| Sumario: | Background: Adults with intellectual disability face multiple barriers to digital participation, yet limited research has examined how motivational and demographic factors interact to influence internet self‐efficacy. Method: Structured interviews were conducted with 96 adults with mild or moderate intellectual disability and 49 adults without intellectual disability across urban and regional locations in Australia. Internet self‐efficacy, attitudes and behavioural beliefs were assessed using adapted measures informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Results: Participants with intellectual disability had significantly lower internet self‐efficacy than their peers, particularly those who were older, lived in regional areas or lacked professional support. Motivational variables predicted a small proportion of self‐efficacy variance for participants with intellectual disability and a larger proportion for the comparison group. Conclusions: Findings suggest digital inequality among people with intellectual disability is shaped by contextual and motivational factors. Support programmes informed by behavioural theory may help increase digital confidence and online engagement. Lay Summary: People with intellectual disability who are older or who live in regional areas report lower internet confidence and more limited internet use.Having help from a professional IT support person is linked to feeling more confident about using the internet.Positive beliefs about the internet are related to greater confidence and may help to guide support programmes.People with intellectual disability face digital inequality due to life circumstances and low confidence. Support programmes that build motivation and skills could help increase safe and inclusive internet use.
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