training: Harness the Power of Inclusion walked participants through interactive modules that equipped them with the tools, knowledge, and skills to create an inclusive workplace for employees of all abilities to thrive.

Increasing access and opportunity – Remote Work, Accommodations & COVID This presentation will explore various ADA issues and reasonable accommodation strategies to enable employees with disabilities to continue to work during this pandemic situation.

A program called Project SEARCH of the Black Hills is in its fifth year of helping employers by training young professionals with disabilities to be great candidates in today’s workforce.

As schools and businesses move to an online training and learning model to keep everyone learning during COVID-19, having the correct training is essential. Ensure people with disabilities can use a training or learning module in a way that is effective.

The City of Rapid City has been committed to addressing issues and barriers affecting residents with disabilities in our community. Numerous visible improvements to accessibility throughout City facilities, parks and streets are in the works. Here are a few examples.

The history of rights for people with disabilities in the big picture is fairly new. Because of the life expectancy of people with disabilities, many of the pioneers have passed on. This is a biography of the first teacher to teach children in a public school in West Milwaukee in 1962.

It is important to equip ourselves with the necessary confidence and skills to respond effectively to tourists with disabilities visiting the Black Hills. Here are a few tips for communicating with tourists with disabilities.

View a photo recap of the 2019 NDEAM Event held in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Please join the Workforce Diversity Network of the Black Hills for the National Disability Employment Awareness Month annual breakfast on October 21st at the Rushmore Hotel from 7:30 am – 9:00 am.

Video: Through a program called "Getting Down to Business", SDRA partnered with the South Dakota Department of Human Services, South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to provide information to employers.

In this segment of the “Able to Work” series by KOTA, meet Aaron – an inspiring young man who overcomes disabilities on a daily basis and does whatever it takes to get the job done. Aaron Ready is a legally blind auto body technician at Rick’s Auto Body Shop.

In this segment of “Able to Work”, KOTA talks with Bobbie Jo Palmer – a McDonald’s employee who has cerebral palsy. Although she has learning disabilities, her unique gifts make her a valued employee at the local Spearfish McDonald's franchise.

In this segment of “Able to Work”, KOTA news talks with Pam Fisher who makes it look easy. Pam manages and trains at the Rapid City Wendy's restaurant, and her blindness and deteriorating eye problems don't slow her down.

There is a lot that needs to happen before the doors at Pizza Ranch happen, and while there are many hard workers at the restaurant – two employees stand out. Meet Sarah & Nick.

This HR Magazine article is a great example of why hiring disabled workers still makes good business sense 25 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

On September 1st, 2015 the Rapid City Journal reported a story about how South Dakota is making advances in workplace diversity. Sarah B. Haider reported how one Rapid City business is helping to change the mind set of South Dakota businesses.