Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-02-2021

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Participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a buzzing conversation Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021. Here to tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. I acknowledge I am late bringing you this recap. So rather than wasting more time with an explanation, I say let us get straight to the recapping!

Excitement for my co-host Devin Axtman surfaced early in the chat.

#CPChatNow participants wish co-host Devin well on his upcoming wedding.

The source for the excitement stemmed from Devin’s forthcoming wedding that weekend. Both long-time regular Blemi and I wished Devin well on the upcoming celebration.

Speaking of Blemi, her recent Youtube video about conserving energy sparked dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss taking vitamins and other supplements to help boost energy levels.

After watching Blemi’s video, I asked who takes vitamins or supplements to boost energy levels. Veronica responded, saying she takes a vitamin C immune booster. Devin noted while not energy related he takes Omega Red and vitamin D. All the vitamin and supplement discussion led to dialogue on another subject, swallowing pills.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss their skill level at swallowing pills.

Veronica and Blemi found comfort in knowing they are not alone in having difficulty swallowing pills. Difficulty rooted in short gag reflex. Meanwhile Devin and I spoke about our abilities to swallow pills. What about you though? Answer as the June 2nd extend-the-conversation question, “How do you fare at swallowing pills?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Perhaps your ability to swallow pills relate to whether you have water to drink. Fittingly, drinking water became yet another topic discussed due to Blemi’s conserving energy video.

#CPChatNow discussion evolves to discuss drinking water.

Some participants mentioned not liking how water tastes. Veronica offered advice, saying she adds a splash of fruit flavored vinegars to her water. Responding to Veronica, I stated I like plain water but I have to remind myself to drink. Continuing, I added my own tidbit for reminding myself to drink water. Keeping a water bottle in the refrigerator. Veronica meanwhile uses an app to track her water intake.

By chance you need water to swallow pills, that would provide a steady reminder to drink. Make sure to mention if you drink water to help swallow pills when you answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you fare at swallowing pills?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "How do you fare at swallowing pills?"

Answer below! Then 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

#CPChatNow Recap- 5/26/2021

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This past week in #CPChatNow was fire as always. Members talked about their recent accomplishments, life insurance with CP, and their plans for the summer. It was evident that members are excited for COVID to be in the rearview mirror. 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 recognize some members for their recent accomplishments. Timmy recently passed his qualifying exam to be a PhD candidate:

i ask timmy how he is doing. timmy tweets he passed his qualifying exam and is now a PhD candidate

Jorge also mentioned that he is about to graduate with his Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia:

jorge tweets t-2 weeks and then he wins the honors of honor which is graduating from the school founded by Thomas Jefferson
Jorge also tweeted about the unfortunate differences people with CP face when it comes to life insurance benefits:
jorge asked members if they knew due to cp that life insurance payouts would be reduced. zach asks what the reasoning is. jorge tweeted burden of care as not all cp cases remain stable. i tweeted that does make senes and guessed that is the case for a lot of stuff and wondered if i will get any money

Next, members talked about their varied plans for the summer.

i asked what everyone's plans are for the summer and that i'm getting married next week, veronica congratulated me and said she was stuck with the same date for way too many years, jen tweeted she doe not have much planned, zach tweeted he does not have much planned and that ohio is going back to normal june 2nd, he is planning to be cautious for about a month

Chris Johnson talked about the latest with his podcast, the Purple Knights Podcast, a podcast about Prince:

chris johnson tweeted he would like to keep up the momentum with his podcast and leave the single life behind, zach asked how he defined momentum, chris tweeted he wants to release episodes more often and continue to book well respected guests in the prince community and he has gotten some great ones lately. zach tweets he feels defined goals are easier to maintain

Finally, Chris tweeted about finishing her Master’s:

chris tweeted she is hoping to continue her masters and have it done by christmas

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your biggest goal for the summer?

Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern time on Twitter at #CPChatNow

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-19-2021

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Quietly Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 snuck up on participants in the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Please allow me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, to tell you more. Just keep reading.

As already mentioned, Wednesday evening quietly snuck up on our community.

#CPChatNow had a slow start Wednesday, May 26th, 2021.

My co-host Devin Axtman admitted forgetting it was Wednesday. Meanwhile long-time regular Blemi remained distracted by the NHL playoffs. Nevertheless, our chat persevered through the momentary forgetfulness and outside distractions.

#CPChatNow co-hosts Zachary and Devin discuss what they would like to see from future cerebral palsy documentaries.

Conversation between Devin and I thrived when I asked a question based around a Disability Scoops article I read. The article, “Teen’s Documentary About Life With Disabilities To Screen Worldwide,” highlighted 17-year old Faith Guilbault’s documentary about life with disabilities. Leading me to ask what others would want the audience takeaway to be if they created a documentary about living with CP.

Replying Devin said he wanted to see a documentary focused on people at various stages in their lives. Continuing the conversation I remarked to Devin such a documentary would be comprehensive and a great resource. What about you, though? Keep the dialogue going. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “If you were to create a documentary about living with CP, what would you want the audience takeaway to be?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Perhaps, your takeaway might involve emphasizing how cerebral palsy impacts people differently. If so, you would relate to further discussion from the night.

The topic surfaced after I watched Blemi’s Youtube video about “inbetween-living.” Feel free to watch for yourself.

Curious, I asked Blemi if certain feedback she received sparked the video. She replied yes. Hoping to counter the negative voices, Devin and I both offered our support. Devin specifically noting CP has “a spectrum of severity.” Sounds like a possible audience takeaway for a documentary to me. Bringing us back to the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “If you were to create a documentary about living with CP, what would you want the audience takeaway to be?”

This week's extend-the-conversation questions asks, "If you were to create a documentary about living with CP, what would you want the audience takeaway to be?"

Answer below! Afterwards mark your calendars 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

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#CPChatNow Recap- 5/12/2021

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This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed routine tasks that are difficult for them with their CP, problematic teachers, and things they are looking forward to doing when the world returns to normal. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach opened up the conversation by asking his Extend-The-Conversation Question from last week.

zach opens the conversation by asking which routine tasks feels like an olympic sport due to cp and how members adapt.

Zach shared his strategy for adapting to the routine task of carrying hot liquids:

zach mentions he adapts to the routine task of walking with a hot beverage by using his adult sippy cup, zach tweets he is unsure why he doesn't use his sippy cup around the house

I tweeted about the bane of many people with CP’s existence, buttoning a dress shirt.

i tweeted buttoning a dress shirt is difficult for me and asked for tips, veronica tweeted she buttons and zips one handed and has never had an issue, but it may be that women's button's are on the opposite side. zach tweeted they make shirts with magnetic buttons, i tweeted it reminded me of JJ's pants on speechless

Next, Tonia shared a blog post about an ableist teacher praising her parents and not her for her good report card.

tonia shares a blog post about an ableist teacher that used a report card to praise her parents, i praised her for being vulnerable, zach tweeted knowing when to ask for help is difficult as an adult, let alone being a child. he asks if the help was needed or perceived help. tonia tweeted the help was to be determined by her teacher so it was perceived help.

Finally, members discussed what they were most looking forward to when the pandemic ends:

i ask what members are most looking forward to when things go back to normal. i tweeted i am looking forward to going to sporting events. zach tweeted he is looking forward to doing in-person speaking and author events. veronica tweets she looking forward to seeing more friends and family.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question. What do you think makes a good teacher good?

the extend-the-conversation question graphic. #CPChatNow logo in the upper right hand corner, What do you think makes a good teacher good? in middle above a photo of a woman standing in front of a chalkboard with chalk drawings of flexing arms at her shoulders. #CPCHATNOW in white text above a green background at bottom of graphic

Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05/05/2021

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Connections within the #CPChatNow community grew stronger Wednesday, May 5th, 2021. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Participants in the chat bonded over various cerebral palsy related topics. For example, I joked about how carrying a hot beverage without spilling any should be an Olympic sport.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the challenges of carrying a beverage without spilling.

Carrying hot chocolate from my kitchen into the dining room prompted me to make the Olympic sport quip. Hence why I also specified “hot beverage.” A point relative newcomer to the community Alessandro corrected, noting carrying any beverage without spilling remains a challenge.

Add your input too. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What seemingly ‘routine’ tasks feel like an Olympic sport due to CP?” Actually, in order to avoid simply dwelling on problems, let us make this a two-part question. “What seemingly ‘routine’ tasks feels like an Olympic sport due to CP? How do you adapt to complete the task?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

As the night’s discussion progressed, other cerebral palsy challenges arose. A topic triggered by a question I asked.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow if they ever imagine what life would be like without CP.
Devin and Zachary reflect on how life would be different if they drove.

Curious, I asked if others ever imagined what life would be like if they didn’t have CP. Alessandro admitted wondering about this daily. Meanwhile in a response to chat regular Chris, I hypothesized the biggest difference for me would be driving. My response resonating with my co-host Devin Axtman who said he was going to say the same.

Attempting to maintain a positive outlook, I mentioned how everything has positives and negatives. Not driving creates challenges, but I am also able to say not driving has helped me strengthen friendships.

Keep the positivity rolling and remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What seemingly ‘routine’ tasks feels like an Olympic sport due to CP? How do you adapt to complete the task?” Answer below.

Afterwards, set a reminder to join us each and 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 is a two-parter, asking "What seemingly routine tasks feels like an Olympic sport due to CP? How do you adapt to complete the task?"
Reply below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/28/2021

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This past week in #CPChatNow was cracking as always. Members discussed impacts from COVID vaccinations, strategies for trimming their toenails, and their latest book recommendations. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap!

Veronica and Zach both described the side effects they had experienced from their second COVID vaccination shots. If you’re interested, you can find more information about getting a vaccine appointment here.

zach asks veronica how her second vaccination shot went, veronica tweeted she was in bed for the entire day monday, but is getting better, zach tweeted the second dose gave him a fever and night sweats

People with CP and other disabilities often have to find creative ways to do everyday tasks. Zach asked members how they cut their toenails.

zach asks what position people use to cut their toenails. he tweets he sits on the floor with one leg at the side and the other one straight up and bent at the knee. i tweet i sit on the couch for back support and pull my legs up. blemi tweets she sits on the foilet and props her foot on the tub.

Finally, members talked about the books they were reading and other book recommendations.

i ask if anyone has any book recommendations. alessandro tweeted the ables, a story about superhero kids with different disabilities.
You can find The Ables here.
audacity magazine recommended the josie prescott series.

Finally, Zach tweeted that Amanda Leduc’s book, Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space, is on his to read list.

Zach tweeted that Amanda Leduc's book, Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space, is on his to read list

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite book you have ever read? Please share your answers in the comments!

extend-the-conversation question graphic, orange, blue, and green #CPChatNow logo in upper right hand corner, what is your favorite book you have ever read? above a picture of vintage books stacked, #CPCHATNOW in white text with a green background on the border

Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-21-2021

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During the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 several subjects came to the conversation’s forefront. Here to fill you in on the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Admittedly, the night started a little slow. As I waited for others to filter into the chat, I caught up on participant Tonia’s blog. Reading her recent post “How Does That Work: Interdependence in the Disabled Community.”

#CPChatNow participants discuss Tonia's blog post about interdependence.

Throughout the post Tonia makes some excellent points. Or, so I thought. One I specifically commented about in our Twitter dialogue. Oppose to going on with my personal takeaway though, I will just encourage you to read Tonia’s post yourself. Allow you to develop your own takeaways.

In the meantime, let us continue recapping our discussion from April 21st.

#CPChatNow community members discuss their vaccination statuses.

Upon joining April 21st, long-time regular Blemi shared exciting news. She finally received her first COVID vaccination shot! This led others to offer their vaccination statuses. Veronica looked forward to getting her second shot on Sunday. Meanwhile Alessandro recalled his second shot taking a toll on him.

Another occurrence which can take a toll I raised via a question.

Participants of #CPChatNow discuss how long they need to recover from a horrid night of sleep.

I asked everyone how long they take to return to their regular selves following a horrid night of sleep. Blemi, Grace, and my co-host Devin Axtman all mentioned needing a couple days before returning to their status quo.

Regarding the status quo, participants reminisced about resuming a pre-pandemic lifestyle. Leading to concert going rising as a topic.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their best concert experience.

Recalling those simpler times, I asked our community about their best concert experience. Veronica answered she saw Queen and Adam Lambert in July 2019. Alessandro also replied, recalling seeing T.I. at the House of Blues in Orlando.

As the concert chatter continued, Tonia reminded us concerts are not for everyone. Saying she has never been to one due to their overstimulating nature. What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What has been your best concert experience?”

Reply in the comments below. If you find concerts overstimulating, let us know that! Then plan to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What has been your best concert experience?"
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/14/21

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This past week in #CPChatNow was a happening as always. Members discussed new jobs, their accomplishments for the week, canes, and stretching. 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 recognize some good news and a strong GIF game from Linds!

linds tweets that she got a job with a gif of spongebob talking on the phone with his eyes up. zach tweets congratulations and asks if it will take her away from #cpchatnow

Linds also tweeted about her cane and feeling accomplished by finishing laundry. I can certainly relate to finishing laundry sometimes feeling like an accomplishment!

zach asks about what members have accomplished in the last seven days, linds tweets she has started to use a cane and has a 31 wpm typing speed, she tweeted she also did another load of laundry, zach asks what her cane looked like and if she multiple so she can treat it like an accessory, linds tweeted her canes are blue scrolling paisley or tropical flowers

We had some new folks join the chat this week! Constance Jamet talked about her various accomplishments this week which including finishing some things for work and walking a bit more.

zach tweeted asking what members had accomplished in the last seven days, constance tweeted she has improved on the kneeling knight position, meeting deadlines on her job, and walking a little more after being immobile for a few weeks

Constance’s tweets led to a further conversation about stretching with Zach and I tweeting about our stretching routines.

zach and i tweet about stretching, i tweeting i can understand the difficulty of learning to stretch something new and that i have done that throughout my life with new muscles, zach tweets he has to stretch consistently, he tweets his body feels like it's being squeezed by a snake if he doesn't stretch

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your stretching routine? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow.

extend-the-conversation question graphic, orange, blue, and green #cpchatnow logo in upper right hand corner, extend-the-conversation question in green, what is your stretching routine? above a picture of

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-07-2021

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Energetic proves a fitting way to describe the conversation which happened during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 7th, 2021. Why you may ask. Let me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you why via your weekly recap.

The description “energetic” encompasses a buzz and our chat buzzed from topic to topic April 7th.

#CPChatNow regulars discuss baseball.

Early in the night my co-host Devin Axtman and long-time chat regular Jen discussed a common interest multiple people in our community hold, baseball. In-particular Jen mentioned a bench clearing incident involving Devin’s favorite team the Chicago Cubs.

While players on the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers jumped off their benches and ran onto the field, participants in our community discussed a different jumping.

Devin discusses being super jumpy at the dentist.
#CPChatNow participants discuss scenarios which make them jumpy.

Both Devin and I brought up situations which can make us jumpy. Devin mentioning being “super jumpy” at the dentist. Meanwhile I shared how my workplace currently has HVAC work getting done. The work causing lots of banging. Neither situation stands ideal alone, but combined? Yikes! A scenario Veronica recalled experiencing while responding to my tweet.

Elsewhere in the conversation Veronica offered a useful tip.

Veronica offers a useful tip dealing with cerebral palsy and cooking.

Regarding cooking, Veronica said whenever she looks at recipes, she doubles the prep time because due to her CP she has to do her prep one-handed. Smart thinking, if you ask me! Would you agree? Comment below and let us know.

Also, while commenting share your own cerebral palsy tip. Consider that your extend-the-conversation question for the week. After commenting, mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun always begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Share in the comments below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/31/2021

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This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed good things from the pandemic, renewing their handicap parking placard, accessibility issues at a sporting event, and what makes a good doctor. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

Zach talked with Blemi about one good thing from the pandemic:

zach asks about a good thing that resulted form the pandemic after blemi talked about online yoga classes, zach discussed finishing his next book, stating he had planned to edit the draft in march, but was sidetracked by instagram posts, blemi tweeted striving for bigger material items is pointless

Next, I asked about something that is a common annoyance to disabled people, having to renew their permanent handicapped parking placard.

i asked how often people have to renew their permanent handicapped parking placard, zach tweeted he is not sure because he always gets a reminder to renew
blemi tweeted it is every five years to renew a placard in alberta, zach tweeted it is a pet peeve to have to renew the placard since the cp doesn't go away, chris tweets she has to do the same with paratransit even though she lives in the same house and her disabilities are permanent

Next, talk turned to the biggest accessibility concerns members had while at sporting events.

zach asked about accessibility issues members face at sporting events, chris tweeted about bleachers without handrails and buses with long routes that take forever, blemi tweeted hand rails that start and stop
veronica tweets bringing food to and from her seat is why she keeps her husban around

Finally, talk turned to a common issue for people with CP and other disabilities, finding a good doctor. Zach asked about the traits that make a doctor a good doctor:

zach asks what makes a doctor a good doctor, he tweets a crucial trait of a good doctor is the willingness to listen, blemi tweeted listening as well but also not just assuming something is CP related

Chris also tweeted about the traits that made someone a good doctor and the importance of building trust by being open about what the doctor doesn’t know.

chris tweeted about her experiences at valley healthcare's residency program, she tweets she appreciates people they saying they don't know, but they would consult and she tweeted she feels doctors care more if you are open about your health.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What made your favorite doctor so great?

extend-the-conversation question graphic: orange, blue, and green #CPChatNow logo in upper right hand corner, extend-the-conversation question in green, what made your favorite doctor so great? with a picture of white man using a wheelchair sitting by a hospital bed

Please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow. Thanks for reading!

-Devin