This past week in #CPChatNow was buzzing as always. Members discussed having COVID, annoying comments they receive in public, and their goals for the rest of 2022. 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 share a story that Spectrum 1 News in Cleveland did about #CPChatNow co-host, Zachary Fennell, that I was happy to participate in. The story was about his time as a marathoner and his book Slow and Cerebral.
Next, various members have discussed issues they are having with COVID. I discussed the difficulties with my lingering cough and balance.
Next, Zach talked about member’s goals for the rest of the year:
Finally, Zach asked how often members experience annoying comments about their disability.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation-Question: What are your strategies for dealing with annoying comments? Please join us tonight on Twitter at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern!
Accessibility emerged as a dominant theme during the weekly cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, July 6th, 2022. Let me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you more. Consider this your boarding call to hop aboard the recap train. Choo, choo!
On second thought, I should probably refrain from using a train reference here. I say that since I am a week late posting this recap. Enough dwelling over metaphorical details, though. We do not want our focus to derail.
Long-time chat regular Blemi put us on the accessibility track when she mentioned spending the weekend at her mother’s place, also known as Blemi’s childhood home. Blemi even filmed a tour for her YouTube channel. Seeing how the video initiated a lot of the conversation for the July 6th, 2022 chat, I will go ahead and embed the video below.
After watching Blemi’s video, I posed a question to the group.
I asked participants what steps (no pun intended) were taken to make their homes, either childhood or current, more disability friendly. Both Grace and my co-host Devin Axtman mentioned grab bars and railings in their answers. Additionally, Devin said a detachable shower head.
Meanwhile Grace had an adapted walk-in shower replace an old shower/tub combo. What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What steps were taken to make your home, either childhood or current, more disability friendly?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.
As the discussion continued, participants made an interesting observation about making homes more accessible.
Devin recalled going to his grandparents’ house and observing how much more accessible the house is now compared to the last time he visited. The cause for the change came from Devin’s grandma needing stuff for her cancer battle.
Between Devin’s comments and insights Blemi shared in her video, I drew a conclusion about accessibility. That conclusion, “Accessibility is evergreen. Even if you don’t have any issues today, life can change just like that.”
Do you agree? Speak up in the “Comments” while answering the extend-the-conversation question. Again, the question asks “What steps were taken to make your home, either childhood or current, more disability friendly?”
Once you answer, mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was bustling as always. Members discussed their upcoming book signing, startle reflex from fireworks, and difficulties of getting employers to accept accommodations. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, Zach talked about an upcoming book signing for his awesome book, Slow and Cerebral.
Next, members talked about Involuntary Startle Reflex Day, the 4th of July, and their plans for the fireworks.
Finally, members talked about the difficulty of getting employers to recognize and accept accommodations:
This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How do you best advocate for yourself?
Thanks for reading and please join us on Twitter at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern.
Wednesday after Wednesday participants in the weekly cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoy a caring and understanding environment. Such traits remained on display Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!
First though, allow me to apologize for the tardy recap. Rather than wasting more time explaining the recap’s lateness, perhaps I should just get into the highlights from the June 22nd, 2022 chat. Shall we?
Seeking to start the night off on a positive note, I asked participants to share a highlight from the previous week. Blemi unfortunately reported, “No highlights this week.” She would go on to explain, “It’s been a tough few ones.”
Hannah ended up expressing similar sentiments, indicating Hannah also had no highlights for the week. However, the two did provide each other support. Blemi in-particular reminded everyone, “It’s okay to not be okay too.”
As the dialogue continued, participants discovered a momentary escape from their woes through discussing other subjects.
Daring to delve into a “controversial topic,” Hannah shared her new rainbow Mickey crocs. The footwear reminds her of her late father. Plus, Hannah noted the green Mickey, “made me think of y’all.”
Others responded, sharing their own love for crocs. Blemi detailing she has, “pink sparkly crocs.” Meanwhile Chris said her crocs are green. More importantly, Chris added, “If I’m having a bad spasticity day they’re all I can wear.” Further reason to heed Blemi’s call to, “rock the crocs!”
Keeping the conversation rocking ahead, focus turned to important cerebral palsy research.
In addition to webinars like the above one, Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) has a program called MyCP. Chris shared a link with more information. Take a look for yourself and decide if the MyCP program might interest you.
Also, keep the discussion going by watching the webinar and answering for the extend-the-conversation question, “What was your main takeaway from the ‘Grip Strength and Body Composition in Cerebral Palsy Webinar’?” Answer below!
Afterwards mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
#CPChatNow 