Expanding the talent pool through diversity recruitment

This paid piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

Optimism and tenacity define Sarah F’s search for employment in Sioux Falls.

“I’ve been searching for a job for several months,” said Sarah, a person supported by DakotAbilities. “I know the right one is out there.”

With the unemployment rate in Sioux Falls steadily below 2 percent for several months, diversity recruitment is one way to expand the talent pool. Seeking nontraditional candidates such as older workers and people with disabilities can help fill open positions and keep businesses running smoothly.

In partnership with Employment Disability Resources, Sarah is one of six people supported by DakotAbilities who recently participated in a job shadowing and mentoring day to learn interview techniques and match areas of interest to the skills needed for employment.

Employment Disability Resources, DakotAbilities and vocational rehab counselors worked together to identify six mentees and six area businesses for a day of learning and growth. Sarah spent her day at PetSmart, while others participated at Nyberg’s ACE Hardware, the Great Plains Zoo, Schulte Subaru and Serendipity Studio.

“Nyberg’s ACE has hired many individuals with disabilities throughout the years. We believe these individuals are truly an asset to our organization and provide tremendous value not just to our customers but to our employees as well,” owner Kevin Nyberg said. “It’s truly a pleasure to provide an opportunity to an individual to help them realize their potential and see them with a smile knowing they are adding to the success of the company.”

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to workplaces and the economy. Advocacy for employment and volunteer opportunities is a growing area of support that DakotAbilities provides for the adults it supports in Sioux Falls.

“When we began our day services program, it was focused on vocation-based work that involved on-site packaging and some assembly,” said Joe Dvorak, director of day services. “We intentionally evolved day services to include more experiences for people such as art, music, nutrition, life skills and being out and about in our community. People supported have a wide range of skills, abilities and interests, and we work to ensure each person’s individual needs and interests are fulfilled. Outside employment and volunteering are definitely areas of growth people want to have.”

Evolving workforce expectations closely align with what many people with disabilities seek in the workplace. Like younger generations, individuals with disabilities often prioritize flexibility, accessibility and inclusive environments. Remote work options, for example, offer greater freedom to manage health needs and challenges related to transportation and physical accessibility. By embracing these shifts, employers are better equipped to meet the needs of employees with disabilities while fostering an environment inclusive for all.

Among employees with and without disabilities, “flexibility is the most highly requested accommodation. It is not disability-specific,” said Vicki Stewart, executive director of Employment Disability Resources. “There is a misconception that employees with disabilities will cost a business additional money to provide reasonable accommodations, when in fact, many people with disabilities do not need any accommodations in the workplace, or if they do, the expense is typically less than $300.”

Emily P recently celebrated her one-year anniversary at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

“I make sure people get to their seats or the backstage security area,” she said. “I found the position on Indeed, saying they were looking for event staff. It’s fun, and I get to see all kinds of acts.”

At the PREMIER Center, “we pride ourselves on being as diverse as the workforce will allow,” said Mike Krewson, general manager.

“We have several staff members with mobility impairments, and they are wonderful people. Our staff is full of great people who help this facility be one of the best in the region. We are constantly looking for all types of people who would like to join our team.”

For DakotAbilities, “one of our core values is advocacy impacts change,” said Shelly Johnson, development director. “We understand that people don’t want services, they want a life. We help them with the tools they need to be successful, and we’re thankful for the employers who have opened their doors to help people achieve that sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from having a job.”

To learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, visit here.

To learn more about DakotAbilities, visit dakotabilities.org.