#CPChatNow Recap- 02-13-2019

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Occasionally the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow encounters quieter nights. The February 13th, 2019 chat ended up as one such occasion. Nevertheless there still remained enough to highlight and package into your weekly recap. To do so I, co-host Zachary Fenell, am here.

Like previously mentioned, the evening started off slow.

Seth compares the activity in #CPChatNow to that of Sears.

After awhile #CPChatNow regular Seth joked that the chat felt emptier than a Sears. His comment brought out my co-host Devin Axtman. Devin admitted to thinking the day was Tuesday. Oops!

Someone who I knew would miss the chat included long-time regular Hannah. In fact Hannah asked I share a message from her.

As asked by Hannah, Zachary shares Hannah's regrets for needing to miss the night's chat.

Earlier in the day Hannah underwent surgery. Although she wanted to join the fun, she found herself too exhausted. Extremely understandable, if you ask me.

Therefore while waiting to see who else might stop by, Seth and I used the time to discuss a common interest beyond cerebral palsy.

While waiting for others to join #CPChatNow, Zachary and Seth discuss pro wrestling.

An ability to bond over topics besides cerebral palsy shows a deep connection within our community. For Seth and I we discussed professional wrestling. Major League Baseball (MLB) represents another non-related cerebral palsy common interest multiple people inside our community share.

When the chat began picking up, MLB discussion emerged. However, this time the dialogue held ties to cerebral palsy.

#CPChatNow participants give their thoughts on Major League Baseball renaming the "Disabled List" to "Injured List."

To confess, I brought up the MLB subject. Recent news coverage by ESPN’s Jeff Passan intrigued me. Passan reported the sports juggernaut renaming their “Disabled List,” the “Injured List.” Long-time regular Jen greeted the news without much enthusiasm.

Similarly, I personally never found the phrasing a problem. Yet I also cannot argue against MLB’s reasoning. Passan quoted a MLB memo explaining “The principal concern is that using the term ‘disabled’ for players who are injured supports the misconception that people with disabilities are injured and therefore are not able to participate or compete in sports.”

Devin agreed alongside my thoughts. What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about MLB renaming the disabled list, the injured list?” Answer in the “Comments.”

Elsewhere #CPChatNow co-host Jorge Otezia shared a different current news development.

Jorge linked to a press release announcing a merger between the Reaching for the Stars Foundation and The Cerebral Palsy Foundation. You can bet in the coming months we at #CPChatNow will keep you informed regarding the merger and the impact had throughout the cerebral palsy community. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for that.

Prior to going to Facebook to like our page, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How do you feel about MLB renaming the disabled list, the injured list?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How do you feel about MLB renaming the disabled list, the injured list?" Answer by commenting.
Answer in the “Comments.”

Answer below via a comment. Then go like our Facebook page. Finally, mark your calendar and come join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on Twitter, starting at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

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#CPChatNow Recap- 2-6-2019

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#CPChatNow included various different topics last Wednesday including: future employability, Valentine’s Day coming up, and even member’s favorite breakfast cereal. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Shira shared the memory of encountering a Deaf employee at the bowling alley and struggling to communicate with him. She raised an issue many people with disabilities fear, their future employability:

Zach and Shira talking about a memory at a bowling alley and how it relates to fears about future employability
Zach and Blemi chat about Valentine's Day being a forced holiday

Zach brought up Valentine’s Day and members shared various thoughts from extreme indifference to excitement. Blemi and Zach talked about the day sometimes being a forced holiday:

Finally, Zach and Paul talked about their favorite breakfast cereals:

Zach and Paul talk about breakfast cereals. Paul likes Count Chocula and Zach likes Cocco Puffs followed by Fruity Pebbles with a shout out to Trix for the best commercials.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever had fears related to your employability due to your disability?

Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow on Twitter

#CPChatNow Recap: 1-30-2019

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Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow put on full display arguably their greatest virtue, community. At least I would make said argument and I am #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell. Seemingly I am not alone in this opinion either. After a rough week, long-time #CPChatNow regular Hannah Pike turned to the chat seeking a little normalcy.

Seeking a sense of normalcy, long-time participant Hannah turns to #CPChatNow.

Participants responded giving Hannah a welcoming reception. In-particular my co-host Devin Axtman asked Hannah if she received the penthouse suite treatment, a reference to last year’s Speechless Thanksgiving episode “C-E– CELEBRITY S-U– SUITE.”

Beyond the usual names, our community also welcomed a new member January 30th.

#CPChatNow participants welcome a newcomer, Sean.

Newcomer Sean decided to accept an invitation from #CPChatNow regular Shira to join the chat’s fun. Immediately Sean engrossed himself into the dialogue, asking participants to share their favorite portrayal of a person with CP in movies or TV. An effective conversation starter!

Besides opening our metaphorical arms to Sean, our community also warmly greeted a returning familiar face.

Familiar face Jorge Oteiza returns to #CPChatNow!

Jorge Oteiza managed to find the time within his busy schedule to drop by and say hi. A schedule that includes job hunting, finishing his last semester at college, and handling graduation thoughts.

New and familiar faces alike enjoyed each other’s company. We celebrated accomplishments.

Ciarán's handwriting skills continue to improve.

Ciarán shared his continual handwriting improvement. Progress Sean called “proof that persistence is key.” Persisting forward in our recap, additionally to toasting each other’s accomplishments, members in #CPChatNow supplied one another encouragement.

Recalling almost falling earlier in the day Shira commented about avoiding falling on her face, saying “Yay, me?” Both Sean and I reassured, yes indeed. Yay you! Sean reasoned getting away without a broken bone or chipped tooth equals a win over gravity.

Similarly I noted these small saves prevent serious harm. Therefore Shira deserves to feel proud. Surely we all experience such moments anyways. As the week’s extend-the-conversation question, share yours! Respond in the comments.

“Share your own ‘yay me’ moment.”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Share your own 'Yay me' moment.

Let us celebrate our small victories together. Join our community live on Twitter every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap 1-23-2019

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This past week in #CPChatNow was bustling as always. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we have to congratulate #CPChatNow member, Timmy Le, for getting accepted to a PhD program at the University of Massachusetts.

Timmy announces acceptance to a PhD program

Next, members talked about annoying aspects of having a disability like fixing your wheelchair or having to renew a permanent handicap parking placard

I talked about getting my chair fixed. Zach and Blemi talked about having to renew a prescription or pay for a placard

Various members talked about the positives and negative impacts of social media. Zach and I talked about negatives like getting addicted to “likes,” but also positives like having access to information you would not have like parents finding community.

Zach and I talked about getting addicted to "likes," but also having access to information you would not have like parents with a CP diagnosis.

Next, members talked about potential figures of speech that are offensive due to disability. Shira and Zach talked about the figure of speech “A leg to stand on”

Shira and Zach talked about the figure of speech "A leg to stand on" and wondered if it would be offensive

Finally, I shared my experience as a wheelchair user of people commonly worrying whether saying “Let’s walk over there” is offensive:

We tweeted about whether figures of speech were offensive. I shared many people worried whether the figure of speech "Let's walk over there" is offensive

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Do you feel social media is a net negative or positive in your life?

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Do you feel social media is a net negative or positive in your life?"

Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday on #CPChatNow on Twitter at 8 Eastern.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 1-16-2019

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Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow adopted a problem solving attitude Wednesday, January 16th, 2019. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to package that advantageous mindset into your weekly recap. One troubling issue community members offered solutions to involved how to cheer up when your body’s limits get you down.

CPChatNow participant Shira seeks advice for cheering up when body limits get you down.Regular participant Shira raised this subject, asking our community “What do you do to cheer up when the limits of your body get you down?” Long-time regular Blemi said she lets herself feel down for about an hour before saying “F’ it” and moving on. She also mentioned eating chocolate cake.

Meanwhile Linds, known within our community as The Positivity Princess, advised Shira to focus on the positive. Elsewhere my co-host Devin Axtman provided a contrasting tip.

To cheer up Devin does an activity which frees up his mind.Oppose to focusing on anything, Devin totally frees his mind by doing something that does not require him to think, watching pro wrestling. Other community members mentioned additional entertainment outlets.

Hannah and Zachary cheer up by respectively listening to music and watching comedy.Well documented music lover Hannah Pike listens to her favorite song on repeat to cheer up. Personally, I think about or watch my favorite comedy sketches. Sometimes too I use my imagination, taking favorite movie lines and putting them out of context. Essentially, I try to get myself to laugh.

What about you? I am appointing Shira’s question the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Answer “What do you do to cheer up when the limits of your body get you down?” Reply in the “Comments” section!

Another problematic topic our community discussed neutralizing during the January 16th Twitter chat included avoiding letting winter bum us out.

Linds gives advice for staying positive in the winter months.Since Linds brought up the subject, I asked her how she prevents winter from getting her down. I possessed curiosity because winter challenges me. Conditions decrease my ability to walk places, costing me some independence. Linds credited her walker for helping to improve her mobility throughout the season. Her response left me contemplating whether I should use my cane more this time a year.

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What do you do to cheer up when the limits of your body get you down?"

Leave your answer in the “Comments” section!

Speaking of topics to contemplate, remember to contemplate and answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you do to cheer up when the limits of your body get you down?” Respond below in the “Comments” section. Then plan to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

 

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 1-2-2019

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This past week in #CPChatNow was a happening as always. As you might imagine, New Year’s resolutions were a hot topic. Members also talked about accessible seating and watching the ball drop.

Amanda shared an unfortunate experience of accessible seating not being guaranteed at a concert she wanted to go to. This is all too common unfortunately.

Amanda expressed frustration about accessible seating not being guaranteed

Next, Shira brought up the fact she would not want to go to Time’s Square to watch the ball drop:

Shira and Zach tweet about not wanting to go to Time's Square to see the ball drop

Finally, talk turned to New Year’s resolutions. Hannah talked about wanting to go to Nashville for a vacation and blog:

Hannah tweets about wanting to blog more and go to Nashville

Zach shared many ideas including going to Cincinnati for a Reds game and also to meet the #CPChatNow crew near there:

Zach and Hannah tweeting about Zach going to Cincinnati to see a reds game and visit the #CPChatNow crew

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question: What are your 2019 New Year’s Resolutions?

Please join us at #CPChatNow on Twitter tonight at 8 Eastern!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-26-2018

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One night removed from Christmas, individuals in the cerebral palsy community gathered for the last 2018 #CPChatNow live Twitter chat. Holidays remained a forefront concentration too, as you will see reading this recap. A recap gifted to you by yours truly, co-host Zachary Fenell.

Initial conversation revolved around Christmas gifts participants received the previous day.

Jen received too many great Christmas gifts to name just one favorite.When asked about naming favorite gifts received, long-time chat regular Jen could not name just one. Between Stranger Things seasons one and two, her Doug the pugs, and new iPad Jen encountered a tough call. Meanwhile chat regular Seth and my co-host Devin Axtman expressed clear favorites.

Seth's favorite gift came from one of his aides.Devin's favorite gift received was an ugly Christmas sweater.Seth’s aide gave him $100 on betonline, an online poker/sports betting site. Fun! Devin also received a fun gift, an ugly North Dakota State Christmas sweater. Eventually the dialogue transitioned past Christmas to New Year’s.

#CPChatNow participants reflect back on their 2018s.

Personally, New Year’s always puts me in the mood to reflect. Therefore I asked participants to share some positives from their last 12 months. Another long-time regular Hannah recalled making the most of the good moments. Hannah experienced relentless health concerns throughout 2018, so enjoying the good occasions became extra important.

Additionally, Devin responded saying 2018 brought him growth both personally and professionally. What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What were positives for you in 2018?” Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.

Expanding beyond our personal 2018s, we furthermore explored 2018 relating to the overall cerebral palsy community.

Devin and Zachary discuss the positives 2018 brought the general cerebral palsy community.Answering the question “What were positives for the CP community in 2018?” Devin named the continued media presence with Speechless and Maysoon’s project. That latter project refers to Can-Can, a sitcom starring actor, comedian, and past #CPChatNow participant Maysoon Zayid. In late 2018 ABC ordered a Can-Can pilot.

Can-Can possesses exciting possibilities. Same applies to Speechless perchance the show gets picked up again in 2019.

Zachary hopes Speechless will get a fourth season.Speechless getting renewed for season three stood out to me as a 2018 positive for the CP community. Now I am hoping a fourth season will get the green light in 2019. Much potential exists story wise regarding JJ heading off to college. Devin noted he could even consult on JJ’s accommodations scenes! My co-host’s work history gives him the credentials. You never know, right?

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What were positives for you in 2018?"Depending upon what happens with Speechless and Can-Can, 2019 could get incredibly exciting for the CP community. Yet before we commit ourselves to the year ahead, let us take a final moment to remember 2018. Answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What were positives for you in 2018?” 

Respond below! Then make a New Year resolution to join us on Twitter every Wednesday at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary