This past week in #CPChatNow was a lively chat as always. Members discussed disability on job applications, Youtube rabbit holes, and songs for a musical about Cerebral Palsy. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride of this week’s recap. All aboard!!
First, Heather talked about a new job she got that had been proactive about accommodations. This led to a discussion about questions about disability on job applications.
This led Zach to ask about disability law in Canada where Heather hails from:
Next, talk turned to members falling down Youtube rabbit holes.
Finally, talk turned to what songs and musicians would appropriate for a musical about Cerebral Palsy.
Thanks for reading and join us tonight at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
Participants in the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow kicked off March with an engaging dialogue Wednesday, March 1st, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome aboard your weekly recap.
Early in the evening Stephen helped to get the conversation rolling.
Stephen mentioned March is “disabled awareness month,” referring to the United States recognizing March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. However, the festivities extend past just developmental disabilities. A point others in the discussion made.
Chris first replied to Stephen, noting March is also CP Awareness Month. Veronica confirmed this and acknowledged March is additionally Women’s History Month. The awareness did not stop there either.
My co-host Devin Axtman tweeted about Wheelchair Day. According to amramp accessibility March 1st has the distinction as International Wheelchair Day. As amramp accessibility explains, “International Wheelchair Day is celebrated on March 1 every year to encourage wheelchair users around the world to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has had on their lives.”
Although, the idea behind International Wheelchair Day and other awareness initiatives remain respectable, once they compile up awareness fatigue can hit. As Devin stated, “There’s too many days.”
Personally, while I understand this sentiment, I countered that “If these different days mean something to someone, then that’s cool.” Continuing, I stated, “For me, my awareness efforts are year round with my blog, YouTube channel, books, and whatever else I do.”
In the spirit of continuous awareness, let us honor the intentions behind International Wheelchair Day. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How has your wheelchair had a positive impact on your life?”
Answer in the “Comments” section. First though, allow us to keep recapping our March 1st, 2023 chat.
Besides the awareness efforts that fill up the calendar, participants enjoyed engaging dialogue about what makes a decision a “good decision.” The topic initially came to the surface earlier in the week when I shared my YouTube video, “Making Decisions with Cerebral Palsy.” In-particular the video focuses on making good decisions.
Responding to my tweet, Timmy asked, “define good decisions.” A prompt, at Timmy’s suggestion, I brought up during our chat March 1st. Devin offered his insight saying, “I think it’s highly dependent on the situation, but I think if a decision feels true to yourself and gives you room to be flexible.”
Meanwhile I defined “good decisions,” as “decisions that help you reach your desired goal(s).” Veronica provided a counterpoint, stating “But hindsight is 20/20. How do you know the direction you choose will lead you towards your goal?” Instead, Veronica advised, “Weighing pros and cons can be helpful.”
Hopefully you will weigh the pros and cons of joining our community and decide to join us each Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Set yourself a reminder. Also, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How has your wheelchair had a positive impact on your life?”
It’s #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. This week members discussed heating pads, mattresses, and what they would tell to their younger self.
First, Zach and I talked about a fantastic book we have been reading, True Biz. I highly encourage you to check it out!
Next, I asked if members had recommendations for heating pads.
Also, Hannah asked for recommendations for mattresses.
Finally, talk turned to what members would tell their younger self about CP.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are some myths you were told about CP when you were young?
Thanks for reading and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
A casual night hanging with friends accurately describes the vibes emanating from the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 15th, 2023. In case you missed the chat, fear not! I, co-host Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you your weekly recap. Make yourself comfortable and let us revisit the fun.
Conversation from the previous week’s chat continued into Wednesday, February 15th.
In-particular we continued discussing what we missed most about childhood and our teenage years. Timmy answered, “Being able to eat whatever I want without gaining weight.”
Replying to Timmy, I said, “I must be lucky,” sharing how, “I am still at a point where I don’t gain weight.” Even in my mid-30s! Nevertheless, time will tell as Veronica warned, “I didn’t have a problem with gaining weight until I hit 44.”
Like time inevitably does, our night’s chatter progressed. My co-host Devin Axtman played a big part in establishing the casual and friendly atmosphere previously mentioned by asking our community about an interest many of us share.
Devin asked, “Is anyone excited for whatever the sport we call baseball now with the new rules is to start?” I for one voiced my disapproval for the rule changes that have happened to baseball over the last few seasons. Devin agreed with my sentiments. Regarding the upcoming rule changes to shifts, Timmy commented, “Here’s my thoughts about the shift rule. Learn how to hit.”
For any additional commentary on baseball’s new rules, I will refer you to ESPN, Sports Illustrated, or other sports focused outlets. In the meantime, let us return to the fun night with friends that was our February 15th, 2023 chat.
Just how you might recommend an article or book to a friend, Devin shared with our community and gave his approval for an opinion piece disabled athlete John Loeppky wrote for CBC. Devin called the piece, “a great article,” but what do you think? Read the post, “OPINION: Let us be boring: Disabled people are more than heroes or objects of your pity,” and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What stands out most to you about John Loeppky’s CBC article?”
Answer below! Afterwards, set yourself a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, checking in once again for this week’s recap. Members got nostalgic this week talking about what they missed from childhood while contrasting that by discussing what they liked about adulthood. All aboard!
Members opened the week’s chat by discussing what they missed from childhood. Members talked about being carefree, being able to be carried around, and more!
Finally, members discussed what they liked most about adulthood, namely the ability to take chances and money to go do stuff.
This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite memory from childhood? Please share your answers in the comments and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
The Wednesday tradition known as the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow kicked off a new month Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.
Based off the night’s discussion, I would say those in our community are remaining active.
For Veronica, her activity proved physical. She shared she walked over three miles in Phoenix the previous weekend. Meanwhile I remained active in a different way.
My activity involved staying busy with tasks. For instance, publishing my latest blog post, “Disability Employment and the Role YOU Play.” Chat co-host Devin Axtman said he liked my post, while specificly mentioning, “I found the interview section interesting.” Devin also noted, “Although it is illegal to discriminate it(‘s) often hard to prove.” A point he went on to demonstrate.
To demonstrate, Devin shared a YouTube video from Joey Baer titled, “What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video.” The hidden camera video includes some appalling honesty from individuals who work in recruiting and human resources. Or, at least I find their honesty appalling. Form your own opinion and watch the video for yourself.
What do you think? Let us make this the extend-the-conversation question for the week. Go ahead and answer in the comments, “What did you think of Joey Baer’s ‘What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video’?”
Keeping the recap moving along, additionally our community stayed active by looking to the future.
Glancing ahead, I asked who would be interested in having their photos included in new #CPChatNow promotional graphics. Material which would appear on our Facebook page banner and our website here. Timmy offered a great suggestion, saying “What really (would) be cool is if we use pictures of us doing what we love to do as a way to break preconceived ideas about cerebral palsy.” Stay tuned for more on that.
In the meantime, set yourself a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Additionally remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “What did you think of Joey Baer’s ‘What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video’?”
Every Wednesday people gather on Twitter to participate in the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Afterwards, my co-host Devin Axtman or I, Zachary Fenell, collect highlights to provide you a weekly recap. Below you will find the recap for the Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 chat. Welcome!
Our chat January 25th, 2023 started on an upbeat note.
Stephen, an enthusiastic member in our community, shared he will soon switch his days at the Exceptional Foundation. The change has Stephen excited. Exciting news always remains better when you have someone to share the news with. Or, in our case, a community to share the news with.
On a larger community scale, conversation turned to different issues the overall disability community faces.
One such issue includes air travel. Devin brought up the topic by retweeting Emily Ladau‘s tweet featuring a story VICE News did. Checkout the piece for yourself.
Within Devin’s retweet, he asked if anyone has had difficulty with air travel. Replying to his own question, Devin recalled, “Once my tire got stuck in an airport door and separated from the wheelchair rim. Luckily some passengers helped.” Meanwhile I expressed how connecting flights make me nervous because I worry about missing the connection.
Another topic discussed January 25th, 2023 I raised.
Thinking back to my school days, I asked the chat if anyone received advanced notice before a fire drill. Devin answered, “I did, but always wondered how practical it was.” Adding, “In a real one I wouldn’t.” Sentiments I responded to with a resounding, “Exactly!”
Although, I went on to note my IEP team worked to minimize needing to use the stairs during an emergency by keeping my classes on the first floor whenever possible. What about you? Answer for today’s extend-the-conversation question, “In school how did your IEP team plan for potential emergencies, like a fire?” Tell us in the comments!
Afterwards, set yourself a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET.
This past week’s #CPChatNow had members bouncing all over the place with discussions of different topics such as hiking, podcasts, and how CP impacts their decision making. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, I would like to celebrate Zach progressing in his career at the library.
Next, talk turned to Timmy’s hobby of hiking and his essentials when he goes on a hike.
Next, Stephen asked what podcasts others listened to.
Finally, Zach asks members how CP impacts their decision making.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your favorite outdoor activities? Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
Various topics came and went during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 11th, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.
Early on in the evening, communal vibes strongly emanated.
Long-time participant Hannah stopped in to say she missed us all, but physically she did not feel up to participating. I know I am not alone in looking forward to the next time Hannah joins us.
In the meantime, the chat went on.
To prompt discussion, I asked our community, “How often do you stretch? What muscles do you have to stretch the most?” My co-host Devin Axtman responded, “Not enough that’s for sure!” Admitting, “When I’m feeling tight.” Regarding what muscles he has to stretch the most, Devin said “hamstrings and Achilles mostly.”
Personally, I resonated with Devin’s experiences. Also admitting, “I know I should stretch daily but I also end up stretching when I get tight.” In retrospect stretching daily sounds like a good goal to set. Appropriate, because January 11th, 2023, talk turned to goal setting.
The goal setting subject arose after I asked our community, “Has anyone set goals for 2023 to help you be healthier?” Devin replied, “I feel like I’m not good at this. Anyone have tips for setting goals you stick with?”
Timmy and I offered similar advice. I recommended setting measurable goals. For example, in 2023 I am striving to drink two bottles of water for every cup of coffee I consume. Additionally, I suggested making your goal into a habit, noting, “Say you want to read more. Even reading 10 pages of a book a day will eventually add up.”
Simultaneously, Timmy advised, “Make it a habit or use the SMART approach.” Besides making a goal measurable, the SMART approach involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, realistic, and timely.
Another helpful tidbit emerged as the goal setting discussion progressed.
Through the dialogue, Devin revealed, “I will slip for a day and feel guilty and then not get back to it.” A temptation I know all too well. However, over time I learned, “The key is not beating yourself up over yesterday’s failures but rather focusing on righting the track today.” Put that wisdom on display and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What will you accomplish today?”
Share below! Then before going to work away on your goal, set a reminder to join us for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow sparked some interesting conversation about member’s relationship with CP and their hopes for 2023. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, Zach tweeted about a dream where he avoided a common nemesis for people with CP, escalators.
Next, Zach asked what members are looking forward to in 2023.
Finally, Zach asked about member’s relationships with CP. The question sparked an interesting discussion.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever had a dream related to CP? Please share your answers in the comments.
#CPChatNow 