Join us for the final session of the Workforce Engagement Series which is focused on creating a supportive work environment for individuals with disabilities. Our expert presenters will cover essential strategies for accommodating employees, the importance of people-first language, and how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Key Takeaways:

• Workplace Practices for Employees with Disabilities: Learn how using people-first language and updating workplace policies can foster respect and support for employees with disabilities.
• Understanding ADA Compliance: Get a clear overview of key ADA requirements and reasonable accommodations, while debunking common myths to ensure your organization is meeting legal standards.
• Effective Recruitment Approaches: Discover methods to broaden your talent pool by improving job descriptions and working with organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
• Accommodating Employees Effectively: Understand how simple, low-cost accommodations can help employees perform their best and contribute to business success.
• Boosting Retention and Engagement: Explore ways to improve employee retention and satisfaction by creating a work environment where all team members can thrive.

About the Speakers:

Heidi Mecham, Executive Director of The Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills, brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive experience in non-profit management, grant administration, and community engagement. She has a long-standing commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, beginning with volunteer work in her youth and later working as a paraeducator.

Heidi holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah and a master’s in public administration from the University of Wyoming. Her expertise is further enhanced by certifications in non-profit management and grant writing from Black Hills State University. She also contributed to the development of the Project ECHO program for the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), an initiative designed to help educators statewide address the needs of students with disabilities. In her free time, Heidi enjoys being a wife, mother, and "Lolli" to her four children and six grandchildren. She loves outdoor activities, travel, and relaxing with a good book, all while spending quality time with her family.

Heidi’s leadership at WDNBH is both professional and deeply personal. Her passion for advocacy and her own connection to disability inclusion drive growth and innovation, ensuring the organization continues to support businesses and individuals in creating inclusive workplaces.

Kim Dodd, SHRM-CP has been in the Human Resources field since 2018 and earned her Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification in January 2022. With over 20 years of workforce experience across Training, Management, Marketing, Benefits Management, Project Management, and the Service Industry, Kim brings a well-rounded skill set to her work. She has been serving as Treasurer on the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills board since October 2021. After nearly six years in Public Sector HR at the City of Rapid City, she transitioned to Golden West in May 2024, where she now supports nearly 300 employees across South Dakota. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, their pets, and loved ones, as well as traveling to concerts, sporting events and warmer climates to relax. She is passionate about fostering a safe, compliant workplace while helping employees and managers navigate policies, benefits, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Registration deadline is November 15th!

Elevate Rapid City is dedicated to providing employers with resources for innovative hiring in our Workforce Engagement Strategies Series. This four-part quarterly series is for organizations and community members looking to improve company culture, retention, and recruitment by gaining a deeper understanding of under-utilized talent populations in our community and workforce. Our presenters are experts in their field and provide innovative ideas and resources to help implement changes within businesses.

If you complete all four sessions, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Workforce Engagement Strategies. Should your professional organization require continuing education, please contact our office for any information you may need to obtain credit for attending.

Financial assistance is available. Please contact events@businesswebhostingplans.com to inquire.

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