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The power of potential.

These are the stories of scholars, entrepreneurs, and leaders who took an obstacle and leveraged it to become their greatest strength.

Hear their story

We expect great things of people experiencing disabilities.

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Scott Hatley

“It doesn’t matter what you’re facing, you can do anything you want.”

On the two halves of INCIGHT’s name — increase awareness, inspire action — and the expectation his family set that has carried him through Duchenne muscular dystrophy and 22 years of building this place.

INCIGHT Scholar · University of Oregon

Jake Deering

“You’re not going to get 10 or 15 percent better. But you can always get 1 percent better every day.”

Thirty-six major surgeries, a product design degree in progress, and a golf game he chose because it is you against you — the one sport his fiercely athletic family couldn’t keep him out of.

Designer · Co-Owner, Alter Ego Cider

Margaret Drew

“Through that community, you make connections and build confidence and a love and embracing of the disability that you have.”

A 2007 scholarship, then interview coaching, then a freelance brief that turned into the design job she still holds 13 years on. Today she co-owns a cider company with her best friend.

More hero stories

Jada Yang, INCIGHT Scholar Leader
INCIGHT Scholar Leader

As a student senator experiencing cerebral palsy, Jada advocates for campus inclusion that goes "beyond compliance." She works to ensure that all voices in the community are heard, applying a creative and innovative lens to the challenges of accessibility.

Karen Gaffney outdoors, leaning on a handrail in the sunshine.
Expert & Athlete

Karen Gaffney

Living with Down syndrome, Karen contributed her expertise to the INCIGHTful Program curriculum, teaching youth how to set personal goals and prioritize physical activity for social and emotional growth.

JD Duran
Entrepreneur Spotlight

JD, who lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, started his business by accident through community storytelling. He leverages his motor impairment to drive a "Business to Community" philosophy, proving that disability-informed perspectives strengthen both the bottom line and the social circle.

John Lee Cronin
Co-Founder, John's Crazy Socks

Frustrated by a lack of employment options after high school, John created his own path. Today, his company has shipped 500,000 packages to 94 countries, proving that "differing abilities" are no barrier to leadership and massive commercial success.

Alex Foos
Excellent Leader Spotlight

Alex packs a "mighty punch" as a coxswain and a community leader. Raised in a household with high expectations and "no room for coddling," Alex demonstrates that the baseline for people experiencing disabilities should be the same as their non-disabled peers: excellence.

Davis Wohlford at North Pole Studio, pointing out detail on a large animal painting.
Co-Founder, North Pole Studio

Davis co-founded North Pole Studio to elevate and serve artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His "super strength" of creativity allowed him to build a fantastical continent called North Pole Jr., creating a space where the unique talents of his community are the primary focus.