Founded in 2014, the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills (WDNBH) is a trusted ally for employers throughout western South Dakota, educating and empowering businesses to confidently hire, support, and retain individuals with disabilities.

What sets WDNBH apart is its personable, business-focused approach. WDNBH provides tailored support through direct consultation, follow-up, and practical guidance to navigate the ADA under South Dakota laws. The organization goes beyond compliance, showing how accessibility strengthens retention, reduces turnover, and improves results. Best of all, these services are provided at no cost.

Working in Rapid City and the surrounding region is notable for WDNBH because of the open-minded, accepting business culture and strong commitment to accessibility. South Dakota leads the nation in employment for individuals with disabilities—61.1%, the highest of any state, according to the 2025 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium (Research on Disability, University of New Hampshire). The state also reports a 2.2% unemployment rate for people with disabilities, well below the national average of about 7% (Disability Research Center, South Dakota State News, Bureau of Labor Statistics). Rapid City ranks 7th out of 182 U.S. cities for disability-friendliness, highlighting the region’s welcoming business climate (Midwest Medical Edition).

Even with these strengths, challenges remain. Research confirms accessibility practices strengthen performance, profitability, and employee retention. For this reason, WDNBH is developing a new program to help businesses understand accommodation. WDNBH will pilot a new training on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at its annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) event: Understanding Perspectives: Hayden’s Story – Breaking Workplace Disability Barriers. This free interactive training will be held at The Monument from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Developed with the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC), the training builds on BHSSC’s existing acclaimed programs. The new Workplace Barrier Escape Room Training places participants in the role of an employee navigating a mental health disability and needing workplace accommodations. BHSSC trainers Morgan VonHaden and Erin Grant will guide participants through challenges and lead a discussion to uncover practical solutions employers can apply immediately. This is a hands-on experience, designed for real-world applications.

Erin Grant

Morgan VonHaden

WDNBH is honored to serve the business community of western South Dakota by offering programs, training, and consultation services. In the current job market, there are more jobs than people to fill. By helping businesses hire and accommodate individuals with disabilities, WDNBH helps employers address staffing shortages with skilled, motivated people eager to work. Executive Director Heidi Mecham notes: “When businesses remove barriers, they don’t just change the workplace—they change lives and communities.”

WDNBH thanks its sponsors for making this work possible:
• Monument Health
• Elevate Rapid City
• Project Solutions Incorporated
• Board of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Statewide Independent Living Council
• South Dakota Department of Human Services

To learn more about WDNBH programs, explore sponsorship opportunities, or register for the October training, visit www.wdnbh.org/events.