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Abstract

Thesis. Although we have convincing data on the use of the Internet 1 by young people in the general population (also adults), our knowledge about its use by people with disabilities remains a lot more limited. The reasons for this include a shortage of research on access to ICT, the use of such technologies by users with varying disabilities, and the support they receive in this respect. This applies in particular to individuals with intellectual disabilities.Aim. The aim of the paper is to introduce the state of knowledge and selected challenges for the research field and the practice addressing young people with intellectual disabilities. The article is also focused on the different dimensions of inequalities and proposes a model of the areas of implementation of media education practices.Conclusions. The role of ICT in the life of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) should be analysed in the context both of benefits and barriers that may create the risk of exclusion. In terms of benefits, the analysis pertains to the Internet e.g. as a tool for new forms of interactions with the world, as a sphere of freedom and independent functioning, as well as a chance for their empowerment. When analysing the context of the risk related to the use of the Internet by young people with ID, one should not neglect e.g. various forms of abuse and other threats.The use of the Internet is the most popular way of availing oneself of the ICT. The notion of information and communication technologies, however, is broader than the Internet and new media. As pointed out by Florian and Hegarty (2004), the Internet is the most advanced form of ICT, providing the prerequisite for the functioning of the new media. The world of the new media is a key tool for achieving various aims and at the same time it is also an environment in which human needs can be fulfilled and human interactions can take place. The media can be thus seen as a means for carrying out activities, whereas the Internet, as Szpunar (2012) observes, should be seen as a metamedium or a macromedium, i.e. the base medium affording a possibility of using other media skills and knowhow in using the internet.