2026 Employer Summit Schedule

Employer Track

Presenters: Kerianne Klause from Beyond Distilling and Olivia Scott from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Description: This session pairs two distinct South Carolina business models to dismantle the misconceptions that often prevent employers from hiring individuals with disabilities. By contrasting a manufacturer (Beyond Distilling) with a large-scale financial institution (AgFirst), this session demonstrates that inclusive hiring is a viable, high-return-on-investment strategy regardless of company size or services offered to the community.
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Presenter: Dennard Small from Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd Law Firm
Description: This session demystifies the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the concept of reasonable accommodations, highlighting how the ADA serves as a practical tool for employers, not just a compliance requirement. Participants will learn how accommodations can reduce risk, support consistent decision-making, and strengthen workplace culture, with real-world examples to help them discuss how to apply the ADA in ways that protect the business while maintaining performance standards.

Presenter: William Floyd from SC Department of Employment and Workforce and Sandy Jordan from Able SC
Description: In the world of disability employment services, we are all chasing the same goal: meaningful jobs for our clients. So why tackle employer engagement alone? This session explores how local service providers and leaders can form agile, informal partnerships that maximize collective impact. We will share actionable strategies to help your staff bridge agency lines, exchange local market expertise, and jointly pitch to regional employers. Join us to learn how a united front can open more corporate doors and elevate disability hiring across South Carolina.
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- Presenter: Dr. Kristina Randall from Clemson University
- Description: It’s time to redefine technology for Activities of Daily Living. This session explores how to leverage smartphones to improve executive function among consumers with disabilities, helping them master work responsibilities and schedules. Designed for service providers, this session offers practical tools to create personalized commands focused on planning, scheduling, and success. Join us to transform your smartphone into an assistant that ensures the individuals you work with own their success in the workforce.

All attendees are welcome to lunch provided by the Summit, as well as time to meet with vendors.
- Presenters: Kimberly Tissot from Able SC & Sam Slagle from Dominion Energy
- Description: Join us for an interactive conversation between Able SC, a disability-led nonprofit, and Dominion Energy, a Fortune 500 utility company, to explore real-world strategies for inclusive employment. This session highlights the benefits employees with disabilities bring to the workplace, the successes and challenges of building an inclusive workforce, and practical approaches for creating lasting partnerships that balance performance, culture, and opportunity.
Exhibit Moderator: Marly Saade from Able SC
- Description: Let's ditch the standard presentations and have some fun. Whether you are an employer looking for hiring resources or a service provider looking to expand your referral network, this high-energy session is for you. Our exhibitors will take the stage to share surprising facts and statements about their work. Use your phone to vote live on who’s who, followed by a one-minute "elevator pitch" from agency staff that reveals how they impact our community. It’s a fast-paced, entertaining way to map out your local resources—with a prize on the line for the sharpest audience members!
Closing remarks from Able South Carolina CEO, Kimberly Tissot.