Online distance education and visual disability

The Internet and ICT in general can play an important role in the integration and social rehabilitation of people with sensory dysfunctions and thus improve their personal autonomy. Despite all government policies and the introduction of numerous standards and guidelines concerning the usability, accessibility and universal design of the Internet for the visually disabled, some digital barriers are difficult to overcome. The Internet could become a new barrier for the disabled, increasing the information gap and creating a new digital divide. Thus, there is a risk of losing all the advantages and opportunities offered by the information age. The aim of this paper is to present some studies into the use of the Internet as an educational tool for people with visual disability as well as to describe an online learning environment for blind students.