The aim of this paper is to encourage those interested in applied geographical research to broaden their horizons to consider exciting new areas where geographical expertise has much to offer. A brief overview of dominant past trends is followed by a suggestion to apply geographical knowledge and research methods to benefit disabled populations. Several possible venues for making this commitment are explored, and some interesting and useful contributions are reviewed to show that geography has as much to offer as other disciplines in searching for solutions to the probIems of the disabled. © 1997 john Wiley & Sons, Inc.