“Across the board, Gateway has one of the most passionate and dedicated teams that I’ve ever worked with. Working for a mission-centric organization, like Gateway, is extremely rewarding as each of us has the daily opportunity to see the impact that our organization has on the community.”
– Emilie Aguilar, COO of Gateway
As Gateway embarks on an exciting new chapter with its recent rebranding, it’s the perfect time to explore how the organization is fostering an environment of inclusion, integrity, and communication diversity. The name change from HASA to Gateway is more than just a rebranding effort; it’s about aligning with our commitment to clinical excellence and responding to the dynamic needs of our community, while understanding the evolving landscape of neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging .At the heart of Gateway’s mission is a belief in the transformative power of communication, and each department plays a vital role in achieving that vision.
Gateway School: Transforming Lives Through Education
The Gateway School is a unique institution that caters to children with autism, developmental disabilities, and communication disorders. The school’s mission is to provide a supportive, nurturing environment where students can learn at their own pace, using specialized methods tailored to their unique needs.
The school’s goals are not just academic; they are holistic. Gateway School focuses on the social and emotional development of each child, ensuring they have the skills to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The outcomes have been remarkable. Many students, who once struggled with communication and social interaction, have gone on to graduate from mainstream educational programs or have developed the skills they need for independent living.
The future of Gateway School is bright. As part of its expansion plan, the school aims to offer more community-based programs that allow children to engage with the world around them, fostering independence and self-confidence.
Audiology: Amplifying Access and Inclusivity
Gateway’s Audiology department is a cornerstone of its mission to ensure that all individuals can connect to their world through sound. Audiology services are critical for those who are hard of hearing, as they provide essential tools for improving hearing and, by extension, communication. From comprehensive hearing assessments to the fitting of hearing aids, the Audiology department helps individuals regain control over one of their most important senses.
The goals of the Audiology department extend beyond just clinical outcomes. They strive to offer affordable and accessible care to anyone in need, from children with hearing loss to older adults who require more advanced solutions. In the past year alone, the department has reached thousands of individuals, providing not only medical support but also education on hearing health and communication strategies.
By making these services available both on the Baltimore campus and through community-based outreach, the Audiology department ensures that no one is left behind. Looking forward, Gateway’s Audiology team aims to expand its hearing screening and education programs to those in industrial and manufacturing industries that require OSHA mandated audiometric hearing tests.
Speech and Occupational Therapy: Empowering Communication Through Holistic Care
Communication is not just about the ability to hear or speak, but also about the complex ways in which we interact with the world. Gateway’s Speech and Occupational Therapy departments are integral to this vision. Speech therapy focuses on helping individuals with communication disorders, including children with developmental delays, adults recovering from strokes, and those with cognitive impairments.
Occupational therapy, on the other hand, helps individuals develop the skills needed to perform daily activities that may be challenging due to physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. Both departments work hand-in-hand to offer a holistic approach to communication, ensuring that each person can express themselves fully and effectively.
The goals of these departments are ambitious: to ensure that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the tools they need to communicate. The outcomes have been profound. Through individualized treatment plans, children who once struggled to express their needs are now able to participate in classroom activities. Adults recovering from traumatic brain injuries are regaining independence through tailored speech and occupational therapy interventions.
Gateway is committed to broadening the reach of these services. The future includes expanding partnerships with local schools and community centers, ensuring that speech and occupational therapy is available where it’s needed most.
ASL Interpreting Services: Bridging the Gap Between the Deaf and Hearing Communities
“At Gateway Interpreting, we’re a diverse team dedicated to providing accurate and reliable interpreting services. We believe that communication is the foundation of understanding, and we’re committed to bridging language barriers to make it possible. Our work helps people access vital services and communicate effectively, making a real difference in their lives.”
– Dave Coyne, Head of Interpreting, Gateway
One of Gateway’s most essential services is its ASL Interpreting department. With the upcoming 2025 law mandating that all American Sign Language interpreters be licensed, Gateway is working diligently to address the growing need for qualified interpreters. The ASL Interpreting department serves a wide range of sectors—from healthcare and education to legal and corporate settings—ensuring that the Deaf community has access to critical services.
The goal here is clear: to foster true inclusion by providing accurate, high-quality interpreting services that allow Deaf individuals to participate fully in society. Gateway interpreters are more than just translators; they are advocates for the rights of the Deaf community, ensuring that every person has the autonomy and respect they deserve.
In response to the impending interpreter shortage, Gateway is not only hiring more interpreters but also focusing on training and development. They are partnering with educational institutions to support the next generation of interpreters, ensuring that the Deaf community will continue to have access to these essential services.
Looking ahead, Gateway plans to increase virtual interpreting services to meet the growing demand in remote and rural areas, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity no matter where a person lives.
ASL Classes: Expanding Communication for All
In addition to professional interpreting services, Gateway offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes for individuals and organizations alike. These classes are critical for building bridges between the Deaf and hearing communities. Gateway believes that communication is a two-way street, and providing ASL education is essential for fostering inclusion.
The ASL department’s goal is to make ASL accessible to all, whether it’s a parent learning to communicate with their Deaf child or a business owner wanting to make their services more inclusive. Through these classes, Gateway is empowering people to be more aware, compassionate, and inclusive in their daily lives.
Looking forward, Gateway plans to expand these classes by offering them virtually, making it easier for people across Maryland—and beyond—to learn this vital language.
Gateway’s rebrand marks a pivotal moment in its journey, one that reflects its deep commitment to communication diversity, inclusion, and integrity. From Audiology to ASL Interpreting, Speech and Occupational Therapy, to its groundbreaking school, Gateway is truly living up to its name by being a gateway to understanding and being understood. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: Gateway’s unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and transforming lives through the power of communication.
https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2023-05-04/sign-language-interpreters-will-soon-have-to-be-licensed-in-maryland
Learn More About Gateway
Gateway connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway has grown into an organization that serves more than 4,000 children and adults every year, helping them communicate more effectively. With programming both on our Baltimore campus and through community-based programming, we provide education, access, and medical support to anyone who needs it.
We envision a society where everyone can understand and be understood and where everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity.
