
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base
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History
Celebrating Deaf Women in History: 10 Important Figures
Women have been at the heart of every movement for progress—whether in science, activism, the arts, or education. Throughout history, women have fought for inclusion, shattered expectations, and changed the world in ways too often overlooked. And when we look at the Deaf community, we see the same pattern of resilience and brilliance. For centuries, […]
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History
A History of Deaf Culture
Deaf culture is a rich tapestry woven from unique experiences, languages, and traditions that have evolved over centuries. It embodies the shared values, norms, and artistic expressions of Deaf individuals, fostering a sense of identity and community. Historical Evolution of Deaf Culture The roots of Deaf culture can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In […]
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ASL | History
Maryland’s Interpreter Licensing Delay: What it Means for 2026 and Beyond
Since Gateway hosted the Town Hall meeting on Monday, December 9th, a lot more information has surfaced about the upcoming Maryland law. The effect date for the Maryland Interpreting Law has been pushed back to January 1, 2026 while the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters (SBSLI) works out its rules and regulations. This will […]
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Brand Building | History
Who is Gateway Maryland? We are Your Gateway to Understanding and Being Understood
At the heart of Maryland, Gateway stands as a beacon of hope, transformation, and inclusion. Formerly known as HASA, Gateway embodies a mission that is as profound as it is personal: to change lives by ensuring everyone can understand and be understood. This purpose resonates deeply with the communities Gateway serves, uniting individuals of all […]
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Brand Building
Building Bridges Through Culture
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 […]
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History
Navigating Change: What Gateway’s Rebrand Taught Us About Change Management
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 […]
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History
Together for Change: The Role of Partnerships in Nonprofit Growth
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 […]
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History
Why Communication Access Matters: Gateway’s Vision for the Future
“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 […]
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History | Interpreting
Promoting Deaf Autonomy
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 […]