Gateway To Learning

Gateway To Learning Success led to an expansion in 1979 to include pre-vocational programs for adults 21 and over with intellectual disabilities.

Gateway to Learning’s mission is to provide lifelong learning for adults with intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities which promotes active inclusion at home, at work, and in the community Gateway to Learning Special Education and Training Center opened in 1974 to provide appropriate academic and pre-vocational education to children with special needs from age 3 to 21. These specialized programs provide adults with a place to develop and use their skills to enrich their lives and contribute to the surrounding community. Gateway to Learning moved to the Lincoln Square neighborhood of northwest Chicago in 1986 into a building designed and built specifically for Gateway's programs and needs. Gateway is open 12 months a year to maintain consistency of skills and behaviors for students and adults who might have no other opportunity for peer relationships and who have difficulty sustaining learned skills. Today, Gateway to Learning serves over 80 adults. Our individuals represent every race and ethnic origin. Through active involvement of 30 faculty and staff, our students and adults receive the education to which they are entitled and which is designed specifically for them. The provision of individualized programs which meet the unique needs of each student or adult is the hallmark of this very special school and training center. Gateway to Learning serves all of Chicago and nearby suburbs. Student transportation is provided by the local public school districts.

🎄 It’s that time of year! 🎄Holiday Market orders are officially open!✨ Secure your favorite holiday treats today! All cr...
11/13/2025

🎄 It’s that time of year! 🎄

Holiday Market orders are officially open!

✨ Secure your favorite holiday treats today! All crafted at Gateway to Learning by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Order now and join us at the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6th!
https://dorothyssweets.com/

11/07/2025

🎙️ Tune in this Sunday!

This weekend, "At Issue" with Rob Hart features Sean, a job-seeker receiving employment services at GTL, and Alex Pissios talking about the importance of inclusion and the role of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the workforce.

Hear Sean speak on his journey finding employment and inclusive workplaces, and Alex on the significance of the work done at the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services program at GTL.

📻 Catch the interview on WBBM-AM at 9:30 AM and 9:30 PM this Sunday!

Happy from Gateway to Learning! 🎃👻 We hope you and your loved ones enjoy your evening and stay safe.
10/31/2025

Happy from Gateway to Learning! 🎃👻 We hope you and your loved ones enjoy your evening and stay safe.

10/31/2025

💼 Meet John—an incredible employee at Ace Hardware.

This spotlight is part of our ongoing mission with The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services to build inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. 🙌

🎥 Watch as Alexander Pissios visits John and store owner Joe to talk about what inclusion really looks like.

Employers: Ready to ? Learn more: gatewaytolearning.org/employment

10/30/2025

🍪Back at Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe and we’re shining the spotlight on the sweet success stories happening behind the counter!

In our next feature highlighting The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services, we’re telling our story of how Dorothy’s Sweet Shoppe is more than just delicious sweets—it’s a launchpad for confidence, skills, and meaningful employment. 💙

🎥 Meet Brianna, one of our amazing participants, as she shares her journey of growth, learning, and pride in her work at Dorothy’s.

Video credits: Jeremy Ross JRoss Communications and Rob Johnson Rob Johnson Communications

‼️Community members may have seen that starting midnight on November 1st, November SNAP benefits will NOT be available, ...
10/30/2025

‼️Community members may have seen that starting midnight on November 1st, November SNAP benefits will NOT be available, affecting 1.9 Illinoisans, many of which who are individuals with disabilities.

We are sharing more information from the Illinois Department of Human Services regarding these cuts as well as sharing a link with locations in Illinois offering free meals and/or food.

If you are not affected directly by these cuts, we encourage you to support your local foodbank or pantry, as they will likely see an influx of individuals in need. 💙

https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/ -food-il

10/29/2025

🎉 Big News! We're proud to announce the launch of The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services at Gateway to Learning!

As (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) wraps up, we're celebrating the incredible achievements of individuals in our employment services program—people who are reaching their goals, gaining independence, and thriving in meaningful jobs. 💼✨

A huge thank you to the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation for believing in our mission. Employment is more than just a job—it’s a pathway to purpose, dignity, and inclusion. !

💡 Are you an employer looking to build a more inclusive workforce?
Learn how you can hire qualified, motivated individuals through our program:
👉 www.gatewaytolearning.org/employment

Video credits: Jeremy Ross JRoss Communications and Rob Johnson Rob Johnson Communications

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!At Gateway to Learning, we celebrate the incredible co...
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!

It's all sunshine and high fives at today's Lincoln Square Farmers Market. We have new chai sugar cookies from Dorothy's...
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!

🍂✨ What better way to welcome fall than with some classic apple picking! 🍎Today our crew headed out to Apple Holler for ...
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.

🍂 We hosted our Fall into GTL Information Night earlier this week to keep families and participants informed about all t...
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

Address

4925 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL
60625

Telephone

+17737843200

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