Author Archives: zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-01-2023

Posted on by

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 mentions March is Disability Awareness Month.

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.

In addition to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, March also gets recognized as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Women's History Month.

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.

Devin tweets about National Wheelchair Day

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.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss what makes a decision a good decision.

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 for the 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

Advertisement

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-15-2023

Posted on by

A casual night hanging with friends accurately describes the vibes emanating from the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 15th, 2023. In case you missed the chat, fear not! I, co-host Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you your weekly recap. Make yourself comfortable and let us revisit the fun.

Conversation from the previous week’s chat continued into Wednesday, February 15th.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss gaining weight as they get older.

In-particular we continued discussing what we missed most about childhood and our teenage years. Timmy answered, “Being able to eat whatever I want without gaining weight.”

Replying to Timmy, I said, “I must be lucky,” sharing how, “I am still at a point where I don’t gain weight.” Even in my mid-30s! Nevertheless, time will tell as Veronica warned, “I didn’t have a problem with gaining weight until I hit 44.”

Like time inevitably does, our night’s chatter progressed. My co-host Devin Axtman played a big part in establishing the casual and friendly atmosphere previously mentioned by asking our community about an interest many of us share.

Devin, Zachary, and Timmy talk baseball.

Devin asked, “Is anyone excited for whatever the sport we call baseball now with the new rules is to start?” I for one voiced my disapproval for the rule changes that have happened to baseball over the last few seasons. Devin agreed with my sentiments. Regarding the upcoming rule changes to shifts, Timmy commented, “Here’s my thoughts about the shift rule. Learn how to hit.”

For any additional commentary on baseball’s new rules, I will refer you to ESPN, Sports Illustrated, or other sports focused outlets. In the meantime, let us return to the fun night with friends that was our February 15th, 2023 chat.

Devin shares an opinion piece John Loeppky wrote for CBC.

Just how you might recommend an article or book to a friend, Devin shared with our community and gave his approval for an opinion piece disabled athlete John Loeppky wrote for CBC. Devin called the piece, “a great article,” but what do you think? Read the post, “OPINION: Let us be boring: Disabled people are more than heroes or objects of your pity,” and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What stands out most to you about John Loeppky’s CBC article?”

Read John Loeppky's CBC opinion piece and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "What stands out most to you about John Loeppky's CBC article?"

Answer below! Afterwards, set yourself a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-01-2023

Posted on by

The Wednesday tradition known as the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow kicked off a new month Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Based off the night’s discussion, I would say those in our community are remaining active.

Veronica is remaining active physically by enjoying app centered scavenger hunts.

For Veronica, her activity proved physical. She shared she walked over three miles in Phoenix the previous weekend. Meanwhile I remained active in a different way.

Zachary shares his latest blog post, "Disability Employment and the Role YOU Play."

My activity involved staying busy with tasks. For instance, publishing my latest blog post, “Disability Employment and the Role YOU Play.” Chat co-host Devin Axtman said he liked my post, while specificly mentioning, “I found the interview section interesting.” Devin also noted, “Although it is illegal to discriminate it(‘s) often hard to prove.” A point he went on to demonstrate.

Devin shares with #CPChatNow a video which demonstrates how discrimination is hard to prove.

To demonstrate, Devin shared a YouTube video from Joey Baer titled, “What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video.” The hidden camera video includes some appalling honesty from individuals who work in recruiting and human resources. Or, at least I find their honesty appalling. Form your own opinion and watch the video for yourself.

What do you think? Let us make this the extend-the-conversation question for the week. Go ahead and answer in the comments, “What did you think of Joey Baer’s ‘What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video’?”

Keeping the recap moving along, additionally our community stayed active by looking to the future.

#CPChatNow participants discuss ideas for new promotional graphics.

Glancing ahead, I asked who would be interested in having their photos included in new #CPChatNow promotional graphics. Material which would appear on our Facebook page banner and our website here. Timmy offered a great suggestion, saying “What really (would) be cool is if we use pictures of us doing what we love to do as a way to break preconceived ideas about cerebral palsy.” Stay tuned for more on that.

In the meantime, set yourself a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Additionally remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “What did you think of Joey Baer’s ‘What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video’?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What did you think of Joey Baer's 'What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video'?"

Respond below!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-25-2023

Posted on by

Every Wednesday people gather on Twitter to participate in the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Afterwards, my co-host Devin Axtman or I, Zachary Fenell, collect highlights to provide you a weekly recap. Below you will find the recap for the Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 chat. Welcome!

Our chat January 25th, 2023 started on an upbeat note.

Stephen starts the chat on an upbeat note by sharing exciting news.

Stephen, an enthusiastic member in our community, shared he will soon switch his days at the Exceptional Foundation. The change has Stephen excited. Exciting news always remains better when you have someone to share the news with. Or, in our case, a community to share the news with.

On a larger community scale, conversation turned to different issues the overall disability community faces.

Devin asks #CPChatNow about any difficulty they have faced flying with a disability.

One such issue includes air travel. Devin brought up the topic by retweeting Emily Ladau‘s tweet featuring a story VICE News did. Checkout the piece for yourself.

Within Devin’s retweet, he asked if anyone has had difficulty with air travel. Replying to his own question, Devin recalled, “Once my tire got stuck in an airport door and separated from the wheelchair rim. Luckily some passengers helped.” Meanwhile I expressed how connecting flights make me nervous because I worry about missing the connection.

Another topic discussed January 25th, 2023 I raised.

Devin and Zachary discuss accommodations they received in school for fire drills.

Thinking back to my school days, I asked the chat if anyone received advanced notice before a fire drill. Devin answered, “I did, but always wondered how practical it was.” Adding, “In a real one I wouldn’t.” Sentiments I responded to with a resounding, “Exactly!”

Although, I went on to note my IEP team worked to minimize needing to use the stairs during an emergency by keeping my classes on the first floor whenever possible. What about you? Answer for today’s extend-the-conversation question, “In school how did your IEP team plan for potential emergencies, like a fire?” Tell us in the comments!

Afterwards, set yourself a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answerer for the extend-the-conversation question, "In school how did your IEP team plan for potential emergencies, like a fire?"

Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-11-2023

Posted on by

Various topics came and went during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 11th, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Early on in the evening, communal vibes strongly emanated.

Hannah stops by #CPChatNow to say hi.

Long-time participant Hannah stopped in to say she missed us all, but physically she did not feel up to participating. I know I am not alone in looking forward to the next time Hannah joins us.

In the meantime, the chat went on.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow how frequently they stretch and what muscles they stretch the most.

To prompt discussion, I asked our community, “How often do you stretch? What muscles do you have to stretch the most?” My co-host Devin Axtman responded, “Not enough that’s for sure!” Admitting, “When I’m feeling tight.” Regarding what muscles he has to stretch the most, Devin said “hamstrings and Achilles mostly.”

Personally, I resonated with Devin’s experiences. Also admitting, “I know I should stretch daily but I also end up stretching when I get tight.” In retrospect stretching daily sounds like a good goal to set. Appropriate, because January 11th, 2023, talk turned to goal setting.

#CPChatNow participants offer advice on setting goals.

The goal setting subject arose after I asked our community, “Has anyone set goals for 2023 to help you be healthier?” Devin replied, “I feel like I’m not good at this. Anyone have tips for setting goals you stick with?”

Timmy and I offered similar advice. I recommended setting measurable goals. For example, in 2023 I am striving to drink two bottles of water for every cup of coffee I consume. Additionally, I suggested making your goal into a habit, noting, “Say you want to read more. Even reading 10 pages of a book a day will eventually add up.”

Simultaneously, Timmy advised, “Make it a habit or use the SMART approach.” Besides making a goal measurable, the SMART approach involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, realistic, and timely.

Another helpful tidbit emerged as the goal setting discussion progressed.

Zachary and Devin discus another key component to goal setting.

Through the dialogue, Devin revealed, “I will slip for a day and feel guilty and then not get back to it.” A temptation I know all too well. However, over time I learned, “The key is not beating yourself up over yesterday’s failures but rather focusing on righting the track today.” Put that wisdom on display and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What will you accomplish today?”

Share below! Then before going to work away on your goal, set a reminder to join us for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "What will you accomplish today?"

Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-28-2022

Posted on by

Participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gathered Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 for one last 2022 chat. Allow me, chat co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you more. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Discussion for the night included favorite presents received during the 2022 holiday season.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss favorite presents they received for the 2022 holiday season.

As you can see in the above screenshot, I introduced this topic. Replying to my question, Jen showed us a stuffed Gamer Stich. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman mentioned his wife gave him a really cool Cubs shirt. Responding to Devin, I noted one of my brothers gave me a Guardians 2022 postseason shirt.

Additionally, Timmy answered the question, showcasing the Garmin InReach given to him by his grandparents. Eventually though, like the holidays themselves, time passed and we moved on to others topics.

Stephen asks #CPChatNow if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers.

Stephen sparked insightful conversation by asking people if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers. Devin explained his preference, saying, “Wheelchair, it is way faster and I feel more stable. I don’t have to worry as much about terrain.”

On the contrary, Stephen voiced his preference for walkers, detailing, “I like walkers more because people do not have to push you.” Stephen’s comments led to further dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the pros and cons of wheelchairs and walkers.

Devin expressed understanding for Stephen’s preference, stating, “There’s definitely pluses and minuses and it also depends on the situation.” I seconded Devin’s thoughts, and added, “Another factor is how long a given activity is. If you have a full day ahead of you, something requiring less energy might be preferable.”

What do you think? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your preferred mobility device? Why?” Leave your answer in the comments section.

Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is your preferred mobility device? Why?"

Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-14-2022

Posted on by

Wednesday after Wednesday people in the cerebral palsy (CP) community gather on Twitter for the live weekly chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the chat from Wednesday, December 14th, 2022, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Let us get on with the recap!

An innate ability to understand each other remains one characteristic which has solidified our community. We showcased said understanding December 14th.

Timmy jokes about tripping on his way to the lab in the morning, but not spilling a drop of coffee.

Utilizing our hashtag, Timmy shared some humorous bad news and good news. The bad news, he tripped on his way to the lab in the morning. For the good news, Timmy revealed he did not spill a drop of his coffee! His comedic tweet received eight likes.

Transitioning to a more serious note, Stephen sparked dialogue with a question.

#CPChatNow participants answer Stephen's question, "What is the one thing that you (are) proud of this year?"

Stephen asked the chat, “What is the one thing you (are) proud of this year?” Veronica answered, “My youngest graduated from ASU.” Meanwhile, I stated, “The release of Slow and Cerebral, and the five five-star reviews Amazon readers have given the book.” Replying himself, Stephen shared his pride for, “going back to the exceptional foundation and my involvement in CPChatNow.”

As the night continued, discussion turned to seeing differences positively.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss how being different has been a good thing for them.

Admittedly, I brought up the topic when sharing a cartoon my uncle sent my way. Within the cartoon a single lopsided Christmas tree stands in a field alongside many tree stumps. A thought bubble with the words, “Hey! Maybe being different is a good thing!” hangs above the lopsided tree. Inspired by the comic, I asked, “How has being different been a good thing for you?”

Answering myself, I explained, “My differences have taught me the importance of representation. Plus CP and my physical inabilities led me to writing and where I am now.” AcquiDis also answered, saying, “Difference causes the individual to reflect of their own norms whether they be in relation to disability, gender, race.”

How about you? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “How has being different been a good thing for you?”

Answer below in the comments. Afterwards, set a reminder to join us every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

The extend-the-conversation question asks, "How has being different been a good thing for you?"

Celebrating Nine Years of Community!

Posted on by

Happy birthday to everyone in the #CPChatNow community! Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 marked nine years since our first ever Twitter chat. Hence my, #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, reference to December 3rd as our chat’s, “birthday.” Somebody else might prefer the traditional term, “anniversary.” No matter the terminology used, you will probably agree nine years together remains an occasion to celebrate.

Such a celebration has occurred over the last month too. Despite my co-host Devin Axtman and I not getting out our weekly recaps, the chat continues to meet each Wednesday on Twitter, 8pm ET. On Wednesday, November 23rd I mentioned the upcoming nine-year milestone.

Zachary and Chris are wowed by the fact #CPChatNow has been around for nine years.

The fact nine years has passed since our community’s first chat, wowed an enthusiastic fixture in our community, Chris. Reacting to the milestone, Chris tweeted, “9!?!?! Omg! I guess it has been, but wow!” Retweeting Chris’s response, I thanked everyone who has given our community staying power. Those individuals include both long-time community members and new faces. One new face in-particular shared his own #CPChatNow milestone.

#CPChatNow celebrates Stephen's one year anniversary as part of the community.

During the chat Wednesday, November 16th Stephen reminisced about being a part of #CPChatNow for one year. Belonging to our community can prove transformative. A notion supported by conversation held during our weekly chat Wednesday, November 30th.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow participants to fill in the blank and answer, "Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more (blank)."
Zachary and Devin discuss further ways #CPChatNow has impacted their lives.

With December 3rd approaching, I asked the community to fill in the blank and answer, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more _____.” Devin replied, saying our community has made him more, “confident in my disability identity.” Devin would go on to discuss how #CPChatNow has allowed us to meet, “super cool people that have done stuff with CP,” and “meet people (with CP) all over the country and even the world.”

What about you? Keep the conversation going, and fill in the blank. “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ________.” Even if you do not participate in the actual Twitter chat, feel free to answer. If you read the recaps, you are part of our community. Let us know what about the recaps keeps bringing you back.

Beyond celebrating the past nine years, our community took time to contemplate our future.

Zachary asks participants if they have any concerns about Twitter's future.

Jen answers if she has any concerns about Twitter's new ownership.

Considering Twitter serves as our main platform and 2022 saw a big change in Twitter’s ownership, on Wednesday, November 9th I asked members if anyone had concerns about the platform’s future. Both Chris and Jen expressed concern Twitter will cost money to use. Chris added he, “joined Mastodon just in case Twitter stops being free to use.”

Though, as long as Twitter stays free, you can count on joining us each and every Wednesday on the platform. The fun starts at 8pm ET. Before then, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______.” Fill in the blank below!

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

-Zachary

Fill in the blank to answer the extend-the-conversation question, "Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______."

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-26-2022

Posted on by

Like trick-or-treaters going door to door Halloween night, various topics came and went Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 during the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Early in the evening participants discussed Halloween.

Hannah shares Halloween memories with the #CPChatNow community.

Beloved community member Hannah did not let a painful week stop her from popping into the chat and sharing Halloween memories. Such memories included dressing up one year as Tigger, using a red wagon to make Halloween accessible, and being a “voter” for Halloween in 2014.

Continuing the Halloween theme, participants discussed their plans for October 31st this year (2022).

Devin and Zachary discuss any plans for Halloween 2022.

This conversation I initiated by asking if anyone had Halloween plans. My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “Can’t say I do.” Meanwhile I expressed my contemplation to dress up as Bryan Cranston’s Breaking Bad character as a low key costume for work. Between my recently shaved head and goatee, I could easily pull off the character. At least, if I did not wear a face mask at work. Since I do though, the visual would get messed up. My explanation intrigued Devin.

#CPChatNow participants go from discussing costumes to another type of mask, face masks.

Curious, Devin asked me if people still wore face masks, noting, “Nobody wears them in Texas.”

Veronica responded, saying, “Very few wear them in AZ (Arizona) except doctor offices.”

Chris and I also piped up, stating in our respective areas some still wear face masks.

Additionally, we all weighed in on another subject.

Discussion turns to falls, fall alert systems, and phones.

Planning for her own wellbeing, Chris admitted, “I also clearly need a fall alert thing.” The comment segued to us discussing emergency features on phones. Veronica recalled seeing a news story recently about new iPhones accidently having their emergency feature tripped on roller coasters, wondering if she too will set it off. Devin shared that happened to him once, leading him to frantically reach out to his emergency contacts to ensure them he was fine.

What about you? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “Have you ever accidently set off the emergency feature on your phone? If so, what happened?” Respond below in the comments.

Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

The extend-the-conversation question asks, "Have you ever accidently set off the emergency feature on your phone? If so, what happened?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-12-2022

Posted on by

Participants who joined the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 enjoyed an engaging night of conversation. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Early in the evening our community bonded over different interests.

Participants in the #CPChatNow community bond over mascot Gritty appearing at WWE Extreme Rules.

My co-host Devin Axtman asked long-time regular and mascot enthusiast Jen, if she saw that Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty appeared at WWE Extreme Rules. Knowing Devin and I like wrestling Jen replied, “That’s what I was gonna show y’all.”

Such an ability to connect over interests outside CP helps reinforce our community’s roots. Although, the conversation did naturally transition to CP-related matters.

Those in the #CPChatNow community discuss a current events article about brothers Pierce and Leo Olsen.

Cerebral palsy centered dialogue sparked after I shared a recent story from patch.com, “NJ Teen Got His Little Brother, With Cerebral Palsy, On Football Team.” Devin related to the story, recalling, “That’s exactly what I did, help with film!”

Meanwhile, Chris approached the article skeptically. Her skepticism revolving around the headline’s “inspirational porn” feel. This concern left me posing a question.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow participants to come up with a better title for the article about the Olsen brothers.

In the spirit of fun I asked everyone, “What headline would you have given the story?” Devin suggested, “A Team Adds to a Brotherhood.” Then Devin put the pressure on me, pointing out, “You’re the writer Zach.”

Zachary shares his headline for the article about the Olsen brothers.

For a suggested headline, I recommended, “Teen Brothers Become Unlikely Teammates.” What about you though? Checkout the piece about Pierce and Leo Olsen and then answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What headline would you give the news story about the Olsen brothers?“

Leave your answer in the “Comments.” Afterwards, make sure you set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The chat begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

For this week's extend-the-conversation question, let us know, "What headline would you give the news story about the Olsen brothers?"
Answer below!