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Bartimea educator advocates for inclusion of the differently abled

───   LUCKY NKUYANE 16:08 Mon, 25 Mar 2019

Bartimea educator advocates for inclusion of the differently abled | News Article
Marisa Vermeulen (Photo: MEC Tate Makgoe/Twitter)

An educator at the Bartimea School for the Deaf & Blind, in Thaba Nchu in the Free State, who was recently presented with a National Teaching award, says the persisting challenges faced by people or pupils with such disabilities are heartbreaking.


Marisa Vermeulen says this follows after she personally witnessed how difficult it is for the society to interact with them.She says it is sad that, in most cases, deaf or blind people feel neglected and alienated by their own communities when they should be enjoying humility, love and respect from the community. She adds that, in some instances, children are molested, sexually harassed or even physically abused by family members who take advantage of the situation.

OFM News previously reported that her involvement in the project to help children with disabilities was inspired by the fact that that her own children, Johan (22) and Monique (21) were also deaf. 

Vermeulen says there is a need to stand up for and to protect pupils and people with such disabilities.


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