Every Wednesday people in the cerebral palsy (CP) community gather on X for the weekly chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the discussion from Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Come aboard and join me for your weekly recap.

As participants welcomed in the new month, chatter turned to calendar orientated occasions. A holiday like July Fourth, but also more.

That more included Disability Pride Month. Curious, I asked the chat how much they know about Disability Pride Month. My co-host Devin Axtman admitted, “Well, I didn’t know it was Disability Pride Month to start. I know about the (Disability Pride) flag though.”

Meanwhile Veronica shared a Cerebral Palsy Alliance graphic explaining, “Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July as a result of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law on July 26, 1990. It celebrates inclusion and the experiences of all disabled people.”

Delving further into specifics I referenced a post I read from The Arc, “Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month.” Information from the post led me to pose a question to our community.

In-particular I highlighted from The Arc post the 2024 theme for Disability Pride Month, “We want a life like yours.” As The Arc notes, the theme “reflects the disability community’s dreams for life experiences that they are too often denied.” Playing off that, I asked, “What experiences have you been denied due to CP?”

Veronica responded, “I was denied a letter for sports. My youngest got one for academic excellence. I wish my high school had that option.” Sports ended up proving a common theme as both Devin and I mentioned not getting the chance to play sports like we wanted. How about you though? Keep the conversation going and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What experiences have you been denied due to CP?”

Answer below in the “Comments” section. Afterwards, set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary