California Polytechnic State University May 18, 2004 NEWS ADVISORY: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kevin Taylor (805) 756-1785 or jktaylor@calpoly.edu Cal Poly To Launch ‘Solo Quad’ Conversion’ Prototype To: City Editors, News Editors, Photo Editors, Assignment Editors, and Reporters From: Cal Poly Public Affairs Who: Cal Poly’s Kinesiology and Mechanical Engineering Departments What: Two of the country’s leading experts on “adapted paddling” will be on campus Friday, May 28, to analyze and provide input into Cal Poly’s Solo-Quad Conversion Project, which aims to modify a boat for use by a person with quadriplegia. Janet Zeller and Scott LeBlanc, both certified American Canoe Association adaptive paddling instructor trainers, will be in San Luis Obispo May 26-May 30 primarily to review progress on the project. During their stay, a prototype will be available for a photo opportunity 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 28, at the Crandall Gym Pool opposite the Mustang Football Stadium. Zeller and LeBlanc will also conduct a workshop for instructors in Cal Poly’s Adapted Paddling Program. Seven local people with disabilities will take to the water at Laguna Lake between between 10 and 11a.m. Sunday May 30. The workshop will provide another unique photo opportunity. Where: Crandall Gym and Pool, Cal Poly campus; Laguna Lake, San Luis Obispo When: Friday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday, May 30, 10 a.m.-noon. Why: To create a boat that allows individuals with quadriplegia to “paddle solo” as part of Cal Poly’s Adapted Paddling Program. Since its inception in 1999, the program has offered people with mobility impairments the experience of canoeing and kayaking in Morro Bay. The Adapted Paddling Program, according to Taylor, “is dedicated to providing empowerment through paddling for people with disabilities and to teaching Cal Poly students to see beyond an individual’s disability and connect with the human being.” Kinesiology Professor Kevin Taylor and Mechanical Eningeering Professor Frank Owen expect to have a fully adapted boat ready by the end of the year. How: With a $10,780 grant from the Chrisopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Taylor, along with Mechanical Engineering Professor Frank Owen and students from both departments, are modifying a canoe and a kayak by attaching small electric motors that are converted to respond to “sip & puff” controls. ### CP Home • CP Find It Get Adobe Reader • Microsoft Viewers Events • Recent Releases • Cal Poly Magazine • Cal Poly Update E-newsletter • Contact Public Affairs • Alumni • Giving • Athletics Cal Poly Public Affairs California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805.756.7266 polynews@calpoly.edu