Monthly Archives: February 2017

#CPChatNow Recap 2-22-2017

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This week’s #CPChatNow chat was lively as usual and highlighted the different things people in our community experience in our daily lives.  This is #CPChatNow Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you along on this week’s recap.

We welcomed a new member to the #CPChatNow Twitter chat family as Rachel who is teaching English in Spain joined us.  She heard about us after reading Co-Host Zach Fenell and #CPChatNow co-founder John Quinn’s books and connecting via our Facebook page and monthly Google Hangout.

Rachel expressing hope she is using Twitter correctly with a Chris Farley meme that says Technology and Stuff

Talk soon turned to a common hobby in the disability community, naming assistive devices!  Hannah shared her awesome names for her scooters.

Hannah talking about her scooter names "Hank the Tank" and ArsonShira and Zach both talked about her goal of publishing her poems and spreading knowledge and awareness about CP.  Zach offered his experienced advice.

Shira talking with Zach about her goal of publishing her poems of her experience with CPI also had to needle #CPChatNow co-host Blake from his study abroad stint in Spain about not joining us while Rachel stayed up in Spain.  Blake quickly put me in my place and proved he is staying busy as always.

Devin needling Blake he is not on the chat and Blake listing the 5 things he is doing

Finally, Rachel, Zach and I talked about things our parents said while we walked as youngsters and the common experience of feeling like a horse.

Devin talked about how his mom told him to take big steps and not to clomp. Rachel said she heard the same thing and often felt like a horseThis leads us to our extend-the-conversation question: What common parental advice do you hear (or give if you’re a parent) related to cerebral palsy?  Please share your responses in the comments!  What common parental advice do you hear (or give) related to Cerebral Palsy? Extend-The-Conversation Question

Finally, please join us for our focus chat with Alena Brand on the benefits computer science can bring to CP next Wednesday and continue to follow along on Facebook.

Zach announces Alena's focus chat on Computer Science and CP on March 1st

Have a great week!

Devin

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#CPChatNow Recap- Maysoon Zayid Q & A

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On Wednesday, February 15th we at #CPChatNow held our monthly focus chat for February 2017, welcoming to the chat comedian and actress Maysoon Zayid. Now I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, here to condense the evening down into our weekly recap. Rather than concentrating on a certain topic, we used our time with Maysoon for an open Q & A session.

While I thanked her during the night, I want to again express #CPChatNow’s gratitude for Maysoon fitting us into her busy schedule. In fact Maysoon did not join us until the 9pm ET hour due to a gig in the prior hour. That enabled us to utilize our first hour to catch up on each others’ weeks. Eventful weeks they proved too!

#CPChatNow community members enjoyed eventful weeks.Community regular Hannah Pike reminded us eventfulness can emerge from the simple things.

Hannah Pike reminds #CPChatNow that you can find joy from the simpliest items, like buying a new hat!Beyond eventful, you could also describe participants’ weeks as busy. Exciting projects occupying their schedules.

Exciting projects are keeping #CPChatNow participants well occupied.Personally, I am happy to share I published my new Rocky Balboa inspired exercise montage over the weekend. Take a look!

Come tweet me on Twitter and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for indulging my self-promotion. Shall we return to #CPChatNow business?

Upon entering the #CPChatNow dialogue, Maysoon also answered my question about exciting projects.

Maysoon Zayid will soon star in her own sitcom I Can Can.News about Maysoon Zayid’s upcoming sitcom triggered our community’s curiosity. Just like the above screen shot shows! The questions flowed in and Maysoon kept pace with her answers.

Maysoon Zayid shares details about her upcoming sitcom I Can Can.In I Can Can Maysoon will play a Jersey girl who dreams about being on broadway.Maysoon Zayid eyes a September release for her sitcom I Can Can.Summarizing what we learned February 15th, Maysoon Zayid will star in her own romantic comedy sitcom titled I Can Can. She plays a Jersey girl with Broadway dreams. Given a September air date, expect more details to arrive shortly. As 2017 progresses I can surely envision the show becoming a popular talking point amidst our chats. Plus I’m confident along with my co-hosts Devin Axtman and Blake Henry we will keep you apprised on new details via the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page.

Outside I Can Can talk turned to serving as a role model. Community regular Hamda explained why she considers Maysoon a role model.

Maysoon Zayid gives her thoughts on being called a role model.By clarifying when the term “role model” bothers her, Maysoon brought up a key point. One I say we examine in-depth circa the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Answer “Who is your role model? Why?” Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.

Honestly I am guessing identity will stand a common reason for choosing role models. Seeing others similar to you rise above unfair misconceptions and stereotypes empowers. Regarding misconceptions, Maysoon named what she deems the biggest misconceptions Americans hold about Muslims.

Maysoon names the biggest misconceptions Americans possess about Muslims.Dispelling misconceptions albeit about Muslims or another group leads to a better world. Understanding different cultures improves ability to treat others respectfully. Such a code of conduct we should all strive for!

To wrap up let me one last time thank Maysoon Zayid for joining us Wednesday, February 15th, 2017. Tonight interim co-host Devin Axtman and I will announce our March 2017 focus chat. I hope you can stop in. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Until then remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

Keep the conversation going! Answer for this week's extend-the-conversation question "Who is your role model? Why?"“Who is your role model? Why?”

Respond in the “Comments” section below. Tweet you later.

Sincerely,

-Zachary

 

 

#CPChatNow Recap- 2-8-2017

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This week’s chat covered many topics: from upcoming announcements, to member’s ongoing activities, to a discussion of plans for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in March and effective awareness.  This just further illustrates the #CPChatNow community’s busy and active nature.

I am your Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you along on this week’s recap.  If you like what you see and haven’t joined in a chat yet, you can join us every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern.  We also do a monthly Google Hangout.

Next week is a busy week for #CPChatNow!  First, the awesome Maysoon Zayid will be leading a focus chat next Wednesday, the 15th.  Also, be sure to check out her amazing TED Talk on life with CP.

Zachary Fennell announces Maysoon Zayid will be leading a focus chat on 2/15

Zach announced February’s Google Hangout for Thursday the 16th

Zach announces the next #CPChatNow Google Hangout is February 16th

Talk soon shifted to difficulties and everyday stresses members were experiencing in their lives. Blemi is busy working on a benefit concert.

 

Blemi discussing the stresses she is experiencing in a planning a benefit concert

Zach soon asked if anyone had any plans for Cerebral Palsy Awareness month in March

Zach's tweet: Is anyone planning awareness initiatives with next month being National Developmental Disabilities/CP Awareness Month? #CPChatNow

This led to a discussion between Zach and I about what creates effective awareness.

Zach's 1st tweet: I think the key is pushing awareness beyond the CP community. Otherwise it's meaningless. Devin responded, "I think the key point is giving people things practical things they can do to improve things." Zach's 2nd tweet, "That's fair. "Raising awareness is a generic phrase. What does it really mean?" I responded, "Exactly. Give people concrete things they can do with their knowledge."

Finally, #CPChatNow member, Hamda Jamal, discussed her goal of having her own CP foundation in her home country one day to fill the void left by the lack of awareness organizations.

Hamada's 1st 2 tweets: At least you guys have foundations for almost every chronic condition. We have nothing but some awareness campaigns, that doesn't bring real change, we need empowering actions. Zach thanked her for her insights. I feel like us in the states can take what we have for granted. Hamada responded, maybe I have my own CP foundation one day. It's one of my dreams.

Picture of a sunset. White letters: What do you feel is necessary for effective disability awareness? Extend-The-Conversation Question White #CPChatNow logoNow for this week’s extend-the-conversation question: What do you feel is necessary for effective disability awareness?  Please post some things you feel are necessary in the comments.

 

Thanks for reading and your interest in #CPChatNow.

Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-01-2017

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Various topics arose Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 during our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to summarize everything up into a neat, easy to read recap. Hopefully you enjoyed last week’s recap, compiled by interim co-host Devin Axtman.

Devin continues to fill in admirably for co-host Blake Henry while Blake studies abroad. Tweets from Blake with the hashtag CPChatNow indicates our community remains on his mind. Although due to the time difference, said tweets come outside chat hours. So I thought to begin our February 1st chat by retweeting Blake’s latest update.

Zachary retweets Blake's latest update from Spain.Early on in the chat I also announced the date for our February Google Hangout. This led to some jokes.

#CPChatNow's February 2017 Google Hangout will be Thursday, February 16th.To fully appreciate the echoing humor, you needed to attend our January Google Hangout. Make sure you find your place on the Hangout invite list. Send a DM to Devin and/or me to request receiving the Hangout link Thursday, February 16th.

Usually around 8:30pm ET participants multi-task, contributing to our conversation and watching Speechless. ABC airing a Speechless rerun caused disappointment.

Hannah is bummed to find Speechless a repeat.My interim co-host Devin questioned the broadcasting strategy where you air reruns in consecutive weeks.

Devin thinks airing reruns multiple weeks in a row could cause confusion to viewers.Community regular Hannah pointed out such a strategy seeks to garner a show new viewers. Still, she agreed with Devin.

Meanwhile participant Jen Coventry, after a long day, arrived late to the chat. A fall on ice landed her in the ER. The situation left me referencing a comment I made two weeks ago. I joked we should all move to Tucson, Arizona and establish a snow-free society.

Snow can be very dangerous to the CP community. Jen's fall offers one example.Injuries soon became the dialogue’s concentration.

#CPChatNow participants recall the worst injuries they have endured.Jen's worst injury was an infection.Time to keep the conversation going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What is the worst injury you’ve had to endure?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Another noteworthy topic that emerged during the February 1st chat involved startle reflex.

Jen Coventry didn't always know startle reflex was connected to cerebral palsy.Both Jens’ comments illustrates how knowing others with cerebral palsy aids in better understanding your own cerebral palsy. Perhaps you will learn something regarding your cerebral palsy tonight. Join us on Twitter starting at 8pm ET. First though, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What is the worst injury you've had to endure?" “What is the worst injury you’ve had to endure?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section below.

Tweet you later,

-Zachary