Local small-business owners and their employees are invited to learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it impacts their operations during a presentation on Oct. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the community room of Forte Living at 2123 Tallgrass Parkway in Brookings. 

Emily Shuman from the Rocky Mountain ADA Center at the University of Northern Colorado will provide a comprehensive overview of how federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, what the best practices for small businesses are in order to create an inclusive workplace and how businesses can improve accessibility for customers and employees alike.

The goal of the ADA is to ensure everyone enjoys equal access to community goods and services. For small businesses, this means providing customers with disabilities the access to choose to spend their money locally. Shuman’s presentation will look at how small business policies and procedures can better align with ADA guidelines for things like facility access and other common issues. 

Shuman’s presentation is open to anyone throughout the region interested in attending and learning more. The event is part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed each October. This year’s theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” 

More information and a registration link to sign up for the presentation is located at the event calendar of the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce website — www.brookingschamber.org. Questions can be addressed to either Casey Stickland at the Brookings Chamber at casey@brookingschamber.org or to Matt Simet at Career Advantage/Advance at matt.simet@advancebkg.com or 605-695-8471.

This year’s presentation is made possible by Career Advantage/Advance, the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, the Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, The Department of Human Services, The Statewide Independent Living Council, Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired, The Business Resource Committee, and the Brookings Area Human Resource Association.