American Sign Language and finger-spelling classes are starting up Thursday night at the Goodwill Career Center on Hicks Drive.

The classes are the first local ones offered in several years, said they are recommended them especially for people in the medical, retail and legal fields.

“Actually, anywhere you’re going to be working with the public, you’re going to run into deaf people who appreciate you being able to communicate with them,” she said.

The seven-week courses are jointly sponsored by disAbility Link and the Sign Language Interpreters of North Georgia. Fees are $40 for the finger-spelling sessions and $70 for basic ASL, plus the cost of the textbook. Some discounts are available. 

The organization is hosting a free workshop on May 24 for state and local officials, employers and other interested parties to learn about recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act and their responsibilities under federal law. 

The seminar, presented by the Disabilities Resource Group, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Goodwill Career Center. Register by Friday  by calling 770-451-2340.

Read more: RN-T.com – Advocates for disabled reach out to community