Knowledge Base

Communication is a bridge that connects us to the world, and sign language—specifically American Sign Language (ASL)—is a profound tool that goes beyond words. Continued learning and becoming skilled in ASL opens doors to personal growth, professional opportunities, and deeper connections. Gateway proudly offers ASL classes tailored for all skill levels, empowering individuals to enrich […]

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just a tool; it’s the bridge that connects us, allowing understanding, collaboration, and community to flourish. In my journey as COO of Gateway, I’ve come to realize that workplace culture isn’t just a background element of an organization—it’s the stage upon which every meaningful […]

At Gateway, our recent rebranding was not just about updating our name; it was a bold exercise in change management. When we transitioned from HASA to Gateway, we took the opportunity to test new procedures, see what worked, and refine our approach. Change is often perceived as daunting, but through strategic planning and communication, it […]

We believe that community is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s through our work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, our partnerships with local organizations, or the countless individuals we try to support and inspire, our mission is clear: to build connections, foster communication, and create a supportive environment where everyone […]

“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 […]

Inclusion isn’t just about writing policies; it’s about taking meaningful action. Nowhere is this more apparent than for those in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, where many institutions offer the bare minimum of accommodations, leaving individuals without robust access to communication. If we’re truly serious about creating an inclusive society, it’s time to […]

The Importance of Investing in Autonomy It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound to prioritize profits over the well-being of those we serve. As the Language Access and Inclusion Director at Gateway, I’ve seen the transformative impact of prioritizing people’s health and autonomy.  At Gateway, we believe that ensuring everyone – both within […]

As the Director of interpreting services, I am acutely aware of the pressing challenges facing the Deaf community today. Recent trends have spotlighted a massive shortage of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, a crisis that is set to deepen with the upcoming 2025 law mandating all interpreters to be officially licensed by the state. This […]

Today, we’re honored to share a change to our name: HASA is now Gateway. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been at the forefront of language and communication services in Maryland, growing from a gathering place for the hard of hearing in 1926, to a modern organization known for its comprehensive communications offerings. This change isn’t […]