Gateway To Learning
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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.
10/01/2026
Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month !🎉💙
At Gateway to Learning, the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Employment Services team does much more than connect individuals with jobs. From resume development and career exploration to skill building and ongoing support, our staff advocate for participants throughout their employment journeys. Beyond the employment services we provide, our programs also offer life-skill and pre-employment skill building to explore even more avenues of entering into the workforce.
The people we support are talented, skilled, and ready to contribute, and workplaces are stronger when they recognize that potential.
We hope you join us in advocating for workplaces where inclusion is not a handout, but a shared commitment: meaningful opportunities, equitable treatment, and the support every employee needs to succeed.
We can’t wait to share with you in the coming weeks all the amazing work the individuals we support have been up to in their job placements. Stay tuned this NDEAM to celebrate value and talent!
If you'd like to support this important work at Gateway to Learning, consider a gift this month to help us continue the impact.
09/29/2026
Today was the last day to find Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market! 🌻🍪
Every week, this inspirational crew of participants and staff work hard and wake up early to sell the treats made by participants at Gateway to Learning. Thank you to all our customers, vendors, and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for making this such a supportive and successful season!
If you missed us, don't worry. You can still find all your favorite treats for you and your pet at Dorothy's Sweet Shoppe during our regular hours. Be sure to stop by and say hi! 💙
09/23/2026
Come by the shop and try the new addition to our coffee selections!
09/22/2026
We're so proud to hold this accreditation and couldn't do it without the incredible staff, community of support, and inspirational individuals supported at Gateway to Learning. Thank you again to CQL, The Council on Quality and Leadership for the recognition! 💙
Three cheers for Gateway To Learning! 🥂 They achieved Quality Assurances Accreditation! Congrats!
09/03/2026
🌟Inviting inclusion🌟
A huge part of community outings is equipping participants with tools and skill building that boost independence and community knowledge. But what is just as important and arguably more impactful is the opportunity for their community to show them inclusion.
Recently, on a group outing to , while some showrooms were hesitant to engage with the group, but one showroom, Poetry Luxe, invited individuals in for tactile and educating experience that inspired participants and most importantly, showed them inclusion. Thank you for this experience and for rocking your abilities!
08/24/2026
🍦This week! Get delicious ice cream and support Gateway to Learning!
Save the date! 🍦 We’re hosting an ice cream social fundraiser at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Andersonville at 5306 N Clark St.
Join us on Thursday, August 27th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. 25% of all sales during the event will be donated back to us — so come enjoy scoops of your favorite flavors while supporting Gateway to Learning and inclusion for adults with IDD!
08/13/2026
📣Donation request!
We are seeking a grill to enhance culinary skills in our various programs - from life skills, job training, and more!
We request the following requirements:
✅Gas preferred (charcoal OK)
✅Good condition
✅Full size (not travel or mini)
Want to donate?
Contact our advancement manager [email protected]
08/07/2026
Check out this awesome, sensory friendly volunteer opportunity with Cradles to Crayons Chicago! We love to see more accessible volunteering. See details below if you'd like to get involved!
Join us for a Low-Sensory Volunteer Shift at Cradles to Crayons Chicago!
On August 16, 2026, from 1-3 PM, we’re creating a calmer, more comfortable volunteer experience in The Giving Factory.
This shift will feature:
Small-group orientation
Dimmed lighting
No music or extra warehouse work
The ability to select your volunteer station
A quiet room with fidget items
📧 Questions? Email [email protected]
To register, please fill out the form here: https://hubs.li/Q04q36DT0
08/06/2026
Save the date! 🍦 We’re hosting an ice cream social fundraiser at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Andersonville at 5306 N Clark St.
Join us on Thursday, August 27th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. 25% of all sales during the event will be donated back to us — so come enjoy scoops of your favorite flavors while supporting Gateway to Learning and inclusion for adults with IDD!
07/24/2026
🎨A huge thank you to Chicago Printmakers Collaborative for being such an amazing neighbor and leading a watercolor screen-printing demo with us!
Welcoming talented community members to share their skills and help create inclusive experiences means so much to us, especially during 🌈
Thank you for an inspiring workshop and for helping make our community stronger and more connected! 🙌
Interested in skill-sharing or volunteering with participants at Gateway to Learning? We'd love to hear from you! https://www.gatewaytolearning.org/volunteersignup
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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4925 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL
60625
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