Speak Up: More funds sought for Delaware’s visually impaired students

Xavier Lawrence’s commute to the St. Lucy School for Children With Visual Impairments in Philadelphia takes 90 minutes in both directions. The eighth grader hopes that one day that won’t be necessary, and he can stay in Delaware for his education. But he has not attended a Delaware school since 2019 and is searching for suitable high schools, none of which are in Delaware.

Xavier spoke to the state’s Joint Finance Committee on Tuesday, asking it to provide additional money to help visually impaired children receive more resources in the classroom.

• With all the funds Delaware will have, they should be able to create this program without needing new funds. In fact, why couldn’t some of the $80 million Carney just gave to higher education go to this? Or the previous CARES funding? (A commute of) 90 minutes is way too long. I think the fact that something isn’t in place already suggests that Delaware officials have never cared about education or children. I hope this gets corrected immediately. Kudos to the young man speaking up. Takes courage and will help others! — Beth Gallagher

JFC rebuffs Delaware taking over home-delivery assessments

The Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults With Physical Disabilities was met with pushback from the Joint Finance Committee on Wednesday regarding the DSAAPD’s proposed plan to take over assessments for the eligibility of those looking to receive meals at home.

• The government is generally inept and should stay out of private enterprise, especially something as successful as Meals on Wheels. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” — B.K. Smith
• This program is a godsend for many people with disabilities and the elderly. Leave it alone! — Suzanne Heritage-Madanat

Pilot who led first all-Black C-5 crew at Dover dies

While it is difficult to gather much information about a historic flight at Dover Air Force Base in 1986, it is known that Lt. Col. Joe Lindsay was its pilot. On that day 36 years ago, Lt. Col. Lindsay was at the helm of a mammoth C-5 Galaxy cargo, along with an all-Black crew — a first for the aircraft.

• Salute! Thank you for your service. I’m a USAF veteran. — Glenn Jordan