Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-16-2020

Posted on by

In 2020 a lot has changed, but for those in the #CPChatNow community one constant remains. Our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat, (Wednesdays, 8pm ET)! To tell you about what we discussed Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Fittingly, much discussion throughout the night revolved around the issue causing the previously mentioned changes.

AcquiDis tells the #CPChatNow community about Australia's COVID protocols.

Just in case I need to clarify, yes. I am referring to the global COVID pandemic. Relative newcomer to the chat, AcquiDis, helped us gain a global outlook on the pandemic by sharing how Australia continues to respond. Thanks to AcquiDis, we learned Australia and the United States maintain similar protocols. For example, dining venues reopening in a limited way and allowing small gatherings.

While countries continue restoring civil liberties, remember. The COVID threat still lingers. A reality evident during our discussion September 16th.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how having a disability has helped prepare them for the pandemic.

Chat OG Erin offered this stark reminder when sharing a CP sister tested positive for COVID. Furthermore, my co-host Devin Axtman recalled a recent close call.

Devin shares a close call his brother had with someone who tested positive for COVID.

Devin encouraged mask wearing, noting his brother tested negative for COVID after sitting for hours next to someone who tested positive. A result Devin attributed to his brother wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, not everyone seems so convinced to wear face coverings.

#CPChatNow participants discuss wearing face masks.

In-particular Devin noted seeing more and more people without masks. Personally, my employer requires mask wearing. A policy most customers understand.

Besides protecting your health, face masks additionally offer the chance to display your personality. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What does your favorite face mask look like?” Answer below in the “Comments” section.

Once you finish answering, mark your calendar as a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. 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 does your favorite face mask look like?"
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-02-2020

Posted on by

A strong communal vibe resonated within the live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020. Here to delve into details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Consider me your conductor for the train ride that is the September 2nd, 2020 recap. All aboard!

Discussion early in the night included long-time participants sharing interesting developments going on in their own lives.

Timmy tells #CPChatNow about his current scientific research.

Our “resident scientist” Timmy made an appearance. Prompted by my co-host Devin Axtman, Timmy updated us on his current research. Currently Timmy remains at work investigating binge drinking and the executive and emotional input to the reward circuit. Overall, he explained, the study hopes to understand the neural circuitry involved with addiction and addiction-like behavior.

Besides Timmy, the recently returning Erin provided us an update. Erin joined us after handing in a big term paper the night prior. In our chat’s early years, Erin played a pivotal role in our community. To the point she received the moniker “Mama Bear!”

Beyond enjoying familiar faces like Erin and Timmy, we also welcomed a newcomer.

#CPChatNow participants welcome a newcomer.

AcquiDis joined our chat for the first time September 2nd, 2020. Personally, I found a quote included in a press release AcquiDis shared intriguing. “…urges disabled individuals to embrace their condition and look beyond it.” The quote led to further dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the difference between looking beyond your disability and disliking your disability.

Devin pondered whether a fine line exists between looking beyond your disability and disliking your disability. Furthermore, Devin stated he doesn’t believe there stands a final stage where you “overcome” your disability. Instead Devin said there will always be things thrown back your way.

Both Erin and I added our separate input to the topic. Erin emphasizing the need to embrace and own your disability. Meanwhile I distinguished looking beyond and disliking your disability, stating looking beyond your disability entails accepting your disability and just doing what you need to do to be you. Alternatively, disliking your disability entails an active conflict where you battle negative thoughts. An idea Devin paraphrased well, summarizing the negative thoughts as “battling internalized ableism.”

Enough though regarding what we think! What do you think? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your attitude towards your disability?” Comment below to answer!

Answer as the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is your attitude towards your disability?"

Then make your plans to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 8/26/2020

Posted on by

This past week in #CPChatNow was intriguing as always. Members discussed recent accomplishments and life events and their reason for joining Twitter. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

I would like to first highlight some cool things going on in member’s lives. Chris has developed a survey attempting to measure what people think students should learn about disability. Please help her out by taking the survey!

chris developed a survey for her masters project about what students should know about disability

Next, Zach shared his progress in the Race Across Ohio. He has walked 43 miles in 18 days towards his 60 mile goal.

zach tweets he has walked 43.75 miles in 18 days towards his 60 mile goal in the race across ohio canton to cleveland event

Finally, Zach asked what prompted members to join Twitter. Members shared various reasons, but they all centered around community.

zach asks why members joined twitter tweeting he joined because a client required he had social media accounts to use for promotion, but he has stayed because of community. chris tweeted she was doing disability stuff
shira tweeted she joined twitter because of #cpchatnow. tonia joined because of the dancers from so you think you can dance having accounts and she wanted to keep up with them

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the main reason you use social media? Please share your answers in the comments.

the extend-the-conversation question graphic. What is the main reason you use social media? There is a graphic of a hand holding a smart phone with a hashtag

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 08-05-2020

Posted on by

Various topics related to cerebral palsy arose August 5th, 2020 during the weekly CP Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Here to fill you in on the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready. Set yourself. Time to recap!

Long-time chat regular Blemi initiated dialogue by sharing troubling emotions.

Blemi discusses feeling troubled about needing to use her grandfather's walker to move around independently.

In order to walk around Banff independently, Blemi decided to use her late grandfather’s walker. Knowing she needs the walker powered her troubling sentiments. Chat regular Heather offered Blemi encouraging words, noting although hard to reconcile Blemi will have a better day with the walker.

Do you relate? Tell us! Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What parts of cerebral palsy have you had a hard time reconciling with? What helped you learn to reconcile?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. Perhaps your ability to reconcile involves avoiding certain situations. For example, maybe tying things frustrates you. So, you avoid face masks with ties. If that example resonates with you, know you belong to good company.

#CPChatNow participants share their preference to wear face masks with ear loops.

Driven by curiosity, I asked participants what kind of face masks they wear. My co-host Devin Axtman and everyone else who answered said they prefer face masks with ear loops.The same unified consensus did not apply though when I asked people how they best learn.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how they learn best.

Answering the question Tonia named auditory as the best way she learns. She indicated her visual learning is super impacted by CP. Interesting to me because I also am impacted visually, mostly seeing out of one eye. Nonetheless, I learn best visually.

Another potentially helpful learning tactic entails repetition. In the repetitious spirit, I remind you to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again, the question asks “What parts of cerebral palsy have you had a hard time reconciling with? What helped you learn to reconcile?”

Reply below! Afterwards set yourself a reminder 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 parts of cerebral palsy have you had a hard time reconciling with? What helped you learn to reconcile?”
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 7/29/20

Posted on by

This past week in #CPChatNow was festive as always. Members discussed a new book by a disabled author, online dating, and their oldest friendship. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

#CPChatNow always loves to highlight projects produced by disabled creators. Zach highlighted Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space (Exploded Views) by Amanda Leduc.

zach asks if anyone has heard of amanda leduc's book on fairy tales and disability. blemi tweeted that she is intrigued, zach tweeted the book just came out and he bought the book after checking it out from the library.

Next, Chris asked whether people had success online dating and mentioned he was thinking about joining match.com. Members shared various levels of success, but I wanted to highlight people who have had success to show that finding love with a disability is possible.

chris asks if people have had luck with online dating and said he is thinking about joining match.com. i shared that i am engaged after using okcupid with a picture of me and my fiancee.
lorna tweeted she met her husband on match 11 years ago and that it is a good site for sifting out time wasters and matching.

Finally, #CPChatNow talked about something that’s very important, friends. Members discussed their longest friendship and why they felt it had lasted so long.

zach asks what is member's oldest friendships and the keys to maintaining it. kate tweeted she has a friendship of 14 years and she is 22. she thinks the key is being there for each other, but recognizing they can't talk everyday.
paul tweeted his longest friendship is his wife of 20 years who he has known for 21 years. he tweeted the key is they are different from each other, but that makes it work.
heather tweets she and her twin sister are close with a friend they met at age 4. they have been friends for 38 years. heather tweets it never feels like time has passed when they talk

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the key to your friendship with your best friend?

extend-the-conversation question in white at the top of the graphic. a picture of two women jumping on the beach with waves crashing in front of a sunset. What is the key to your friendship with your best friend? in white below them with the #cpchatnow white logo in the bottom left hand corner

Thanks for reading and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-22-2020

Posted on by

Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow brought up interesting topics during the chat Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020. Or so at least I, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, found the topics interesting. You can make your own judgments by reading the weekly recap. All aboard!

Much conversation revolved around a link Amanda shared earlier in the week.

Zachary retweets Amanda's tweet linking to a Buzzfeed article listing adaptive equipment.

Earlier in the week Amanda used our hashtag when tweeting out Elizabeth Lilly’s Buzzfeed article “35 Things People with Limited Mobility Swear By.” I asked if anybody uses items on the list. Blemi answered saying she uses a shelf reacher. Although, Blemi quickly added she uses the shelf reacher more due to her height oppose to her CP.

Furthering the conversation surrounding the Buzzfeed article, I asked participants another question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss items on the Buzzfeed adaptive equipment list which they would be interested in using.

After I finished reading the Buzzfeed list, I asked if there was anything on the list you would think about starting to use. Responding to my own question I stated the garment steamer and pot tipper items intrigued me. Amanda gave the pot tipper a ringing endorsement saying “The pot tipper I love!!!!”

While my co-host Devin Axtman agreed, calling the pot tipper a “genius idea” a different item on the list caught his attention.

Devin shares what piece of adaptive equipment on the Buzzfeed list he may start using.

From the 35 items Lilly mentioned in her Buzzfeed article, the electric can opener caught Devin’s attention. This prompted Karen to sing the item’s praise. Karen noted how the electric can opener creates a smooth edge, ensuring she doesn’t cut herself.

What about you? Read through the Buzzfeed article and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Was there anything on the list you would think about starting to use?” Leave your replies in the “Comments” section.

Elsewhere in the July 22nd chat, participants discussed dating and sex.

#CPChatNow participants discuss subjects related to disability dating and sex.

The dating and sex subjects emerged when Seth shared his friend would be speaking to a group of disabled teens about sex. News I found cool because the topic can often go overlooked in the disability community.

Continuing the conversation Seth revealed his friend planned to use Life Goes On as an example. He warned her to expect a lot of blank faces. When I asked Seth what he would recommend instead, Seth named Speechless. Additionally, Karen offered recommendations.

Karen recommends TV shows and movies which depict sex with disabled characters.

Beyond Speechless, Karen named Margarita with a Straw and Crip Camp as projects depicting sex with disabled characters. Feel free to add your own suggestions too. First though, answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again, the question refers to the Buzzfeed adaptive equipment list and asks “Was there anything on the list you would think about starting to use?”

Answer below in the comments!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-08-2020

Posted on by

Various subjects came and went Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Early dialogue from the evening involved participants discussing different mask mandates. Through the conversation we discovered most mandates possess similar disability exemptions. This led to some interesting questions.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how the disability exemption part of mask mandates will be enforced.

After we began discussing the mask mandate exemptions, I asked how many people with disabilities will feel like they will need to prove themselves as disabled. Plus, I questioned how many non-disabled individuals will lie and claim a disability just to get out of wearing a mask.

My co-host Devin Axtman who works in a college’s disability service office, answered the questions. He expects a tough balance between having people get documentation versus people just asking. Meanwhile chat regular Heather expressed doubts a lot of places will ask for documentation.

Enforcing mask mandate exemptions sure does bring about certain complications. Let us continue that discussion. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How would you enforce mask mandate exemptions?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Moving beyond masks, chat regular Seth shared an interesting experience he had July 4th weekend.

Seth shares a Fourth of July story.
Seth and Zachary react to Seth's Fourth of July story.

As Seth explained, at a fireworks party, two kids became intrigued by Seth’s voice. Resulting, Seth ended up playing “Guess What the Gimp is Saying” with the kids. I found Seth’s story super cool, assuming Seth was cool with the game. An assumption Seth confirmed as true. Ultimately by having a sense of humor, Seth transformed a potentially awkward or frustrating situation into a positive moment.

Returning to a more serious tone, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How would you enforce mask mandate exemptions?” Answer below! Then mark your calendar for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET.

Until then, don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How would you enforce mask mandate exemptions?"
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 7/1/2020

Posted on by

#CPChatNow opened up July discussing a wide range of topics. Members discussed Canada Day, critical topics such as their favorite type of M&M’s, and if it was difficult to obey their limits. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, I would like to highlight an important conversation The Accessible Stall podcast had about systemic racism and abelism. You can find the episode here.

i tweet about the accessible stall podcast episode on systemic racism

I also wanted to highlight a recent blog post by co-host, Zachary Fennell, about his experience during the Cleveland UCP Race to Empower.

zach tweets about a guest blog post about cleveland UCP"s race to empower

July 1st was Canada Day and Blemi tweeted that it was very different than the normal celebrations due to the COVID pandemic.

blemi tweeted everything is canceled so she was having a low key canada day at home, zach asks about usual activities, blemi tweeted her hometown usually had a parade and rodeo and there are always family get togethers. zach tweets that sounds like fun and a low key day is good sometimes

Next, talk turned to a very important question, what are member’s favorite M&M’s. This was inspired by some delicious Crispy M&M’s I was enjoying.

i ask what people's favorite m&m's were. chris tweeted peanut or nutella.

Finally, members discussed a common struggle for folks with CP, obeying their limits.

zach asks if it is difficult for people to obey their limits. zach tweets his question was inspired by passing on some sub opportunities at work. i tweet i sometimes have trouble with walking long distances.
chris tweets he does not push his physical limitations and it has been a struggle because he used to resent his cp. he also tweets his immune system has never been strong and all 4 sides are affected so he wishes he could be more physically active.

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

the extend-the-conversation graphic. the orange, blue, and green #CPChatNow logo is in the right hand corner, extend-the-conversation question is above the question in green with the question of what is your favorite candy above a picture of M&M's on pretzel sticks. #cpchatnow is in white text behind a green background

Thanks for reading and be sure to join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-24-2020

Posted on by

On Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow continued adjusting to life in a COVID19 world. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Allow me to serve as your conductor on this metaphorical train ride known as your weekly recap. All aboard!

As aforementioned, much dialogue from the night related to the COVID19 world we all now live in. For example, Major League Baseball (MLB) announcing their plans for the 2020 season.

#CPChatNow participants discuss a common interest, baseball.

Bonds in our community prove strong, in-part due to commonalities beyond cerebral palsy. My co-host Devin Axtman brought one such commonality up, mentioning baseball. Specifically, MLB’s plan for the 2020 season. Many participants possess their favorite teams. Devin loves the Chicago Cubs. I am a huge Cleveland Indians fan. We learned relative newcomer to the group Chris supports the Indians’ divisional rival Minnesota Twins.

Meanwhile long-time regular Jen roots for the Texas Rangers. Her Rangers fandom showed when I asked a question about customizing face masks.

#CPChatNow participants discuss customizing face masks.

Seeking ideas for custom face masks, I asked #CPChatNow what would everyone put on a custom face mask. Jen replied, saying maybe the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot Gritty or the Texas Rangers’ mascot Rangers Captain. Also replying, Devin said our #CPChatNow logo. His comment sparked my creativity.

Taking a moment I went over to Custom Ink and generated a possible #CPChatNow mask. Both Devin and Chris liked what they saw. I still need to look into the logistics more, but stay tuned! #CPChatNow face masks could become available soon.

Would you want a #CPChatNow face mask? If not, what would you put on a custom face mask? Answer that for the week’s extend-the-conversation question!“What would you put on a custom face mask?”

Answer below! Then plan to join us on Twitter, each and every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET. I look forward to tweeting you then. Until then though, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What would you put on a custom face mask?"
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-03-2020

Posted on by

Community, both past and present, took center stage during the weekly cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020. Here to tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Join me for our weekly tradition also known as the #CPChatNow recap.

Early in the night humor from our chat’s past emerged into our conversation.

Zachary and Devin share a laugh over humor from #CPChatNow's past.

Jokingly I asked my co-host Devin Axtman if he had any drinks on hand because I may experience technical difficulties throughout the night. A joke referencing the days when our community held monthly video chats via Google Hangouts. Notoriously I would experience technical difficulties, mostly due to my aged laptop’s inability to properly run during group video chats. At one point in a monthly Hangout Devin quipped about turning my technical difficulties into a drinking game. His joke soon became a running gag within our community.

Although, we no longer host monthly video chats our community continues growing in other ways. For example, continuing to welcome new participants to our chats. Newcomers, like Chris Johnson!

The #CPChatNow community learns more about newcomer Chris Johnson.

Judging by his return, I dare assume Chris enjoyed his first #CPChatNow experience Wednesday, May 27th, 2020. Devin happily welcomed Chris back by asking him about his hobbies. That led to a reveal Chris has a podcast about the iconic musician Prince.

Keeping the music vibe going I pointed out music stands a familiar topic within our chat.

#CPChatNow participants discuss music.

Offering an example about our past music discussions, I noted how we discussed music’s therapeutic abilities. A sentiment Chris connected to himself. In-particular he mentioned working on a book about music’s healing qualities especially in the spiritual sense.

Allow us to maintain the music theme beat. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Who is your favorite musician and why?”

Leave your answers below in the comments! Afterwards mark your calendars as 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 asks, "Who is your favorite musician and why?"
Answer below!