Knowledge Base

Expanding Communication for Non-Verbal and Minimally Verbal Autistic Individuals For many autistic individuals, communication is not just about words—it’s about connection. Autism is a spectrum, and so is the way autistic individuals communicate. Some use spoken language fluently, while others may be non-verbal or minimally verbal. For those who experience difficulty with traditional speech, alternative […]

Language is the foundation of connection. It is how we share ideas, build relationships, and advocate for ourselves. But what happens when communication is inaccessible? What if the way we exchange information isn’t designed for everyone? As a leader, ensuring language access isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a responsibility. At Gateway, we are deeply aware of […]

Change is in the air, and with a new administration comes a wave of policy shifts that have already impacted language access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. One of the biggest conversations happening right now is around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). While DEI initiatives are often discussed in terms of race, […]

Leadership is not about titles. It’s about showing up, making an impact, and lifting others along with you as you climb. I’ve seen this truth play out time and time again—whether in my role as Chief Operating Officer at Gateway or as a Girl Scout troop leader, guiding young girls to find their confidence and […]

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 […]

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 […]

As the Director of Interpreting at Gateway, I have seen firsthand how vital effective communication is to the success of any organization. Language is the bridge that connects people, facilitates understanding, and ensures everyone can participate fully in both the workplace and society. In a diverse world, where individuals come from various linguistic backgrounds, ensuring […]

As the Chief Operating Officer of Gateway, formerly known as HASA, I am thrilled to share our organization’s significant transformation with you. This change is more than a rebranding; it’s promise to be nimble and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. Rebranding to Gateway marks a new chapter in our journey, a […]

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 […]