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Adaptive paddle set for June 2010 distribution

March 11, 2010

Orders are now being accepted for the One-Arm Freedom, a revolutionary adaptive paddle that enables individuals with hand or arm impairments to paddle canoes with precision and without additional assistance. Developed by Northland College Professor of Outdoor Education Cindy Dillenschneider, the paddle is the culmination of five years of research and prototype development and is set for delivery in June 2010.
 
The inspiration for the One-Arm Freedom came from Dillenschneider’s career in outdoor education. Her work in the field has been dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals previously limited by physical impairments. Dillenschneider’s experience helped her to better understand the limitations to full participation that exist for people with hand or arm impairments. She put her expertise in adaptive education to work during a year-long sabbatical beginning in the fall of 2005 to develop the design for the new paddle. Since then she has worked to improve upon her original prototype, and to raise interest by speaking at conferences and workshops.
 
Dillenschneider worked with several regional businesses and organizations to develop the One-Arm Freedom. Bending Branches of Osceola, WI, donated the paddle blades used during the development of the project while Extreme Tool of Wakefield, MI donated the molding block that is used to fabricate a key component of the paddle. Students enrolled at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Ashland worked with Machine Tool Operation Instructor Paul Kalin to machine the molding block to the exacting specifications required by the paddle’s design. The paddle will be packaged with an instructional DVD that was filmed and produced by Northland College student John LaGow as part of his senior capstone project.
 
 “The development of the One-Arm Freedom has been the result of partnerships of goodwill,” Dillenschneider says. “This project would not be where it is today without the outpouring of support it has received from businesses and individuals over the last several years.”
 
Parties interested in purchasing the One-Arm Freedom may contact Dillenschneider at cdillenschneider@northland.edu. A short video showing the paddle at work is available at northland.edu/youtube.
 
Northland College and its Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute are located in Ashland, Wis., near the shores of Lake Superior. Northland’s distinctive environmental liberal arts program, passionate faculty, and beautiful natural location create a community of engaged learners who develop the skills and experience to prepare for advanced studies and meaningful lives. Founded in 1892, Northland enrolls 700 students from across the nation and across the world. For more information about Northland College and its Institute, visit northland.edu