Gateway Services

Gateway Services provides comprehensive day habilitation, vocational training, family respite care, and public transit across Johnson County and surrounding areas. Founded in 1963 by local parents seeking community schooling for children with disabilities, the agency serves as The Arc of Johnson County. The organization emphasizes person-centered autonomy, community integration, and accessible community mobility for individuals of all abilities.

Programs support participants across diverse aspects of daily life. Day habilitation services offer individual and group learning activities that emphasize life skills, creative arts, physical wellness, and regular excursions to local parks, cultural venues, and businesses. Vocational services provide customized employment planning, job placement assistance, and on-site job coaching in partnership with local commercial employers. As a recognized pilot site for Deaf Employment Services, Gateway Services delivers specialized workforce coaching tailored to deaf and hard-of-hearing job seekers. The agency also operates a flexible respite care program that allows family caregivers to select trusted aides to provide supportive care in home environments.

In addition to disability services, the organization operates Access Johnson County Public Transit. This county-wide transit service provides wheelchair-accessible, curb-to-curb shared rides, fixed routes, and commuter connections for riders traveling to medical appointments, workplaces, schools, and shopping centers throughout the region.

Individuals and families can reach out by phone or visit the administrative offices on North Morton Street to begin intake evaluations and explore Medicaid waiver options. Community supporters can get involved by making tax-deductible contributions online, volunteering with participant activities, or riding the local transit system.