Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-15-2019

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Participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow proved anything but speechless Wednesday, May 15th, 2019. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell here to recap our community’s response to Speechless‘ cancellation. The subject remained the conversation’s main concentration throughout the night.

Once the topic emerged, I forwarded the extend-the-conversation question my co-host Devin Axtman originally asked in his recap for the May 8th, 2019 chat.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their favorite Speechless memories.

Devin’s had asked, “What is your favorite memory of Speechless?” Seth recalled the moment JJ met Lee, the character played by guest star Zach Anner. I praised that episode “R-U-N– RUNAWAY,” saying “that episode did wonders to show the importance of role models.” Personally though, my favorite Speechless memory differed.

Zachary and Ajani share their favorite memories of Speechless.

My favorite Speechless memory goes back to season one and the show calling out the “inspirational porn” perspective. I remembered thinking “They are going for it. Awesome!”

Meanwhile Ajani, a past guest star on the show, said his favorite memory dealt around the episode Ray tried playing basketball to win a girl. Ajani found the pain Ray went through to impress the girl believable. The more everyone talked favorite memories, the more additional memories surfaced.

Zachary and AJ continue discussing their favorite Speechless memories.

Seeing Ajani’s name made me think back to the episode he guest starred in, the season two finale “N-O– NOMINEE.” Specifically I loved the sequence involving getting JJ onstage to accept his award. Ajani commented he found that whole scene “like a page out of my life!” He proceeded to share details.

Ajani talks about how the Speechless season two finale was like "a page out of my life!"

Over the years Ajani found himself attending events at inaccessible venues. To get in Ajani relied on different people to lift him up steps. His story gave me flashbacks to a tale I heard my fellow #CPChatNow co-founders Handicap This! share before. Mike and Tim’s story entailed a multi-floor movie theater and perhaps the quickest elevator ever repaired!

Based off the abovementioned dialogue one can positively say Speechless created empathetic television. This fact raises the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Share a Speechless scene you related to.” Do so via a comment in the “Comments” section.

Given Speechless‘ empathetic nature, there stands no surprise fans continue to actively try and save Speechless.

#CPChatNow participants discuss efforts to try and save Speechless.

One effort to save Speechless involves a change.org petition. If interested, you can sign here. Although ABC already passed on renewing Speechless, Ajani hopes the network will at least continue the series at their sister station, Freeform. Seth liked the idea, saying he wants to see a series about JJ in college on Freeform.

Regardless whether the attempts to resurrect Speechless works, a question sticks out to me.

#CPChatNow participants agree Speechless has been a success.

Curious I asked #CPChatNow if the efforts to revive Speechless go for not, would they consider the show’s run successful? Mainly I am thinking television’s future. Will Speechless influence other networks to feature shows with a prominent character who has a disability or will networks use Speechless‘ ratings as an excuse to dismiss similar shows? Nobody possessed a crystal ball to know for certain. However, participants did claim Speechless as a success.

#CPChatNow participants claim Speechless as a success for multiple reasons.

Ajani deemed the show successful, citing how Speechless wound up garnering a global reach. Paul absolutely considered the show a success, noting how “it was the first of it’s kind.” You might say Speechless holds status in television as a true pioneer! At the least, I said that!

Let us keep the Speechless conversation going at minimum one more week. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Share a Speechless scene you related to.” Leave your answers in the comments below!

Then come by Twitter every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET to enjoy the live chat. Follow along with the hashtag “#CPChatNow.” Until then, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

– Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "Share a Speecless scene you related to."
Answer below in the “Comments” section!

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#CPChatNow Recap 5-8-2019

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This past week in #CPChatNow was stimulating as always as members discussed Speechless, kind deeds by friends, and the continued passage of time. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, I would like to highlight Co-Host, Zachary Fenell’s participation in the Cleveland UCP’s Race to Empower. In a cool note, he completed it with his childhood Physical Therapist.

zach with his race to empower team
zach with his childhood pt

Next, Zach asked members about a time a friend did something nice. Raisa chimed in about a friend helping her at a pub:

  • zach asked about a friend doing something nice. raisa tweeted about a friend helping her find bathrooms at a poetry event at a pub

Next, we talked about the passage of time and how long people have spent at jobs:

i tweeted about spending 8 years at my job, zach tweeted it is his two year anniversary at the library, heather recently quit her job of 11 years to start school

Finally, members talked about the season finale of Speechless:

zach and hannah tweet about the season finale of speechless, zach said he enjoyed season 3 over 2, hannah tweeted she enjoyed the character development, but zach tweeted the development may have outgrown the show's concept
    seth tweeted he got why jj lied about getting into NYU, zach said he understood the character's motives and that it inspired his graduation speech, seth tweeted he felt it is wrong

    Unfortunately, Friday brought news Speechless was canceled, but I did get a like on my tweet from Minnie Driver:

    minnie driver's tweet announced speechless had been canceled, i tweeted i watched the last two episodes and loved them both

    This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite memory of Speechless?

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

    -Devin

    #CPChatNow Recap- 05-01-2019

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    Much like a variety pack, the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow offered quite the assortment Wednesday, May 1st, 2019. Rather than descriptive packaging though, you get me #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. I am here to recap the variation in discussion from our first May 2019 Twitter chat.

    To start the dialogue, I asked participants what remained on their minds.

    Participant Hailey tells about her plans to visit Amsterdam and more.

    A familiar face to the chat Hailey surfaced to share her plans to visit Amsterdam. Additionally Hailey remained at work on meetings for her thesis. Factor in the five-hour time difference she now faces and you can easily understand her absence from #CPChatNow.

    Another recognizable name stopped by the chat May 1st.

    Jorge stops in and gives #CPChatNow a life update.

    Soon to graduate Jorge popped in to give a life update. He mentioned competing in a Tough Mudder to round out his collegiate career. Meanwhile I told Jorge about my own competition coming up, a 10k for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland’s Race to Empower.

    Both a 10k and Tough Mudder offer their challenges. That leads to this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How do you challenge yourself?” Leave your response in the “Comments.”

    Challenges do not need to involve physical activity. As the chatter May 1st reminds us, various tasks can prove challenging.

    #CPChatNow participants discuss the challenges of understanding scientific research.

    For example, my co-host Devin Axtman and I each marveled at the intellectual challenges included in science. In-particular I theorized scientific vocabulary could intimidate. #CPChatNow’s resident scientist Timmy responded by saying “Then we failed as scientists when conveying our work to the general population.”

    The entire science discussion emerged thanks to a potential focus chat idea. Stay tuned to our Twitter chat and our Facebook fan page for updates! Also remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How do you challenge yourself?”

    Reply by commenting below! Then set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter, starting at 8pm ET.

    Until next time, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

    -Zachary

    This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How do you challenge yourself?"
    Respond in the comments!

    #CPChatNow Recap- 4/24/2019

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    Hello Internet! #CPChatNow was buzzing last week. Members talked about walking in the rain, their favorite photo of themselves, and the need for rails while using stairs.

    Zach and I lamented about recent experiences while walking and rolling in the rain.

    i tweeted about needing a wheelchair umbrella and my poncho died on the way home, zach tweeted he needed a hat umbrella and that kind people recently gave him a ride home

    Next, Zach shared one of his favorite photos of himself being near his goal of completing a marathon:

    zach sharing his favorite photo of him passing mile marker 25 during his marathon

    Zach asked about what side of the street members with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy prefer to face. This then morphed into a conversation about stairs and handrails:

    zach asked about which side of the street members with hemiplegic cp prefer to face. jeni tweeted no preference, but she prefers to walk on the inside of the sidewalk if possible
    ciaran tweeted he likes to have a railing on his unaffected side, zach tweeted he likes his good leg facing the street, zach goes without railings to build his balance, i tweeted lack of railings was an issue at wrigley field
    zach tweeted he has been to wrigley and saw the cubs and brewers play in 2013 when he only went up one steps. zach also lamented the gap between gymnasium rails and the strategy he uses to move to the next rail

    This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Questions (for the hemis): Are there particular things you like to do with you non-affected side?

    Thanks for reading! Join us each Wednesday at 8pm Eastern on Twitter. Use the hashtag #CPChatNow!

    #CPChatNow Recap- 04-17-2019

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    Assorted topics arose Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to meet all your recap needs. So allow me to get right into the action.

    Long-time #CPChatNow regular Jen refused to let a storm threat stop her from joining in on the week’s fun. Actually the storm threat wound up stimulating conversation.

    #CPChatNow participants discuss their least favorite parts of bad weather.

    Based off Jen’s situation, I asked participants to name their least favorite parts about storms. Jen mentioned tornadoes and sirens. Meanwhile Seth said power outages remain his least favorite part. I noted the inconveniences power outages cause. My co-host Devin Axtman added insight, pointing out power outages create difficulties medication wise too.

    Another conversational spark occurred when Devin asked if anyone has seen Netflix’s new TV show Special.

    Special gave Molly an emotional reaction. She cried!
    Based off Blemi's recommendation, Hannah and Devin intend to watch Special.

    Molly said Special made her cry, meaning the show left an emotional impact on her. Blemi also enjoyed an emotional viewing experience, explaining how she identifies so much with Ryan’s character. Words leaving Devin to exclaim he will have to watch! Hannah additionally revealed her intentions to watch Special, putting the show on her things to watch list.

    How about you? Answer for this week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Do you plan to watch Special? Why or why not?” Answer in the “Comments” section!

    Speaking of plans, participants shared their upcoming Easter plans.

    Hannah looks forward to coloring eggs for the first time in at least five years.

    Blemi raised the subject, asking if anyone possessed big Easter plans. Hannah looked forward to coloring eggs for the first time in at least five years. Simultaneously, Grace revealed a unique Easter tradition her family partakes in.

    Grace's family plays family trivia on Easter.

    Oppose to an Easter egg hunt, Grace’s family plays family trivia. She pondered whether the tradition extends from her family seeking an accessible alternative to the more traditional Easter egg hunt. Either way, the trivia offers a fun time.

    Perhaps your family enjoys their own unique holiday tradition. Join us on Twitter Wednesday evening starting at 8pm ET and share all about your tradition! Just remember to use the hashtag “#CPChatNow” in your tweet. Finally, also remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Do you plan to watch Special? Why or why not?” Comment below!

    Until next time, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

    -Zachary

    Keep the conversation going! Answer, "Do you plan to watch Special? Why or why not?"
    Answer by commenting below!

    #CPChatNow Recap- 4/10/2019

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    This past week in #CPChatNow was interesting as always. Members discussed various topics such as problematic Lyft rides, meeting a significant other’s parents, and patronizing words. In honor of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, here are the 3 stars of the week presented by #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman.

    First, Hannah shared a problematic story with a Lyft driver. Unfortunately, she experienced discriminatory behavior from a Lyft driver refusing to give a ride due to fears Hannah’s wheelchair would scratch the car, but the second driver was great:

    Hannah's story about taking a lyft when the driver refused to take her due to worries about her wheelchair scratching the car

    Next, Zach and I talked about meeting a significant other’s parents for the first time when you have CP. This morphed into a discussion about me being miffed at the phrase ”seeing past disability.”

    zach asks about meeting significant other's parents with cp. i said it was not an issue with my girlfriend's parents. we discussed the phrase seeing past a disability and then not defining someone by their disability

    Finally, this led to a discussion of what words or phrases miff people. Seth tweeted his thoughts:

    seth tweets about his words he is miffed by 'special' and "you'll get a speeding ticket"

    This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What words or phrases used to describe disability miff you? Please join us each Wednesday at #CPChatNow on Twitter at 8 Eastern.

    #CPChatNow Recap- 04-03-2019

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    Conversation remained buzzing Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to bring you the highlights the best way I know how. Your weekly recap!

    Topics to discuss began arriving before the live chat even began at 8pm ET. Earlier in the week Sue Tonnesen included our hashtag in a tweet seeking podcast recommendations.

    #CPChatNow participants offer their podcast recommendations.

    #CPChatNow regular Seth recommended the Speechless podcast Zach Anner hosts. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman highly recommended The Accessible Stall. Another topic which came up prior to Wednesday evening involved accessibility.

    #CPChatNow participants discuss accessible travel.

    CP and Me asked the question “Accessible transport, how is it for you?” Devin mentioned using an accessible taxi once in Chicago, comparing the experience to seeing a unicorn. Imagery meant to emphasize how difficult finding accessible taxis stands. I suggested an inability to schedule an accessible taxi in advance feeds into the availability problem to which Devin agreed.

    Keeping the dialogue flowing into the night, Devin asked a question.

    Devin asks #CPChatNow, "What improvements would you make for a Speechless season 4?"

    Hypothetically assuming Speechless gets renewed, Devin asked what improvements people would make to the show. Seth expressed interest in seeing more adult themes. For example, have JJ join a frat.

    Personally I would enjoy JJ encountering an inconsiderate jerk and needing to learn to find peace with having such jerks out there and being unable to educate them all. Hopefully the opportunity for either Seth or my scenario to play out happens. Stay tuned to the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page. We will surely post updates about whether Speechless receives a renewal.

    Now though, let us return to recapping the April 3rd, 2019 #CPChatNow. A trending hashtag from earlier in the day inspired me to ask a question.

    Zachary asks #CPChatNow "What would be your don't tell Mom that scenario?"

    The aforementioned hashtag “#DontTellMomThat” left me asking participants to share their don’t tell Mom that scenario. Devin said his would be trying to walk on his own before physical therapy after a surgery. Interestingly enough my answer also entailed physical activity.

    Zachary shares his #DontTellMomThat story.

    I said not to tell Mom I started experimenting with taking the stairs in high school instead of taking the elevator like I was suppose to. What about you? Keep the conversation going by answering for the extend-the-conversation question, “What is your #DontTellMomThat story?”

    Answer in the comments below! Then remember to join us on Twitter Wednesdays starting at 8pm ET.

    Until next time, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

    -Zachary

    This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What is your #DontTellMomThat story?"