Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-01-2023

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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

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#CPChatNow Recap- 02-22-2023

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It’s #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. This week members discussed heating pads, mattresses, and what they would tell to their younger self.

First, Zach and I talked about a fantastic book we have been reading, True Biz. I highly encourage you to check it out!

zach asks how i'm liking true biz, i respond i like it and i'm halfway through, zach tweets he plans to write a review for his blog and there are some parallels to CP and the book finds a balance between being educational and entertaining.

Next, I asked if members had recommendations for heating pads.

i asked if anyone had recommendations for a heating pad, heather tweets she uses therapearl hot and cold packs on her shoulder joint and she has had botox done today

Also, Hannah asked for recommendations for mattresses.

hannah asks if anyone with CP have recommendations for a good mattress. Heather tweets the firmest one possible with softness impacting her shoulder and hip. She said she uses a Kingsdown rampart. Veronica also prefers a firm mattress and she has a firm tempurpedic.

Finally, talk turned to what members would tell their younger self about CP.

zach asks what members would tell their younger self about CP. Timmy tweets to be unapologetically you because it's your life not theirs
chris tweeted she would say it's ok to be disabled and her disabled body is normal for her and there's nothing wrong with it. she was berated for her spastic arm in the past. zach tweets we are all different in some way so normal is a myth. chris tweeted it took a lot of spending time with disabled people for her to be comfortable in her body. she notes she had to stop herself from yelling at a friend to put his arm down.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are some myths you were told about CP when you were young?

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-15-2023

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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- 2/8/2023

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This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, checking in once again for this week’s recap. Members got nostalgic this week talking about what they missed from childhood while contrasting that by discussing what they liked about adulthood. All aboard!

Members opened the week’s chat by discussing what they missed from childhood. Members talked about being carefree, being able to be carried around, and more!

zach asked what members missed most from their childhood/teenage years, i tweeted about being care free and having less responsibility, zach missed simpler times but talked about how that might be due to blissful ignorance, hannah tweeted having both of her parents and being small enough to be carried around.
alessandro answered he misses a back that doesn't hurt, zach tweeted he just turned on the heating pad for his back and his misses being able to bend down without grunting. alessandro added his misses not hearing a crack or pop.
timmy tweets about missing being able to eat whatever he wants without gaining weight

Finally, members discussed what they liked most about adulthood, namely the ability to take chances and money to go do stuff.

zach asks what members like most about adulthood and tweeted he likes not having to get permission to do things the most and used the example of becoming a marathoner, i tweeted having money to go do fun stuff

This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite memory from childhood? Please share your answers in the comments and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-01-2023

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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

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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- 1/18/23

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This past week’s #CPChatNow had members bouncing all over the place with discussions of different topics such as hiking, podcasts, and how CP impacts their decision making. 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 celebrate Zach progressing in his career at the library.

zach tweets he finished his branch service assistant training and he can now substitute at the reference desk

Next, talk turned to Timmy’s hobby of hiking and his essentials when he goes on a hike.

zach asks timmy what equipment he takes on his hikes. timmy says he has a 24 pound backpack with micro spikes, trekking poles, satellite personal locator device along with gummy bears

Next, Stephen asked what podcasts others listened to.

Stephen asks if people are fans of podcasts, i tweet i am fans of way too many with my favorite small town murder and wrestling and sports ones. Stephen tweets he likes on air with ryan seacrest and the ellen k morning show and zach tweets he listens to one or two, but he is a visual person so he mainly falls asleep to them.

Finally, Zach asks members how CP impacts their decision making.

zach asks how cp impacts members decision making. i tweeted about transportation or if i'm going somewhere and need to walk a lot. zach tweets about cp helping determine priorities with the first one being to take care of himself physically and prioritizing that guides decision making on what to do first.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your favorite outdoor activities? Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

the extend-the-conversation question graphic with the question of what are your favorite outdoor activities with a a brown sign and an illustration of two figures hiking.

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-11-2023

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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- 1/4/23

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This past week in #CPChatNow sparked some interesting conversation about member’s relationship with CP and their hopes for 2023. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach tweeted about a dream where he avoided a common nemesis for people with CP, escalators.

zach tweets about a dream where he was at the mall and avoided taking an escalator. I tweeted I usually realize I should've done something different but it's too late

Next, Zach asked what members are looking forward to in 2023.

zach asked what members are looking forward to in 2023. zach tweeted he is starting to train as a substitute at the reference desk and writing wise he has different events coming up.
veronica tweeted she is not sure she is looking forward to it, but she is turning 50 in November. chris tweeted she is hoping to finish her masters.

Finally, Zach asked about member’s relationships with CP. The question sparked an interesting discussion.

zach asks members to describe their relationship with CP. i tweeted adaptable with some days taking pride in my CP, some days annoyed by it and some days indifferent. chris tweeted mostly ok learning to adapt well with the only impacts coming from post impairment syndrome aging things.
timmy tweets accepted. he accepts it to the point he can push himself physically but it in reality it's really about how far mentally

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever had a dream related to CP? Please share your answers in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-28-2022

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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!