Official Government Website
What is DeafBlindness?
The term “individual who is DeafBlind” means any individual –
Who has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a field defect such that the peripheral diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees, or a progressive visual loss having a prognosis leading to one or both these conditions; (ii) who has a chronic hearing impairment so severe that most speech cannot be understood with optimum amplification, or a progressive hearing loss having a prognosis leading to this condition; and (iii) for whom the combination of impairments described in clauses (i) and (ii) cause extreme difficulty in attaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining a vocation;
Who despite the inability to be measured accurately for hearing and vision loss due to cognitive or behavioral constraints, or both, can be determined through functional and performance assessment to have severe hearing and visual disabilities that cause extreme difficulty in attaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining vocational objectives; or
Meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe in regulation; and the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Education. (Source: Helen Keller National Center Act, amended 1/7/93)
How Common is Hearing and Vision Loss in Idaho?
Based on Idaho population census for the year 2000, there were: 1,293,953 people counted.
Using the formula from Wolf, Schien and Delk, 1982, 100,000/1,293,953 (13) x 346 = 4,498 individuals that have a combined hearing and vision loss, all ages. Some may also have additional disabilities. (Source: HKNC, Dorothy Walt)
Where Can I Find More Local Information?
Idaho Project for Children and Youth with Deaf-Blindness The purpose of the Idaho Project for Children and Youth with Deaf-Blindness is to enhance the educational services provided to children and youth, birth through 21 years, with vision and hearing impairments.
Robin Greenfield, Project Director Center on Disabilities & Human Development
University of Idaho
322 E. Front St. Suite 440
Boise, ID 83712
(208) 364-4012 (v/tty)
(208) 364-4035 (fax)
Idaho Assistive Technology Project The goal of the Idaho Assistive Technology Project is to help Idahoans with disabilities acquire the assistive technology they need to live more independent lives.
Janice Carson, Project Director Center on Disabilities & Human Development
University of Idaho
1187 Alturas Drive
Moscow, ID 83843
(208) 885-6097
(800) 432-8324 (phone)
(208) 885-6102 (fax)
Idaho Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Project The goal of this program is to ensure that low-income individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss can access telephone, advanced communications and information services.