In the widespread euphoria about the new technologies in distance education we run the danger of not sufficiently considering how the ever increasing "virtualisation" may exclude some student groups. We, therefore, undertook an explorative survey asking disabled students about their experiences with using computers and the internet.

To name the main result first: All in all, those questioned do ineed mention more advantages than disadvantages; they do, however, also mention the dangers. The following article is addressed to those in a position of responsibility in educational institutions in the hope of sensitising them to the special needs of disabledstudents.