A free field day in Reno will give adults with physical disabilities a chance to learn how to fly radio-controlled airplanes using specially developed equipment.
The event is scheduled for Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Reno Radio Control Club Airfield. Accessible attachments, radio controllers, and airplanes will be available for adults with physical impairments to use, and no prior experience is necessary.
The event is a collaboration between the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities and the Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center, in partnership with the Reno Radio Control Club.
Members of the Reno Radio Control Club will be on-site to help teach community members with disabilities how to fly.
The accessible radio controllers were developed by students from the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Engineering. The controllers are designed for adults who have difficulty manipulating standard radio controllers because of upper extremity weaknesses.
“Many people, especially with more significant disabilities, have difficulty participating in hobbies and community activities like this,” Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center Senior Project Manager Scott Youngs said. “This is another option we want to offer to them to go out, have fun, and engage in an activity that they may need a little bit of help to participate in.”
The field day is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Directions to the airfield are available through the Reno Radio Control Club's website.
