The answer to the crossword is 'DEAF', which refers to people who are DEAF or hard of hearing. DEAF people can be blind, meaning they have both a hearing and a vision impairment. This is known as dual sensory loss, and it affects around 1 in 10, 000 people in the United States. People with dual sensory loss face unique challenges, such as difficulty communicating and accessing information. However, with the right support, they can lead full and independent lives.