“They Failed My Son”: Mother Says Deaf Learner’s Rights Were Ignored in School Assault Case

“They Failed My Son”: Mother Says Deaf Learner’s Rights Were Ignored in School Assault Case

A mother is fighting for justice and accountability, claiming that the very systems meant to protect her child failed him at every turn. Her son, a deaf learner, was allegedly assaulted, and she states that his rights as a person with a disability were completely ignored during the subsequent handling of the case.

The incident has sparked serious concerns about the preparedness of schools and authorities to support vulnerable children with specific communication needs during traumatic events.

A Breakdown in Communication and Care

According to the mother, the core of the failure lies in a lack of basic accommodation. After the alleged assault, her son was reportedly questioned and involved in procedures without a qualified South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter present.

This meant the learner, who relies on sign language to communicate effectively, could not fully understand what was happening or express his own version of events. For a child already dealing with the trauma of an assault, this communication barrier added a layer of confusion and isolation, further compounding the distress.

A Call for Institutional Accountability

The mother’s complaint suggests a systemic failure. She believes the school and the involved authorities did not follow basic protocols to ensure equitable access to justice for a person with a disability. This case highlights a critical gap in our society: the assumption that standard procedures work for everyone, when in reality, they often exclude those with different communication needs.

Her fight is not just about this single incident. It is a call for all institutions to examine their policies and ensure they are truly inclusive. It raises a fundamental question: how can a child seek help or report a crime if the door to communication is locked shut?

The Right to be Understood

This situation goes beyond the alleged assault. It touches on the fundamental right of every person, especially a child, to be heard and understood. The Constitution and South African law guarantee the right to dignity and equality, which includes providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.

By speaking out, this mother is championing the principle that justice is not accessible if it is not communicated in a way the victim can understand. Her case is a powerful reminder that protecting the most vulnerable requires proactive measures, not just passive policies.

The outcome of her complaint could set an important precedent for how schools and the justice system support deaf individuals and others with communication disabilities, ensuring their rights are never an afterthought again.