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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Portland nonprofit is rewriting the story for people with disabilities by offering jobs, mentorship, and scholarships, helping to create opportunities that foster independence and success.
For Scott Hatley, the vision to empower people with disabilities stemmed from his own experience with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition he was diagnosed with at just four years old.
The idea for the nonprofit began over 20 years ago at the University of Portland.
“I’m a big fan of purpose and having meaning in life,” Hatley said.
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Hatley has since found that purpose with Incight, a nonprofit that provides career programs, job fairs, and networking to help people with disabilities thrive.
Over two decades of growth and change, the heart of Incight has remained steady.
Margaret Drew (left) attends an Incight Hall of Fame Reception. (undated, courtesy Margaret Drew).
Margaret Drew (left) at work at a design studio (undated, courtesy Margaret Drew).
Margaret Drew is honored as the first person with a disability to be elected as the Rose Festival Representative for Parkrose High School in 2007 (courtesy Margaret Drew).
Margaret Drew graduates from Oregon State University in 2011 (courtesy Margaret Drew).
Margaret Drew during her graduation from Oregon State University in 2011 (courtesy Margaret Drew).
“One thing that’s been a constant for Incight over the years is our scholarship program,” Hatley said.
To date, Incight has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships, expanding its reach to students in Oregon, Washington, and California.
Margaret Drew, a 2007 scholarship recipient, is a testament to the impact Incight can have. Drew, who graduated from Parkrose High School, has rare Kinney syndrome, a condition that causes dwarfism, hearing loss, vision problems, and joint issues.
“The support is out there; it’s just sometimes not always easy to navigate or to know about,” Drew said.
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Thanks to Incight’s support, Drew overcame these obstacles and graduated from Oregon State University. She remains involved with the organization, calling it a vital resource in her ongoing journey.
“You know, I think that’s the beautiful thing about Incight—it’s not just an organization that’s fulfilling a time in your life. They’re really there as a coalition throughout your evolution,” Drew said.
For Hatley, the core belief is that with the right support, people with disabilities can achieve great things.
“If you don’t set the bar high, they don’t rise to that occasion,” he said.
Applications for the Incight scholarship are open now through April 15. The scholarships are available to students with any disability in Oregon, California, and Washington, with 30 recipients selected. Incight has more information about the scholarship.
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