Gateway To Learning

10/01/2025

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

At Gateway to Learning, we celebrate the incredible contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workforce — not just this month, but every day.

We recognize employment is a major influence on the quality and autonomy of an individual's life, which is why work so passionately for inclusion in the workplace.

That’s why our programming includes:
✅ Pre-employment training to build confidence and skills for the workplace
✅ Job exploration to discover meaningful career paths
✅ An Employment Services team to support those pursuing competitive, integrated jobs

Join us in creating inclusive workplaces that uphold the workforce and build community!

09/30/2025

It's all sunshine and high fives at today's Lincoln Square Farmers Market. We have new chai sugar cookies from Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe flying out of here at a record pace, and your best friend's favorite biscuits from Barley's Biscuits. Come say hi!

09/22/2025

🍂✨ What better way to welcome fall than with some classic apple picking! 🍎

Today our crew headed out to Apple Holler for some fresh air and fall vibes.

09/11/2025

🍂 We hosted our Fall into GTL Information Night earlier this week to keep families and participants informed about all the exciting programming we have planned for this fall! 🎉 Our different yet connected departments got to share what they do and the services they provide.

It’s always a joy to bring our community together 💙. If you have questions about our programs or general inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out — a staff member will be happy to connect with you!

🔗https://www.gatewaytolearning.org/contact

09/10/2025

📢 This recent communication from IDHS and the Division of Developmental Disabilities includes important updates for the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community.

💬 Stay informed and follow the link to learn more!

As we celebrate Healthy Aging Month this September, the Division of Developmental Disabilities honors the strength, resilience, and wisdom that come with growing older. This is a time to reflect on the importance of well-being at every stage of life and to recognize the unique journeys of those we s...

09/10/2025

🏌️‍♀️ We were honored to be highlighted at the Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) annual golf outing! The Dorothy's Sweets team was able to whip up an impressive amount of treats for the outing as well!

CISCO has shown incredible support for GTL and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) over the years 💙. We're so grateful for their unwavering commitment to our mission of lifelong learning and inclusion.

Thank you, CISCO, for being true champions of inclusion! 🙌

08/28/2025

🎉 Congratulations to our Pillar of Excellence: Unwavering Respect winner, Shawnteria! 👏

The Pillar of Excellence recognition program celebrates staff who embody the values that drive our person-centered mission at Gateway to Learning. 💙

This round’s pillar was "Unwavering Respect" — honoring the dignity, voice, and potential of every individual. 🙌

🏆 Nominated and voted on by staff, Shawnteria stood out for the deep respect and care she shows to participants every day. We’re so grateful for dedicated team members like her who make GTL the innovative, inclusive organization it is! 💫

08/26/2025

Happy ! 🐾

Be sure to get some Barley's Biscuits this week to celebrate the pup in your life. 🐶💙 You can find them at Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe!

08/22/2025

💬 A common question we hear from individuals with IDD and their families: “Will employment affect me or my loved one's Social Security benefits?”

📅 You can learn more by joining the next WISE (Work Incentives Seminar Event) webinar hosted by Ticket to Work on Wednesday, August 27.
🔗 choosework.ssa.gov/wise

If you have more questions, our Employment Services team is here to help you navigate this and other important questions regarding employment as an individual with IDD. 💼💬

Attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar to learn about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives.

08/21/2025

Today the masters at Vanille Patisserie came to Gateway to Learning to teach cookie decorating 🍪 Participants had a blast learning new skills and techniques. Maybe you'll see some of this artistry make an appearance in Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe in the future...

☀Thank you to Vanille Patisserie for donating your time and sharing your seasoned skills!

08/18/2025

Over 100 pound cakes for residents of Friedman Place - Supporting the Independence of Adults who are Blind and a celebration for their 90-year anniversary last week! 🎊🎉Shout out to GTL participants in Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe for baking up this impressive quantity.

So inspiring to see organizations like Friedman Place impacting the community for almost a century.😮 With 50 years under our belt, we're motivated to hit such an inspirational milestone!

08/13/2025

The Chicago Passport group getting out and exploring downtown 🏙📍 We even missed the downpour for another win!

The Chicago Passport group in our community day program offers the opportunity for GTL individuals to get familiar with riding the CTA, view different areas of the city, and cultivate confidence and autonomy on navigating new areas. ☀