Delaware
Deaf and hard-of-hearing community raise concerns over ACLU-DE complaint against Dept. of Ed.
The ACLU of Delaware wants an investigation into systemic discrimination against deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, but several in the hearing impaired community oppose it.
The ACLU’s complaint calls for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights to investigate the Delaware Department of Education’s (DDOE) lack of access to Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) services and over-referrals to Delaware School for the Deaf.
Backlash from the deaf and hard-of-hearing community (DHH) centers on the ACLU’s referral to LSL therapy as the “gold standard” when teaching communication skills to hearing impaired children.
LSL therapy teaches a child to use the hearing provided by a hearing aid or a cochlear implant for understanding speech and learning to talk, but director of Connecticut-based advocacy organization Language First Kim Ofori-Sanzo explains this approach is not effective for all children.
“More recent evidence is showing that actually, if you give a deaf or hard-of-hearing child a signed language, in addition to [LSL], that can help fill in those gaps of what they’re not hearing, what they’re missing through their ears and help them acquire a complete language,” she says.
Ofori-Sanzo says while Language First does not oppose LSL therapy entirely, the ACLU’s language surrounding it discredits other teaching methods for DHH children.
In their open letter to the ACLU, Language First says: “Mainstream and LSL settings are not the only educational placements where DHH children can receive meaningful, individualized education. It is vital that DHH children receive education that is individualized to them; not an automatic placement in a mainstream or LSL environment with the assumption that this must be least restrictive.”
Members of the DHH community are also concerned with the ACLU’s statement that the DDOE is over-referring hearing-impaired students to the Delaware School for the Deaf (DSD).
The complaint states: “The number of children enrolled at DSD is estimated at 40% of the total population of Delaware children birth-to-21 who have deafness or hearing impairment. Comparatively, the nationwide placement of these children in similarly restrictive and segregated schools is only approximately 9%.”
Ofori-Sanzo says this data can be misleading without context.
“Each state is different in how they allow deaf students to transfer to their school for the deaf… To compare the national average to Delaware’s average is not an apples to apples comparison because you’re comparing potentially some states where it’s super easy to [enroll a student in the school for the deaf] and other states where it’s incredibly difficult to do that,” she explains.
The ACLU complaint also states: “That so many Delaware children with hearing loss are placed at DSD, the most restrictive setting, as compared to children with hearing loss nationwide, is compelling evidence demonstrating a systemic error in placing these students appropriately and indicates that many students are being wrongfully deprived of the provision of services in their least restrictive environments.”
In response, Ofori-Sanzo says, “Schools for the deaf could very well be the least restrictive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids because they offer direct communication access to peers, direct communication access to teachers, they have peers and adults who are like them — deaf kids get to see other people who are like them.”
A digital petition with over 19,000 signatures is currently circulating requesting that the ACLU retract its complaint.
When asked for comment on the complaint, Delaware DOE said: “The mission of the Delaware Department of Education is to empower every learner with the highest quality education through shared leadership, innovative practices and exemplary service. That includes support for students to receive services in the least restrictive environment. DDOE is aware of the complaint and the community opposition to it. DDOE will respond to the complaint through the U.S. Department of Education’s process.”
The ACLU of Delaware released a statement Tuesday clarifying it is not opposed to teaching American Sign Language and will begin discussing the concerns raised with members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Mayor John Carney vowed to address homelessness in his first year in office. He is proposing allowing unhoused people to camp in one of the city’s parks. But all other encampments would be banned.
“As we attempt to provide support for the unhoused here in Wilmington, we have a responsibility on how, on behalf of the residents of neighborhoods, to ensure that Wilmington operates in an orderly and lawful way,” he said in October.
Raquel Cruz said she doesn’t think the mayor’s plan goes far enough.
“The mayor needs to do much, much more than just shuffle the unhoused around rather than try to pursue better outcomes for them,” she said.
Housing advocates argue a ban on sleeping outside criminalizes homelessness. They said Wilmington needs more shelter beds and affordable housing.
Carney said city officials would provide restroom facilities and clean water for Christina Park residents and will explore adding a shower facility there. On-site security is also part of the plan.
The city is also working with the Wilmington Housing Authority and the Ministry of Caring to open a dining hall for the homeless at the WHA site a block away from Christina Park.
The mayor has also argued that Philadelphia’s efforts to clean up Kensington, an area known for an open-air drug market and homeless encampments, is adding to Wilmington’s homeless population looking for shelter and services.
Whether you need to grab some last-minute Thanksgiving ingredients or are planning to indulge in the doorbuster deals on Black Friday, you’ll need to know the store hours of your local grocery stores, malls and retailers.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 27, and the annual Black Friday shopping rush falls on Nov. 28.
Order from Instacart:
Here’s which Delaware stores and malls are open during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
What are Christiana Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?
Christiana Mall near Christiana will be closed for Thanksgiving, but will have special expanded hours on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What are Concord Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?
Concord Mall in Brandywine Hundred is also closing its doors Thanksgiving, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.
What major retailers are open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday?
Before racing off to find Black Friday deals, check when these major retailers are open.
- Target: Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Walmart: All Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open the following day at 6 a.m. for Black Friday deals.
- Boscov’s: Boscov’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
- Macy’s: Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
- Best Buy: Best Buy stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
- Kohl’s: Kohl’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
- TJ Maxx: TJ Maxx stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
- JCPenney: JCPenney locations will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen Black Friday at 5 a.m.
- Nordstrom: Nordstrom stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
What grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving?
If you’re looking to get supplies for your Thanksgiving dish or you forgot a key ingredient before the big meal, here are Delaware grocery stores’ hours on Thanksgiving.
- Wegmans: Wegmans will close early on Thanksgiving at 4 p.m.
- ShopRite: ShopRite will close early at 4 p.m.
- Acme: Acme markets are open until 4 p.m.
- Giant Food: Giant stores are open until 5 p.m.
- Aldi: Aldi locations will be closed on Thanksgiving.
- Food Lion: Food Lion stores will be open until 3 p.m.
- Costco: Costco is closed on Thanksgiving.
Sophia Voight is a growth and development reporter. Reach her with feedback and story tips at svoight@delawareonline.com.
AARP Delaware recently announced Ted Spickler of Bethany Beach was honored with its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award.
A retired professor, Spickler was recognized for his extraordinary dedication to community service. As an AARP Delaware advocate, Spickler regularly traveled to attend volunteer meetings, committee hearings and legislator meetings, demonstrating his deep commitment to improving the lives of older Delawareans and strengthening the community. As the legislative committee chair of Delaware’s South Coastal AARP Chapter, he keeps the committee and chapter informed about a variety of issues that affect older Delawareans and their families.
Beyond his work with AARP, Spickler is active with Citizens Climate Lobby, advocating for policies to create a healthier environment for future generations.
“Ted embodies the spirit of volunteerism, sharing his skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to support his AARP chapter, our state office and his community,” said Wendell Alfred, AARP Delaware volunteer state president. “His curiosity, dedication and kindness have been a great example for other volunteers.”
Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.
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