With another Wednesday flying by, so too came a new #CPChatNow, your live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat. Flying actually proved a main discussion point Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to tell you more via your weekly recap. Prepare for take off!

Long-time regular Hannah Pike locked coordinates onto the flying topic by asking a question.

Hannah asked the community to share any flying advice. I suggested giving yourself plenty of time to get to your gate. Then I followed up, interested in knowing what mobility devices Hannah plans to bring along. When she mentioned bringing her manual wheelchair, I suggested she listened to Handicap This’ podcast episode discussing traveling in a wheelchair.

Additionally my co-host Devin Axtman offered his firsthand airport experiences.

Like me, Devin recommended giving yourself more time than you think you need. He also advised checking your wheelchair at the gate, labeling your chair, taking the seat cushion with you, and avoiding revolving doors. A fellow long-time regular Blemi added her own suggestion.

Blemi encouraged Hannah to pre-board when they call anyone who requires more time or extra assistance. Hannah noted she usually struggles to accept such help, but plans to this time around. Blemi empathized, saying she use to resist as well. Devin meanwhile said he uses all the perks, including one nobody else seemed to know existed!

Devin noted you can get assistance getting your luggage off the carousel by saying at the gate you will need help. Welcoming information to Blemi, who previously asked random people to assist her! A move in hindsight she deemed “not the smartest move on my part.” Hannah admitted she probably would’ve done the same without Devin’s insights. Devin credited his wisdom to learning the hard way.

Memories resurfaced while Devin detailed how he learned the hard way. The story sounded familiar to both Hannah and me. Remembering Devin’s bad airport experience triggered a realization. Our community will turn FIVE YEARS OLD come December! Looking to reminisce, I posed a question.

I asked participants to recall any specific fond #CPChatNow memories. Rather than naming specifics, Shira recalled how #CPChatNow lessened her feeling alone. Personally, my mind went to a particular train of thought.

Over the years the train joke, based off a story Hannah told, continues chugging along. Do not derail the conversation. Keep the dialogue going by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Do you have specific fond memories of #CPChatNow?” 

Comment below to reply. Afterwards come create new memories by joining #CPChatNow every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts boarding at 8pm ET!

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

-Zachary