#CPChatNow Recap- 09-16-2020

Posted on September 23, 2020 by zacharyfenell

In 2020 a lot has changed, but for those in the #CPChatNow community one constant remains. Our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat, (Wednesdays, 8pm ET)! To tell you about what we discussed Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Fittingly, much discussion throughout the night revolved around the issue causing the previously mentioned changes.

AcquiDis tells the #CPChatNow community about Australia's COVID protocols.

Just in case I need to clarify, yes. I am referring to the global COVID pandemic. Relative newcomer to the chat, AcquiDis, helped us gain a global outlook on the pandemic by sharing how Australia continues to respond. Thanks to AcquiDis, we learned Australia and the United States maintain similar protocols. For example, dining venues reopening in a limited way and allowing small gatherings.

While countries continue restoring civil liberties, remember. The COVID threat still lingers. A reality evident during our discussion September 16th.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how having a disability has helped prepare them for the pandemic.

Chat OG Erin offered this stark reminder when sharing a CP sister tested positive for COVID. Furthermore, my co-host Devin Axtman recalled a recent close call.

Devin shares a close call his brother had with someone who tested positive for COVID.

Devin encouraged mask wearing, noting his brother tested negative for COVID after sitting for hours next to someone who tested positive. A result Devin attributed to his brother wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, not everyone seems so convinced to wear face coverings.

#CPChatNow participants discuss wearing face masks.

In-particular Devin noted seeing more and more people without masks. Personally, my employer requires mask wearing. A policy most customers understand.

Besides protecting your health, face masks additionally offer the chance to display your personality. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What does your favorite face mask look like?” Answer below in the “Comments” section.

Once you finish answering, mark your calendar as a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What does your favorite face mask look like?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 9/9/2020

Posted on September 15, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was bustling as always. Members discussed personal accomplishments, COVID restrictions in Australia, good deeds, and what social media platform they like. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we would love to congratulate #CPChatNow mama bear, Erin, on her acceptance to a Master’s program:

erin tweets that she was accepted to the sacred theology master's program she applied to. zach wishes her congratulations and asks her to make time for #cpchatnow

#CPChatNow has had a member joining us from Australia. AcquiDis detailed COVID restrictions in place in the land down under.

acquidis detailed covid restrictions from australia. she tweeted in melbourne there is an 8-5 nightly curfew

acquidis tweets masks are mandatory outside the home with many dying in aged care facilities, she tweeted there are $1652 fines per offense of not wearing a mask or breaking curfew

Next, talk turned to good deeds as I shared the story of my bus driver taking me to the train station at the end of her route. Members shared good deeds others had done for them or they had done:

zach asked members what a good deed someone had done for them or they had done for someone else. zach shared he worked all six days his work was open to cover a staff shortage, erin tweets she send a friend a custom wedding card

Finally, Zach and Chris tweeted about what social media platform they were most active on:

chris and zach tweet about what social media platforms they are active on. zach tweets he is not active on linkedin, but has not been active. he mainly uses twitter and facebook. zach tweets he likes facebook for people he already knows and twitter is better for meeting new people, chris tweets he uses facebook every day and uses twitter to interact with celebrities.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite good deed you have ever done or someone else has done for you? Please share your answers in the comments!

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-02-2020

Posted on September 9, 2020 by zacharyfenell

A strong communal vibe resonated within the live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020. Here to delve into details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Consider me your conductor for the train ride that is the September 2nd, 2020 recap. All aboard!

Discussion early in the night included long-time participants sharing interesting developments going on in their own lives.

Timmy tells #CPChatNow about his current scientific research.

Our “resident scientist” Timmy made an appearance. Prompted by my co-host Devin Axtman, Timmy updated us on his current research. Currently Timmy remains at work investigating binge drinking and the executive and emotional input to the reward circuit. Overall, he explained, the study hopes to understand the neural circuitry involved with addiction and addiction-like behavior.

Besides Timmy, the recently returning Erin provided us an update. Erin joined us after handing in a big term paper the night prior. In our chat’s early years, Erin played a pivotal role in our community. To the point she received the moniker “Mama Bear!”

Beyond enjoying familiar faces like Erin and Timmy, we also welcomed a newcomer.

#CPChatNow participants welcome a newcomer.

AcquiDis joined our chat for the first time September 2nd, 2020. Personally, I found a quote included in a press release AcquiDis shared intriguing. “…urges disabled individuals to embrace their condition and look beyond it.” The quote led to further dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the difference between looking beyond your disability and disliking your disability.

Devin pondered whether a fine line exists between looking beyond your disability and disliking your disability. Furthermore, Devin stated he doesn’t believe there stands a final stage where you “overcome” your disability. Instead Devin said there will always be things thrown back your way.

Both Erin and I added our separate input to the topic. Erin emphasizing the need to embrace and own your disability. Meanwhile I distinguished looking beyond and disliking your disability, stating looking beyond your disability entails accepting your disability and just doing what you need to do to be you. Alternatively, disliking your disability entails an active conflict where you battle negative thoughts. An idea Devin paraphrased well, summarizing the negative thoughts as “battling internalized ableism.”

Enough though regarding what we think! What do you think? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your attitude towards your disability?” Comment below to answer!

Answer as the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is your attitude towards your disability?"

Then make your plans to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-19-2020

Posted on August 26, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Assorted subjects came and went during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, August 19th, 2020. Here with the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Time to settle in and enjoy your weekly recap!

Early discussion contained a music theme.

#CPChatNow participants discuss what songs they would nominate to be the official song of living with CP.

Just for fun I asked participants if they were to nominate a song to be the official song of living with cerebral palsy, what song would they nominate. Personally, I said “Tubthumping” by Chumbuwamba. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman said “Unsteady” by X-Ambassadors.

However, not everyone could come up with a song. Our resident pro at social distancing Jen has no song associated with her CP. What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question “If you were to nominate a song to be the official song of living with cerebral palsy, what song would you nominate?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

In addition to answering the extend-the-conversation question, chat regular Chris could use your feedback!

Chat regular Chris is working on a masters in instructional design and created a survey seeking feedback.

Currently Chris remains at work on a masters in instructional design and created a survey to collect feedback. Help Chris and fill out at your own convenience!

As the night’s discourse continued, the extend-the-conversation question Devin proposed in the August 12th, 2020 recap emerged.

Participants revisit the extend-the-conversation question from the August 12th #CPChatNow recap, What would you tell your younger self about CP?

Zachary and Grace reflect on their youth.

In answering what I would tell my younger self about CP I wondered if my younger self would believe me. A thought process leading me to shamefully plug my teen memoir Off Balanced, which became available in paperback this past February. Off Balanced details my journey from embarrassment to embrace over having CP.

Responding to my comment, Grace mentioned not feeling embarrassed but rather encountering constant mind-numbing anxiety/guilt. Oppose to us continuing to look back though, let us refocus on the present and future. Presently, the week’s extend-the-conversation asks “If you were to nominate a song to be the official song of living with cerebral palsy, what song would you nominate?”

Reply below to answer. Next, mark your calendar and join us on Twitter for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, if you were to nominate a song to be the official song of living with cerebral palsy, what song would you nominate? — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-12-2020

Posted on August 18, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was bouncing as always. Members discussed adventurous things they had done in the last week, features of architecture, and aspects of their CP they have had to reconcile. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach asked members what adventurous things they had done in the last week. Members tweeted various things that really are not that adventurous, but seem adventurous and risky in this COVID pandemic.

zach says his last few days have been adventurous with a fall at a new library branch and he signed up for the race across ohio. he tweeted that he was ultimately fine after the fall

chris tweeted she got her bacolfen pump refilled. heather tweeted she got an MRI that is rescheduled and she found what she needed at canadian tire

Next, my friend who is an architect happened upon #CPChatNow and we discussed my preference of ramps versus lifts.

i quote tweeted a thoughts of dog tweet proclaiming that stairs are ridiculous. my architect friend asked if i prefer a ramp or lift stating ramps take up space where lifts save space but are ugly and hard to use. i tweeted i prefer ramps because i can use them independently and not get stuck

Finally, Zach asked members what they had struggled to reconcile with their CP.

zach asked what parts of cp people had a hard time reconciling.

Members discussed various difficult parts of reconciling their CP such as other’s perception and physical difficulties:

zach shares he used to be embarrassed about people being different, but regrets from high school allowed him to be ok with being different, chris tweeted they don't tell you about the pain and tweeted she is thankful about her pump, I tweeted I felt like I needed to behave a certain way like walking instead of using my wheelchair

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question inspired by Chris. What would you tell your younger self about CP? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-05-2020

Posted on August 12, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Various topics related to cerebral palsy arose August 5th, 2020 during the weekly CP Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Here to fill you in on the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready. Set yourself. Time to recap!

Long-time chat regular Blemi initiated dialogue by sharing troubling emotions.

Blemi discusses feeling troubled about needing to use her grandfather's walker to move around independently.

In order to walk around Banff independently, Blemi decided to use her late grandfather’s walker. Knowing she needs the walker powered her troubling sentiments. Chat regular Heather offered Blemi encouraging words, noting although hard to reconcile Blemi will have a better day with the walker.

Do you relate? Tell us! Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What parts of cerebral palsy have you had a hard time reconciling with? What helped you learn to reconcile?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. Perhaps your ability to reconcile involves avoiding certain situations. For example, maybe tying things frustrates you. So, you avoid face masks with ties. If that example resonates with you, know you belong to good company.

#CPChatNow participants share their preference to wear face masks with ear loops.

Driven by curiosity, I asked participants what kind of face masks they wear. My co-host Devin Axtman and everyone else who answered said they prefer face masks with ear loops.The same unified consensus did not apply though when I asked people how they best learn.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how they learn best.

Answering the question Tonia named auditory as the best way she learns. She indicated her visual learning is super impacted by CP. Interesting to me because I also am impacted visually, mostly seeing out of one eye. Nonetheless, I learn best visually.

Another potentially helpful learning tactic entails repetition. In the repetitious spirit, I remind you to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again, the question asks “What parts of cerebral palsy have you had a hard time reconciling with? What helped you learn to reconcile?”

Reply below! Afterwards set yourself a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks “What parts of cerebral palsy have you had a hard time reconciling with? What helped you learn to reconcile?” — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 7/29/20

Posted on August 4, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was festive as always. Members discussed a new book by a disabled author, online dating, and their oldest friendship. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

#CPChatNow always loves to highlight projects produced by disabled creators. Zach highlighted Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space (Exploded Views) by Amanda Leduc.

zach asks if anyone has heard of amanda leduc's book on fairy tales and disability. blemi tweeted that she is intrigued, zach tweeted the book just came out and he bought the book after checking it out from the library.

Next, Chris asked whether people had success online dating and mentioned he was thinking about joining match.com. Members shared various levels of success, but I wanted to highlight people who have had success to show that finding love with a disability is possible.

chris asks if people have had luck with online dating and said he is thinking about joining match.com. i shared that i am engaged after using okcupid with a picture of me and my fiancee.

lorna tweeted she met her husband on match 11 years ago and that it is a good site for sifting out time wasters and matching.

Finally, #CPChatNow talked about something that’s very important, friends. Members discussed their longest friendship and why they felt it had lasted so long.

zach asks what is member's oldest friendships and the keys to maintaining it. kate tweeted she has a friendship of 14 years and she is 22. she thinks the key is being there for each other, but recognizing they can't talk everyday.

paul tweeted his longest friendship is his wife of 20 years who he has known for 21 years. he tweeted the key is they are different from each other, but that makes it work.

heather tweets she and her twin sister are close with a friend they met at age 4. they have been friends for 38 years. heather tweets it never feels like time has passed when they talk

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the key to your friendship with your best friend?

Thanks for reading and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-22-2020

Posted on July 29, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow brought up interesting topics during the chat Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020. Or so at least I, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, found the topics interesting. You can make your own judgments by reading the weekly recap. All aboard!

Much conversation revolved around a link Amanda shared earlier in the week.

Zachary retweets Amanda's tweet linking to a Buzzfeed article listing adaptive equipment.

Earlier in the week Amanda used our hashtag when tweeting out Elizabeth Lilly’s Buzzfeed article “35 Things People with Limited Mobility Swear By.” I asked if anybody uses items on the list. Blemi answered saying she uses a shelf reacher. Although, Blemi quickly added she uses the shelf reacher more due to her height oppose to her CP.

Furthering the conversation surrounding the Buzzfeed article, I asked participants another question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss items on the Buzzfeed adaptive equipment list which they would be interested in using.

After I finished reading the Buzzfeed list, I asked if there was anything on the list you would think about starting to use. Responding to my own question I stated the garment steamer and pot tipper items intrigued me. Amanda gave the pot tipper a ringing endorsement saying “The pot tipper I love!!!!”

While my co-host Devin Axtman agreed, calling the pot tipper a “genius idea” a different item on the list caught his attention.

Devin shares what piece of adaptive equipment on the Buzzfeed list he may start using.

From the 35 items Lilly mentioned in her Buzzfeed article, the electric can opener caught Devin’s attention. This prompted Karen to sing the item’s praise. Karen noted how the electric can opener creates a smooth edge, ensuring she doesn’t cut herself.

What about you? Read through the Buzzfeed article and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Was there anything on the list you would think about starting to use?” Leave your replies in the “Comments” section.

Elsewhere in the July 22nd chat, participants discussed dating and sex.

#CPChatNow participants discuss subjects related to disability dating and sex.

The dating and sex subjects emerged when Seth shared his friend would be speaking to a group of disabled teens about sex. News I found cool because the topic can often go overlooked in the disability community.

Continuing the conversation Seth revealed his friend planned to use Life Goes On as an example. He warned her to expect a lot of blank faces. When I asked Seth what he would recommend instead, Seth named Speechless. Additionally, Karen offered recommendations.

Karen recommends TV shows and movies which depict sex with disabled characters.

Beyond Speechless, Karen named Margarita with a Straw and Crip Camp as projects depicting sex with disabled characters. Feel free to add your own suggestions too. First though, answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again, the question refers to the Buzzfeed adaptive equipment list and asks “Was there anything on the list you would think about starting to use?”

Answer below in the comments!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 7/15/20

Posted on July 21, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was cracking as always. Members discussed various topics like their brags for the day, creating their own podcast, life hacks, and what part of the day they feel at their best.

Zach opened the conversation by asking members what their brag for the day was. He shared that his book is now offered at the library he works at: