The Use of Personal Computers and Internet Networks by Professionally Active People with Disabilities Living in Rural Areas

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the article is to determine the level of accessibility of personal computers and the Internet and their use for distance work by professionally active persons with disabilities living in rural areas throughout Poland. Materials and methods: Surveys were carried out during the period from June 30, 2010, to May 31, 2011, on a sample of 5,000 persons with disabilities, 1359 of whom, during the last 30 days of the survey, were gainfully employed - they were professionally active. The area of research included randomly selected rural and urban rural communes in sixteen provinces. Results: Personal computers and the Internet are most often used by the group of young people with disabilities and those who conduct their business activities in communes. Personal computers and the Internet are most often used by disabled persons with physical, sensory and complex disorders. Conclusions: It is necessary to intensify organisational, technical and legal activities and efforts that will contribute to a fuller and wider use of computers, the Internet and other assistive technology by people with disabilities.