This paper combines information from two published articles with an account of preparation for a wilderness expedition that included hearing-impaired people. Whether outdoor programs are planned for adventure, recreation, or educational purposes, they are increasingly being made more accessible for handicapped people. The paper focuses on problems related to programming outdoor activities for the hearing impaired and offers suggestions to minimize these problems. Planning for a 10-day canoe trip on the Current River in Missouri with a "mixed ability" group from St. Paul, Minnesota, is described. The trip was part of a practicum for college students learning how to work for outdoor programs offering opportunities for disabled people. Preparation for the trip included addressing concerns for communication skills, safety, and education. This paper calls for increasing involvement by people with disabilities in the planning and implementation of outdoor activities. (TES)