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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 ages, abilities, and backgrounds through comprehensive communication services.

“Gateway School is where my grandson learned to communicate,” one board member shared.

A Holistic Approach to Communication and Education

Gateway has evolved into a multifaceted organization that serves over 4,000 (and growing) children and adults annually. Its array of services includes:

  1. Audiology Services: Offering cutting-edge hearing assessments and solutions to empower individuals with hearing challenges.
  2. Speech and Occupational Therapy: Providing therapies designed to enhance communication, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
  3. Sign Language interpreting Services: Bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities with professional interpreting services.
  4. American Sign Language (ASL) Classes: Educating individuals and families in ASL to foster deeper connections and understanding.
  5. Gateway School: A nurturing educational environment for children with autism, developmental disabilities, and communication disorders.

 

Empowering Through Connection

For Gateway, communication is more than a service—it is a bridge that connects people to their world and each other. As one community member described, “Gateway provides individuals with an opportunity to overcome certain challenges with communication in an effort to understand and be understood by others.”

This ethos is reflected in Gateway’s commitment to providing resources that empower individuals to lead purpose-driven lives. From offering families hope during challenging diagnoses to creating spaces where the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities feel valued, Gateway ensures everyone has a voice.

Transforming Lives at Gateway School

Gateway School is a cornerstone of the organization, serving as a lifeline for children with autism and other developmental challenges. Founded in 1957, Gateway School is a 12-month, non-public, coeducational K-8 campus for students with autism, developmental disabilities, and communication disorders. Each child’s program is developed based on his/her communication, educational, social, and behavioral needs. Fully approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Gateway’s pathway system matches each child with an individualized learning plan with language and communication integrated throughout the day.

One family recounted, “Gateway School was the miracle for Rodney & our family. The love, support, generosity & family atmosphere made such a difference… The commitment to helping, nurturing, and growing children with autism and other disabilities is unmatched.”

Every student’s journey at Gateway School is supported by a dedicated team committed to fostering independence, growth, and communication. Families leave not only with tools for their children but also with a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

Leadership That Inspires

Gateway is led by CEO Erin Lamb, a licensed speech-language pathologist who holds a Ph.D. in educational public policy, along with her leadership team including: COO, Emilie Aguilar, Dana Reinhardt, Education Director and Language Access and Inclusion Director, Dave Coyne, together they embody a steadfast commitment to its mission.  As a team and with the help of their staff members, they champion timely initiatives that address critical gaps in services, such as the growing shortage of ASL interpreters, and advocate for equitable access to communication tools.

Gateway’s leaders understand that true change comes from collaboration. As COO Emilie Aguilar shared during the organization’s rebranding journey, “Running a nonprofit organization is a collective effort… It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and community that we have come this far.”

In addition, Gateway is blessed with a dedicated and working Board of Directors, comprising of 27 community leaders in business, education and government. Together, they help Gateway’s leadership with advice, mentorship and connections.  As one board member put it: “To me, Gateway empowers people of all ages to hear and be heard. Gateway provides education and resources to enrich lives and facilitate everyone living a purpose-driven life.”

Community Partnerships: Strength in Unity

Gateway’s work is amplified through partnerships with organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and sponsors like M&T Bank. These collaborations allow Gateway to expand its reach, raise awareness, and deliver essential services to undeserved populations.

For example, by collaborating with the Alzheimer’s Association, Gateway bridges communication gaps for those facing cognitive decline, ensuring they and their families have the support they need. Events such as the #UltimateSpeakeasy further highlights the power of collective effort in raising funds and awareness for critical services.

Hope in Every Step

Hope is a recurring theme in Gateway’s story. “To me, Gateway offers hope,” said one board member. “When families struggle with autism or other life-impacting diagnoses, it is easy to become overwhelmed and to lose sight of hope.”

Gateway stands as a reminder that challenges are surmountable with the right support. Through services tailored to individual needs and a commitment to inclusion, Gateway creates an environment where everyone can thrive.

One of our supporters put it this way, “Gateway represents the best in its mission and outreach to its community, clients, and students. Without question, Gateway serves as a national model for communication services and resources.”  This accolade is a testament to Gateway’s innovative approach, which combines compassion with cutting-edge practices.

Your Gateway to Understanding

Gateway isn’t just a service provider—it’s a lifeline. From empowering individuals with speech disorders to supporting families navigating autism, Gateway’s impact is immeasurable. Every service, every interaction, and every program is infused with a simple yet profound goal: to help people understand and be understood.

As one board member eloquently put it, “Gateway lives its mission to enable everyone to understand and be understood. In a world where too many people talk past one another, Gateway helps those who would otherwise be silenced… to join conversations and continue their talents.”

At Gateway, everyone belongs. Whether you’re seeking ASL classes, speech therapy, or a supportive school environment, Gateway welcomes you to a community where connection is at the core.

Learn More and Join the Mission

Gateway’s new website is a hub for resources, program details, and opportunities to get involved. Visit Gateway Maryland and our programs to explore how you can become part of this transformative journey. Together, we can build a future where everyone can communicate, connect, and thrive.

 

 

Learn More About Gateway Maryland 

Gateway Maryland connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway Maryland 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.