 FDA Comment Number : EC3 Organization : Helen Keller National
Center Health Professional Category : Issue Areas/Comments A.
Information About the Population of Interest Individuals with
deaf-blindness can be separated into groups depending on their
communication needs. For example; some individuals with deaf-
blindness use American Sign Language to communicate while others
use the oral/aural modalities. Some individuals use low vision
devices such as the CCTV to read printed information while
others may use contracted or uncontracted Braille. There is a
large and growing population of individuals with deaf-blindness
in the US. The causes for deaf-blindness are vast and they
include Usher Syndrome, Rubella Syndrome, Norrie Disease, Charge
Syndrome, KID Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, the aging
process etc. Deaf- blindness is associated with all ages and all
socioeconomic groups. The comorbities can include: developmental
disabilities, diabetes, Autism, neurological impairments etc.