About Adaptability Panel

Debra McLean

Currently I am a self employed trainer. I have worked for a number of organizations on supported employment for people with disabilities and person centered planning since 1981 up to the present, including the University of Oregon, Oregon Health Sciences University, OTAC and WISE. I am dedicated to seeing all individuals thrive in the world of work.

Alex Koval

Alex believes strongly in the work he does for the Clark County Community Services Department in the Developmental Disabilities Program. His work as an Office Aide includes an assortment of duties such as: processing billing invoices, tracking contracts, technical assistance requests and service authorizations, as well as a variety of other projects. Alex has held other jobs in the past at PeaceHealth SW Medical, Cinetopia and Village Vendor but his current job blends his passion for inclusive communities with his skills in organization. He really loves his work, his team and their mission. He just celebrated his 5^th year anniversary. Alex has always been a connector for people and enjoys building relationships and mentoring others to see possibilities. He passion and ability to see what could be makes him a skilled presenter and activist.

Wendy Taliaferro

Program Manager, Trillium Employment Services, Wendy is passionate about the rights and contributions of people with disabilities within their local communities. Her work with the University of Oregon focused on meaningful employment opportunities for people with more significant support needs, person centered planning, systematic instruction, quality improvement strategies and systems change. Wendy continued this work through a pilot project at Self Determination Resources Inc. (SDRI) which was replicated across the state as the brokerage system. In 2008 she moved her passion for inclusion to Trillium Employment Services as a Program Manager in Clark County Washington. Wendy has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Organizational Communication. She has been an instructor for OELN and the Employment Professional Certification Program through Highline. She is currently on the Advisory Board for NIKE/CBRE Supported Employment.

Kevin Dearborne

Cashier, WinCo Foods KD grew up in Vancouver, WA and graduated from Columbia River High School in 2007. He was involved in DECA and went as far as the State Conference. KD currently volunteers for Columbia River in the DECA program and with the basketball team. KD has had several jobs, but always dreamed of working as a cashier. At one position he had KD was told that he would “never be a cashier”. KD took some time off from Job Development to reevaluate his choices in life. He began looking for work again late in 2019 and was hired in May 2020 at WinCo Foods, working as a cashier.