Author Archives: zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-27-2019

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Before gathering with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gathered on Twitter Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 for our weekly chat. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Long-time readers could easily guess how I plan to tell you more. Yes, your weekly recap!

First though, I wish to recognize a recent community milestone.

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 marked #CPChatNow's six-year anniversary!
Participants wish each other a happy anniversary.

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 marked our community’s six-year anniversary. Six years! A feat only made possible thanks to all our participants over the years. Without you, #CPChatNow does not work. So thank you!

Fittingly on Wednesday, November 27th co-host Devin Axtman made a reference dating back to the chat’s early years.

References from #CPChatNow's early years continue to live on!

Devin mentioned the “CP Olympics.” In the community’s early years we designated ordinary tasks cerebral palsy makes difficult as events in the “CP Olympics.” In my response to Devin’s tweet, I alluded to another long-running #CPChatNow joke. Hannah‘s train story! That story continues to chug along. Choo-choo!

Anyways Wednesday, November 27th featured subject matters beyond community flashbacks. In-particular I asked a question.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow about their favorite CP or disability related quote.
Devin gives backstory to his favorite disability related quote.

I wanted to know what people’s favorite CP or disability related quotes are. Long-time regular Blemi shared her favorite quote “Never give up on your dreams.” The message carries personal meaning to Blemi because Rick Hansen wrote the quote down for her on a Post-it note.

Meanwhile Devin said his favorite disability related quote goes like this. “My other disability is a bad attitude.” He could not pinpoint the quote’s origin but explained the quote remains a play off the oversimplified statement “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

What about you? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your favorite CP/disability related quote?” Leave your response in the “Comments.”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What is your favorite CP/disability related quote?"

If you enjoy answering the extend-the-conversation question, come join the conversation live! #CPChatNow happens every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET. Come help us make new memories as we enter the chat’s seventh year.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-20-2019

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A certain familiarity takes over Wednesdays for those who participate in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Wednesday, November 20th proved no different. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

In addition to our usual weekly chat, November 20th marked co-host Devin Axtman’s birthday. Although quite exhausted, long-time chat regular Hannah made sure to stop by to wish Devin a happy birthday.

Participants enjoy a certain sense of familiarity every Wednesday night.

Fellow long-time regular Blemi, along with Devin and I all responded mentioning we miss Hannah. Furthermore Blemi suggested, if possible, Hannah try acupuncture. Blemi discussed recently starting acupuncture and as a result enjoying more energy.

Besides renewed energy levels, Blemi discussed a second newfound discovery. Breaking Bad!

#CPChatNow participants discuss RJ Mitte's character on Breaking Bad.

Naturally the Breaking Bad discussion led to talk about RJ Mitte’s character, Walter White Jr. Blemi liked how the show incorporated cerebral palsy without making the condition a big deal. Her comments interested me since earlier this year I read Zach Anner’s book If At Birth You Don’t Succeed. Within Anner critiqued Breaking Bad, feeling the show did not develop the Walter White Jr. character enough. Personally, I hold no opinion because I never watched an episode.

The Breaking Bad conversation also left Devin remembering the time he met RJ Mitte at a school event. In-particular Devin recalled talking orthotics with Mitte.

Speaking of talking to a cerebral palsy celebrity, I brought up a known name who possesses ties to our community.

Zachary and Devin discuss Maysoon's recently released audiobook Find Another Dream.

Back on Thursday, October 31st Maysoon Zayid released her audiobook Find Another Dream. I asked if anyone read the book yet. Devin shared Find Another Dream remains next on his list.

In addition to Zayid’s book release, another current event arose during the night’s dialogue.

Zachary brings up the #DisorderedNotDrunk campaign.

AtaxiaUK’s #DisorderedNotDrunk campaign received a boost in attention when onlookers mistook Emmrdale actor James Moore’s cerebral palsy for drunkenness. The campaign asks people to share their stories about being mistaken for being drunk. I asked if anyone had a similar story. Grace said she had that happen all the time to her in college. What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “When was a time somebody mistook your cerebral palsy for drunkenness?”

Comment below to answer. Additionally post your answers to your various social media accounts. Remember to use the hashtag #DisorderedNotDrunk too.

While remembering hashtags, remember to use our hashtag “#CPChatNow” to join the fun on Twitter. #CPChatNow happens every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "When was a time somebody mistook your cerebral palsy for drunkenness?"
Leave your answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-06-2019

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Election Day in the United States came and went, but Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow maintained focus on issues. To tell you more I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Like always, I will do that via your weekly recap.

Voting accessibility arose in conversation when I asked participants what their accessibility needs for voting are.

#CPChatNow participants discuss voting accessibility.

As my co-host Devin Axtman pointed out, accessibility at polling places is a huge problem. This left our own “Positivity Princess” Linds to ask if there were assistance signs outside where you can call for help. Devin answered yes, but still noted the problematic nature. Too many polling places are located in non-accessible buildings. You cannot help someone unable to enter the building.

Devin’s comments left me wondering how such buildings could be chosen as voting locations. Swiftly the dialogue transitioned to another important subject.

Voting accessibility conversation transitions to talk about the importance of representation.

Using a single hashtag Linds summarized the problem, #ThingsNoOneThinksAbout. Devin furthered her point, giving a real life example he recently experienced. His apartment built a new sidewalk out to the train station, but without a curb cut.

In my opinion Devin and Linds’ comments emphasizes the importance of representation. The decision making process needs to feature diverse voices. Such voices will ensure items like curb cuts no longer go overlooked.

Meanwhile on an encouraging note long-time chat regular Hannah gave a glowing review for her polling place.

Hannah was genuinely impressed with her polling place's accessibility.

Hannah stated her polling place’s accessibility genuinely impressed her. What about your voting experience? Keep the conversation going! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How is the accessibility at your polling place?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Maybe concerns over your polling place’s accessibility led you to speak out, teaching you to advocate for yourself. Similar learning moments highlighted our chat November 6th.

#CPChatNow participants share the moment they learned to advocate for themselves.
Hannah talks about the moment she learned to advocate for herself.

Moments when participants learned to advocate for themselves varied. Both Devin and long-time chat regular Blemi recalled their first real self-advocacy moments happening in high school. Linds remembered connecting with someone locally from Easter Seals and realizing she was already advocating for herself. Elsewhere Hannah learned to advocate for herself quite young, needing to persist that her bus driver drop her off at her house, not the end of the street.

If the highlights above intrigued you, consider joining the conversation live. Our Twitter chat takes place every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Simply include the hashtag “#CPChatNow” in your tweets. Anyone not on Twitter can enjoy our community by following our Facebook fan page and/or answering the weekly extend-the-conversation question. Again, this week’s question asks “How is the accessibility at your polling place?” Comment below with your answer.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "How is the accessibility at your polling place?"
Leave your answer in the “Comments.”

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-23-2019

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Shared experiences captivated the discussion Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell here to tell you more. The best way I know how too. Your weekly recap!

Early in the night I mentioned feeling a bit under the weather due to a cold. This led long-time chat regular Blemi to ask a question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss whether cold medicine affects their spasticity.

Blemi wondered whether cold medicine affects my spasticity. I answered no, but noted I must take non-drowsy medications. Drowsy cold medicines do not mix well with my baclofen.

Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman provided Blemi reassurance, saying cold medicine impacts his spasticity. What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Do you find cold medicine really affects your spasticity?”

The usual routine applies. Leave your response in the “Comments” section. First though, let us continue recapping the October 23rd Twitter chat.

Devin asks #CPChatNow, "What situations have you avoided because of your CP that people without haven't?"

Devin fueled the conversation asking participants to share situations they avoid because of CP. Responses truly varied. Our own “Positivity Princess” Linds said riding a bike.

Heather likes to avoid standing and mingling and eating or drinking at the same time.
Blemi tries avoiding situations where she doesn't know if there will be parking off the street. Plus scenarios in people's homes where she doesn't know if they have railings.

Both Heather and Blemi offered different answers. Heather said she avoids situations involving standing and mingling and eating or drinking simultaneously. Surely a trying balancing act when factoring in CP!

Concurrently Blemi raised issues surrounding parking and handrails. Specifically she said she avoids situations where she doesn’t know if there will be parking off of the street. The same avoidance applies to entering homes where she doesn’t know if people have railings.

Avoiding all the above situations remains understandable. However, there stands no reason to avoid answering the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again, this week’s question asks “Do you find cold medicine really affects your spasticity?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Do you find cold medicine really affects your spasticity?"

Reply below to answer. Then set a calendar reminder for 8pm ET every Wednesday. That way you may join the conversation LIVE. Share your own experiences. Enjoy the community. Simply click here at 8pm ET and include “#CPChatNow” in your tweets.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-09-2019

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Curiosity roared throughout the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, October 9th, 2019. Here to tell you more, I am co-host Zachary Fenell. Let the recapping begin!

Early in the evening I posed a question. Originally I saw the question asked in a cerebral palsy related Facebook group I belong to.

Zachary shares a question he first saw a mother ask in a cerebral palsy Facebook group.

Within said Facebook group, a mother wanted input on what others consider the best ramp material. Both chat regular Seth and my co-host Devin Axtman deemed metal the best material for a personal ramp. Information I relayed back to that Facebook group.

Elsewhere in our chat Devin raised a thought provoking question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss whether they find World CP Day helpful.

Saturday, October 5th, 2019 marked World CP Day 2019. The recently passed date left Devin asking if we find such days helpful or if all the awareness (World CP Day, CP Awareness Month, National CP Awareness Day) blends in together. Long-time chat regular Blemi said she thinks the occasion is just another way to spread “inspirational porn.” Devin agreed, saying a lot of World CP Day comes across as cliché or just checking a box. I added my thoughts too.

Zachary gives his input on cerebral palsy awareness.

Personally, I believe there remains no such thing as too much awareness. However, I indicated awareness should possess tangible substance. Otherwise you simply end up with awareness as a buzzword. Devin agreed, hitting what I consider an essential point. “Make it (awareness) something people can do something about.”

What do you think? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Do you find things like World CP Day helpful?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Another intriguing topic arose October 9th when I asked participants about their exercise habits.

Jeni and Zachary discuss their exercise habits.

Specifically I wondered how often people exercised. Jeni showed impressive frequency, explaining she exercises five or six days a week, about 90 minutes at a time. Her exercise regimen has led her to experience less spasms. Others merely find living life with cerebral palsy enough of a workout.

Blemi explains why she doesn't exercise.

Blemi explained she never exercises because she lacks the energy. Daily life and working full-time proves her workout.

Besides a physical workout, exercise that mind by remembering to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Do you find things like World CP Day helpful?”

Respond below! Then double check your calendar. Make sure you write in #CPChatNow, every Wednesday on Twitter starting at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Do you find things like World CP Day helpful?"
Comment below and answer!

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-18-2019

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A recent news story helped inspire conversation during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, September 18th, 2019. Here with the full report, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. By “full report” I mean your weekly recap. Let the recapping begin!

Early in the night a familiar face resurfaced.

Linds makes her return to #CPChatNow.

After a short hiatus Linds returned to #CPChatNow! Over the years within our community Linds picked up the nickname “Positivity Princess.” Hearing her health upsets now remain stable provided positive vibes.

The optimism continued flowing when I asked a question.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow to fill in the blank for "Cerebral palsy has made me..."
Zachary and Grace discuss CP making them dedicated, stubborn, and determined.

I asked participants to fill in the blank and answer “Cerebral palsy has made me…” Co-host Devin Axtman said CP has made him mentally tough. Meanwhile I replied to my own question, saying CP has made me dedicated. Grace offered a similar reply, crediting cerebral palsy for making her stubborn and determined.

What about you? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Cerebral palsy has made me (Blank).” Leave your answer in the “Comment” section.

Another question I asked Wednesday, September 18th, I based off a recent news story I shared “Arvada boy walks thanks to school resource officer.”

#CPChatNow participants share a time someone went above and beyond for them.

Basically the article highlights a school resource officer who went above and beyond to help a student with cerebral palsy. Therefore I asked participants to share a time someone went above and beyond for them. Devin could not just name one occasion. Instead he expressed how fortunate he feels having an amazing support system.

Blemi highlighted a particular pillar in her support system, her mom. Keeping to the mother-daughter theme, Veronica answered saying the time her daughter got her friends to wear green for CP awareness.

Speaking of awareness, thank you Tinu for helping to spread awareness about #CPChatNow and other disability related Twitter chats.

Tinu tweets out about disability related Twitter chats, including #CPChatNow!

Our chat happens every Wednesday. I hope to tweet you soon. Before then though, don’t forget to answer the extend-the-conversation question. “Cerebral palsy has made me (Blank).”

This week's extend-the-conversation question is a fill in the blank question. "Cerebral palsy has made me (blank)."
Answer in the “Comments.”

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-04-2019

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Alongside each Wednesday comes community, at least for participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to the September 4th, 2019 #CPChatNow recap. The night began on a celebratory note.

Devin and Zachary wish Jen a happy birthday.

My co-host Devin Axtman started the night by wishing long-time chat regular Jen a happy birthday. Jen would respond, letting us know she indeed enjoyed a happy day.

Jen celebrated her birthday by going to the zoo!

Jen celebrated her birthday by going to the zoo! She even captured a cool video featuring a penguin. Unfortunately, another long-time chat regular experienced a much less fun day.

Health woes continue plaguing beloved #CPChatNow member Hannah. She described her last two years as “constantly fighting.” No matter how long the fight lasts, our community will remain in her corner.

Elsewhere in the chat I asked participants to give me feedback on potential shirt designs.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow for input on potential shirt designs.

Personally, I am looking to release a shirt promoting a message I find especially meaningful. If you read my recaps before, you heard the message because I end my recaps with these words. “Don’t blend in. Blend out!”

Responding, participant Jeni said she liked the second option. Beyond the message, Jeni liked that the design contains Seahawks colors. She reasoned those colors would draw a lot of attention. Plus irritate her sister, a 49ers fan!

Sports and team rivalries provide a great way to develop connections and friendships. Although, any common interest would do the same. For example, most in the chat know Devin, myself, and a few others share an interest in wrestling.

Devin and Zachary talk professional wrestling.

What about you? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is an interest that has helped you develop friendships?” Respond below in the “Comments.”

Then add our Twitter chat to your weekly schedule. The chat happens every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. I hope to tweet you soon.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What is an interest that has helped you develop friendships?"
Answer in the comments below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-21-2019

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Wednesdays equal appointment tweeting, at least for participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. In my opinion the best way to demonstrate the appointment tweeting concept remains delivering you your weekly recap.

Since everyone begins gathering at 8pm ET, you can expect almost immediate responses to your tweets. Such quick response time helps to build a bond between those who contribute to the dialogue. For example, take a look at how others responded to a humorous story my co-host Devin Axtman shared.

Members in #CPChatNow bond over similar experiences.

Devin brought up a Lyft driver who recognized Devin’s cerebral palsy. The driver’s familiarity with CP stemmed from a family member having the “Palsy.” The tale gave me flashbacks to college when a peer saw my movements and asked a similar question. Like long-time chat regular Blemi observed, “People who know. Know.”

Another attribute which makes #CPChatNow appointment tweeting involves the life updates. Each week chat regulars share the happenings in their lives. On Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 Shira shared an awesome development.

Shira shares an exciting life update with #CPChatNow.

Shira recently learned every week her college brings in therapy dogs for de-stressing. Devin mentioned the college he works for does the same during finals, an especially stressful time! Unfortunately, stress knows no bounds. Whether school or life, you can easily become stressed. Hence the importance to find an outlet to relieve your anxiety. With that said, answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How do you relieve stress?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. Then afterwards make sure to add #CPChatNow to your weekly calendar. The Twitter chat takes place every Wednesday, beginning at 8pm ET. Include the hashtag in your tweets and join the conversation! I hope to tweet you soon.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How do you relieve stress?"
Leave your answer in the “Comments” section below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-07-2019

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Every Wednesday participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoy camaraderie. They celebrate each other’s successes and offer empathy during challenging times. Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 proved no different. To tell you more, I am co-host Zachary Fenell.

Shortly after 8pm ET members began joining the conversation.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the Canadian holiday Heritage Days.

A holiday weekend caused long-time chat regular Blemi to almost miss the chat. Thankfully her mind reminded her that yes indeed, the day is Wednesday. I inquired about the reason for her long weekend and she explained the Canadian holiday Heritage Days. The holiday celebrates the different cultures and customs that make up Canada.

Meanwhile a fellow long-time chat regular Hannah looked ahead to another celebration.

Hannah receives early "Happy Birthday" wishes from #CPChatNow.

Although she felt rough, Hannah stopped by to say hi. With her birthday days away Hannah hoped to feel better next week. My co-host Devin Axtman wished Hannah an early happy birthday.

To keep the celebratory birthday theme going, answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is the most memorable birthday gift you have ever received?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Continuing on, the reasons to celebrate kept piling up.

The co-host formerly known as Blake finds himself on Blake Street.

Co-host Jorge Oteiza, also known as Blake Henry, apparently came across a street named after him. Ha, ha!

Resuming seriousness though, passionate chat regular Chris possessed a great reason to celebrate.

Chris shares an exciting life update.

In some exciting news Chris shared she will start grad school October 1st. She plans to study instructional design. Fantastic!

I bet “Fantastic!” additionally works to describe your answer to the extend-the-conversation question. Again, this week’s question asks, “What is the most memorable birthday gift you have ever received?”

Share below in the “Comments” section. Then mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET!

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What is the most memorable birthday gift you have ever received?"
Respond by commenting below.

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-24-2019

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Wednesday, July 24th, 2019 participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow displayed a problem solving attitude. Tasks CP can make difficult arose during the conversation. Others responded, suggesting potential solutions. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to tell you more the best way I know how. Through your weekly recap!

Long-time chat regular Blemi shared earlier in the day a spastic moment while using a knife almost sent her to the ER. This left me curious. So I asked participants to share their worst experience with a knife.

#CPChatNow participants discuss knife safety.

Veteran knife user Jake Jordan also showed curiosity. Though, his interest involved wondering what Blemi was cutting and with what type of knife. Those answers would help identify whether she could use a safer tool in the future.

Additionally Jake offered safety tips for using a knife. One such tip, cut away from yourself. A sentiment Blemi echoed, saying “Ya always cut away from yourself!”

Speaking up, I said I can find cutting away from myself challenging. To give an example, I mentioned cutting a roll. Jake countered, advising I hold the roll on its side and cut downwards. Plus he noted to use the proper knife, a serrated one. With a serrated knife, you should apply as little force as possible.

While Jake proved quite knowledgeable about knives, our community also received wisdom from another participant.

Veronica gives some advice about cutting food.

Veronica enjoyed a pleasant realization that although she cooks a lot, she has managed not to cut herself. She attributes the success to doubling or tripling prep time. An excellent idea!

As Veronica and I continued talking, she revealed another useful tidbit. At a restaurant they will cut your food in the kitchen if you ask! Good to know, right?

Beyond cutting food, a second CP challenge surfaced amidst the dialogue.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss changing bedding.

I momentarily excused myself to finish up some laundry, which I warned included bed sheets. Or, as my co-host Devin Axtman referred to them “the bane of CP.”

After members bonded over the struggle bed sheets cause, Jake once again offered a possible solution.

Jake linked to the mattress lifter, The tool could assist anyone who needs help lifting the mattress when putting bed sheets on. Perhaps you utilize a particular tool to make an activity easier. Let us know! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is a tool you use to help make an activity easier?” Answer below in the comments!

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is a tool you use to help make an activity easier?"
Comment below to answer!