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?”

Answer below.

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

-Zachary