Limited options available for deaf children

A deaf child has been left without an education for almost a year after being unable to get into a school.

When single mother Marlize Schutte from Mandeni found out her son, Jurgie, was deaf, she knew it was going to be long and difficult journey, but she did not anticipate how limited her options for getting her child a proper education would be.

Adding to her hardship was when her son, who is now 10 years old, was diagnosed with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“I found out Jurgie was deaf when he was three. Schooling options for disabled children are limited.

“With Jurgie, we would like to find him a school where he would be able to stay on the premises.

“He started at Fulton School for the Deaf which is a private school. He was there for two years. I was retrenched and I could not afford to pay for his schooling. I took him out of Fulton and sent him to VN Naick last year which is a public school and a more affordable option.”

However, Schutte says that due to his ADHD, he was expelled from the school after a week because the teachers could not handle him.

“People have offered to sponsor his education and I tried getting him back into Fulton but there is no space available. I have searched the internet and cannot find many schools nearby. The ones that I did find are a bit far out and do not have a hostel facility.”

Jurgie has been receiving consistent psychiatric treatment and although he has been on the strongest ADHD medication available, he still had to undergo two weeks treatment at a mental facility in Pietermaritzburg.

“I feel like I cannot win. On the one end I have to deal with his ADHD and on the other I have to cope with his disability. I love him but he is uncontrollable at times.

“He was sent back to VN Naick school at the beginning of this year but it was only for a day before he was expelled again. His psychiatrist suggested that he goes to Boys’ Town but they do not cater for his needs. I am scared that he will never get an education. I also cannot home school him because we do not know sign language well.”

According to a letter from Stanger Hospital where Jurgie has been treated for the past six years, he is hyperactive and poses a danger to himself.

KZN education department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said although schooling options are limited, deaf children are not easily home schooled.

“There are a number of facilities that cater for disabled children. When it comes to homeschooling, the person who teaches the child has to fit a certain criteria – one of which is to know sign language well. That is important for the child’s development.”

Schutte asked people who are or who have been in similar situations to contact her on 072 449 9019.

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