This past week in #CPChatNow was jumping as always. Members talked about topics like submitting their first manuscript, snapping their fingers, and the bane of many people with CP’s existence, shoes. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, I would like to recognize #CPChatNow’s resident scientist, Timmy. Timmy is starting his PhD program and submitted his first 1st author manuscript. Good luck this year Timmy!
Next, Zach asked if members are able to snap their fingers, something that is difficult for many people with CP.
Talk then turned to whether members could do things like the Vulcan Salute, sing, and play an instrument.
Next, talk turned to how long member’s shoes last them. Keens and Docs were popular durable shoes. Many members expressed that shoes did not last them long.
Finally, Zach mentioned a CP life hack he used at a recent wedding, wearing black tennis shoes rather than dress shoes.
Zach’s tweet about tennis shoes inspires our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your CP life hacks? Share your answers in the comments!
Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern on Twitter.
Wednesdays equal appointment tweeting, at least for participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. In my opinion the best way to demonstrate the appointment tweeting concept remains delivering you your weekly recap.
Since everyone begins gathering at 8pm ET, you can expect almost immediate responses to your tweets. Such quick response time helps to build a bond between those who contribute to the dialogue. For example, take a look at how others responded to a humorous story my co-host Devin Axtman shared.
Devin brought up a Lyft driver who recognized Devin’s cerebral palsy. The driver’s familiarity with CP stemmed from a family member having the “Palsy.” The tale gave me flashbacks to college when a peer saw my movements and asked a similar question. Like long-time chat regular Blemi observed, “People who know. Know.”
Another attribute which makes #CPChatNow appointment tweeting involves the life updates. Each week chat regulars share the happenings in their lives. On Wednesday, August 21st, 2019 Shira shared an awesome development.
Shira recently learned every week her college brings in therapy dogs for de-stressing. Devin mentioned the college he works for does the same during finals, an especially stressful time! Unfortunately, stress knows no bounds. Whether school or life, you can easily become stressed. Hence the importance to find an outlet to relieve your anxiety. With that said, answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How do you relieve stress?”
Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. Then afterwards make sure to add #CPChatNow to your weekly calendar. The Twitter chat takes place every Wednesday, beginning at 8pm ET. Include the hashtag in your tweets and join the conversation! I hope to tweet you soon.
Until next time, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!
-Zachary
Leave your answer in the “Comments” section below!
This past week in #CPChatNow was buzzing as always! Members talked about various things such as therapy they enjoyed over the years, learning to fall, and disaster preparedness with a disability. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, we start with a dreaded subject when you have CP, falls. This was sparked by a post in The Mighty about falling. Members discussed things such as learning to fall and their fear of falling. Hannah learned to fall so well she taught others!
Zach shared his fears about falling were largely about messing up large events. I shared I had to wear wrist guards due to fear of hurting myself. Heather did not have to worry about this since her mom is a nurse:
Zach had a security meeting at work with problematic representation about those with disabilities in an active shooter situation. Chris tweets about experiencing similar things and disaster planning for earthquakes:
Zach and Shira tweet about the active shooter preparation video with Zach expressing dismay about the portrayal of wheelchair users. Zach and Shira tweeted about how you might experience issues with speed if you are trying to escape an active shooter situation in a wheelchair:
We have talked about some heavy things in this recap, so I would like to end by focusing on a lighter topic. Therapy is a constant in many people’s lives with CP. Zach focused on therapy that was effective for us. Grace and I discussed horse therapy:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What was your favorite moment in therapy? Please share your answer in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.
Every Wednesday participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoy camaraderie. They celebrate each other’s successes and offer empathy during challenging times. Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 proved no different. To tell you more, I am co-host Zachary Fenell.
Shortly after 8pm ET members began joining the conversation.
A holiday weekend caused long-time chat regular Blemi to almost miss the chat. Thankfully her mind reminded her that yes indeed, the day is Wednesday. I inquired about the reason for her long weekend and she explained the Canadian holiday Heritage Days. The holiday celebrates the different cultures and customs that make up Canada.
Meanwhile a fellow long-time chat regular Hannah looked ahead to another celebration.
Although she felt rough, Hannah stopped by to say hi. With her birthday days away Hannah hoped to feel better next week. My co-host Devin Axtman wished Hannah an early happy birthday.
To keep the celebratory birthday theme going, answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is the most memorable birthday gift you have ever received?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.
Continuing on, the reasons to celebrate kept piling up.
Co-hostJorge Oteiza, also known as Blake Henry, apparently came across a street named after him. Ha, ha!
Resuming seriousness though, passionate chat regular Chris possessed a great reason to celebrate.
In some exciting news Chris shared she will start grad school October 1st. She plans to study instructional design. Fantastic!
I bet “Fantastic!” additionally works to describe your answer to the extend-the-conversation question. Again, this week’s question asks, “What is the most memorable birthday gift you have ever received?”
Share below in the “Comments” section. Then mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET!
This past week in #CPChatNow was buzzing as always. Members talked about a recent Micah Fowler interview, a computer mouse versus a track pad, coffee mugs, and also a peanut butter debate. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, Speechless continues to be a popular topic during the chats. Forbes had a recent interview with Micah Fowler that is definitely worth checking out. The interview sparked discussion during the chat about how Speechless handled family and disability.
Next, debate turned to whether members prefer a trackpad or a mouse with opinions mixed between a trackpad and a mouse.
Also, #CPChatNow weighed in on the age old debate, smooth or crunchy peanut butter.
Next, Zach asked members how they handle their coffee mug. Blemi and Shira responded they handle both the handle and the mug.
Zach shared he uses travel mugs because they do not get hot and they have lids to prevent spills.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What common items not designed specifically for accessibility do you use to meet your access needs?
Thanks for reading this week’s recap! Join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.
Wednesday, July 24th, 2019 participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow displayed a problem solving attitude. Tasks CP can make difficult arose during the conversation. Others responded, suggesting potential solutions. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to tell you more the best way I know how. Through your weekly recap!
Long-time chat regular Blemi shared earlier in the day a spastic moment while using a knife almost sent her to the ER. This left me curious. So I asked participants to share their worst experience with a knife.
Veteran knife user Jake Jordan also showed curiosity. Though, his interest involved wondering what Blemi was cutting and with what type of knife. Those answers would help identify whether she could use a safer tool in the future.
Additionally Jake offered safety tips for using a knife. One such tip, cut away from yourself. A sentiment Blemi echoed, saying “Ya always cut away from yourself!”
Speaking up, I said I can find cutting away from myself challenging. To give an example, I mentioned cutting a roll. Jake countered, advising I hold the roll on its side and cut downwards. Plus he noted to use the proper knife, a serrated one. With a serrated knife, you should apply as little force as possible.
While Jake proved quite knowledgeable about knives, our community also received wisdom from another participant.
Veronica enjoyed a pleasant realization that although she cooks a lot, she has managed not to cut herself. She attributes the success to doubling or tripling prep time. An excellent idea!
As Veronica and I continued talking, she revealed another useful tidbit. At a restaurant they will cut your food in the kitchen if you ask! Good to know, right?
Beyond cutting food, a second CP challenge surfaced amidst the dialogue.
I momentarily excused myself to finish up some laundry, which I warned included bed sheets. Or, as my co-host Devin Axtman referred to them “the bane of CP.”
After members bonded over the struggle bed sheets cause, Jake once again offered a possible solution.
Jake linked to the mattress lifter, The tool could assist anyone who needs help lifting the mattress when putting bed sheets on. Perhaps you utilize a particular tool to make an activity easier. Let us know! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is a tool you use to help make an activity easier?” Answer below in the comments!
Until next time, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!
Last week in #CPChatNow was popping as always. Members talked about a ramp for their pool, going to graduate school, the Netflix show Special, and why they would not crowdsurf in their wheelchair at a concert. I am Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
We start this week’s recap with a cool picture of Hannah’s new pool ramp (and the world famous Levi!). This is an awesome example of people working to provide access.
Next, another #CPChatNow Co-Host came to the party. Jorge, also known as Blake, checked in. He is preparing for the GMAT to start graduate school.
Seth checked in with his thoughts about the Netflix show, Special.
Finally, Zach tweeted a video of a man in a wheelchair crowdsurfing at a concert. Hannah and I both agreed we would not do so due to fears of what would what happen. Hannah shared a story about a drunk person kicking her scooter.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the worst thing someone has done to your mobility equipment?
Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter!
To those who participate in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow, each week Wednesday provides a hub for community. A place to find emotional support, plus share similar interests, common experiences, and more! The July 10th, 2019 chat proved no different. Here with the details I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Enjoy your weekly recap.
Unfortunately for long-time chat regular Hannah, health woes prevented her from participating July 10th.
Community members responded to Hannah’s news by sending her sympathy. Meanwhile a power outage caused another long-time chat regular Jen to join late. Ironically the power outage helped to power the night’s discussion.
Participants began chatting about what they like to do when without power. I mentioned reading, but you can only read if enough natural light remains available. On that note, chat regular Shira brought up lighting candles. Jen said she couldn’t light a candle to save her life, instead preferring flashlights. I seconded the notion, saying flames and CP equal a nerve-wrecking combination. My co-host Devin Axtman further supported Jen’s flashlight preference.
Whether reading by flashlight, natural light, or another source multiple members in our community expressed a liking towards If At Birth You Don’t Succeed by Zach Anner. Personally, Anner’s raw honesty within If At Birth You Don’t Succeed wowed me.
If At Birth You Don’t Succeed stayed on my mind’s forefront as earlier in the week I finished reviewing the book for my website. Getting back to the chat though, Heather additionally gave the book praise.
Heather found Anner “quite relatable and funny!” Your turn now! Keep the conversation going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What cerebral palsy related book do you recommend?”
Leave your recommendation in the comments below! Then join the fun LIVE! Mark your calendar for #CPChatNow, every Wednesday on Twitter starting at 8pm ET!
It was the day before the 4th of July and #CPChatNow brought the fireworks as usual. Members talked about fireworks, disability podcasts, wheelchair seats at sporting events, and just how far you mind can help overcome your disability. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride of this week’s recap.
First, members talked about fireworks themselves. Fireworks are also known as the bane of existence when you have the Cerebral Palsy startle reflex.
Next, Zach brought up the cool story of Peter Kline. He has completed 45 marathons with disabled rider athletes. Well done Mr. Kline!
I would like to highlight one of my favorite podcasts (disability or otherwise), the Disability Visibility podcast. The podcast is hosted by Alice Wong and looks at different issues surrounding disability:
Next, members talked about wheelchair seats at sporting events. Chris is going to an Indy Car race in Portland in September. She talked about an organization, @halfaccess, where people can post about the accessibility of a venue.
Finally, #CPChatNow was tagged in an intriguing question by @cpandm. They asked if it was OK to be frustrated by others saying, “The body will do what you decide to make it do.” In other words, whether it is OK to be frustrated by your mind not being able to will your body to do things.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How do you know when your body is telling you you’re at your limit? Share your answer in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow.
On Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discussed living with CP, emphasizing in-particular the LIVING part. Oppose to keeping the dialogue strictly CP related, members chatted about various subjects. Topics I, #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, will seek to summarize and deliver to you the best way I know how. Your weekly recap!
Recent college graduate and beloved #CPChatNow member Jorge Oteiza expressed wonderment over when he will get to put his newly obtained degree to use.
Others expressed similar sentiments too.
Personally, I mention career wise not really getting use from my degree. Nevertheless I still find the lessons I learned both inside and outside the classroom valuable. Similarly long-time chat regular Blemi said she does not particularly use her degree either, noting “Sociology and Polisci is a far cry from finance.”
Offering an insightful observation, #CPChatNow regular Shira commented “I guess it’s a reminder the path you take is rarely the one you’ll think you’ll take.” Shira herself ventures off to college for the first time this fall. She confided to #CPChatNow worries about maintaining current friendships once college begins. Qualms our community helped to ease.
Long-time community member Hannah reassured Shira. Hannah demonstrated her point by citing a friendship which dates back to preschool. All that leads to the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How far back does your oldest friendship go?”
Answer below in the “Comments.” Then add to your calendar #CPChatNow. Our Twitter chat meets each Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. I hope to tweet you soon.
#CPChatNow 