An eight-week American Sign Language (ASL) course designed to help employees communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing customers/co-workers will be offered through Northern Essex Community College’s Center for Corporate & Community Education beginning September 24, at NECC’s Haverhill campus 100 Elliott St.

This course will help those new to ASL, develop linguistic skills to communicate effectively with deaf or hard of hearing customer or co-workers in various workplaces. Participants will also learn about American Deaf culture, accommodation materials available for these individuals, and when to when to request appropriate people to facilitate between hearing people and deaf/hard of hearing people, as well as looking at alternative ways to communicate.

Larry Stephen, associate professor of deaf studies/ASL at NECC will teach the course which will be held Wednesday nights, from 6 to 8 p.m. from 9/24 through 11/12. The cost is $195 with a $15 materials fee.

For more information write to noncredit@necc.mass.edu or call 978-659-1200.

Here is a complete list of all NECC noncredit programs.