The paper explores the possibilities for applying the knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) research to aids for the disabled. Following a definition of artificial intelligence, the paper reviews areas of basic AI research, such as computer vision, machine learning, and planning and problem solving. Among application areas relevant to the disabled are robots, expert systems, user-friendly computers, AI for microcomputers, and intelligent information-retrieval systems. Aspects of linkage between humans and computers are considered. The paper concludes with a description of four specific application areas for the disabled: perceptual aids, intelligent environment-control systems, intelligent wheelchairs, and helper robots. (CL)