This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members talked about various topics like having multiple disabilities, horror movies and CP, and their personal analogy for the CP community. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, two long time members of the #CPChatNow community finally met each other in-person with Hannah Pike and my other co-host, Zachary Fenell, meeting:
Shira asked if having CP made you more likely to have multiple disabilities:
Members chimed in that they had multiple diagnoses with CP and that other symptoms from CP might lead to a diagnosis:
Next, members talked about the impacts from CP and their startle reflex on watching horror movies:
Finally, Zach asked if members had an analogy for the Cerebral Palsy community:
Seth chimed in with his own analogy borrowing from a Lady Gaga song:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What analogy would you use for the CP community? Please share your answers in the comments!
Join us every Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.
Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Zachary Fenell and I am the co-host for the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Yet #CPChatNow remains much more than just a Twitter chat. Our participants make up a community. What exactly makes a community, a community though? That question I am able to answer by recapping the Wednesday, June 5th, 2019 chat.
A community disbands isolation, turning seemingly odd quirks into common bonds. Like sneezing and cerebral palsy!
To an able-bodied person, a forthcoming sneeze probably raises one major thought “Better get a Kleenex.” Living with cerebral palsy adds another level to consider. Long-time regular Blemi described sneezing as “a whole body event for me.” I related, sharing I need to brace my lower half before sneezing. Otherwise I might blow myself off balance!
A second aspect to community involves supporting each other, providing concern and encouragement when life’s balance falters. Upon my co-host Devin Axtman literally experiencing this, #CPChatNow proved ready to rise to the occasion.
Devin tweeted he just took a huge fall at a restaurant, but avoided harm. Community member Chris responded, sharing surprise she has not fallen at work yet. Continuing Chris said she began using a cane back in January. Based off her zero falls at work, the cane appears quite helpful.
Meanwhile I asked Devin about the after fall. In my experience people’s reactions can prove more flustering then the actual fall. Devin explained the floor’s weird texture caused his fall to sound extra loud. The loudness left others there to look prior to resuming their own dinners.
Beyond diffusing loneliness and supplying emotional support, community stands a place you may go to ask questions. I took full advantage June 5th, posing a question to our group.
Currently I am working on a blog post, seeking to highlight social media’s positives. Wanting input from others, I asked “How has social media had a positive impact on your life?”
Chris in-part replied she learned a lot about different disabilities and made friends. Should we keep the conversation going?
I agree! Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How has social media had a positive impact on your life?” Leave a comment to respond!
Then experience the #CPChatNow community firsthand, joining the chat every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
Every Wednesday you can count on the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow for quality conversation. Or, at least I believe so. Seeing I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, I obviously possess a bias. Allow me to persuade you by providing you your weekly chat recap.
Quality conversation begins with thoughtful people. Those individuals comprise our community’s core. Therefore even during quieter nights #CPChatNow remains enjoyable. Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 proved one such occasion.
Exactly how enjoyable? My co-host Devin Axtman made efforts to multi-task despite his own exciting plans that night.
Devin joined #CPChatNow from Minute Maid Park, where he watched his Chicago Cubs play the Houston Astros. To use a baseball metaphor, Devin stepped up to the plate during the chat and hit a home run. The homer symbolizes the dialogue Devin sparked.
A feel good news story to many received a contentious outlook within our community. Devin retweeted Fox 5 DC’s post reporting about a local Home Depot building a young boy a walker. In Devin’s opinion the media missed the true story. How can the U.S. healthcare system not provide such basic equipment?
Long-time #CPChatNow regular Blemi added her input, pointing out by paying now you can save later. After all through providing treatments and devices you increase the likelihood individuals with disabilities become contributing society members. Meanwhile I highlighted a line found in the Fox 5 DC piece which struck me as odd.
I noted the story Devin shared never flat out said the insurance company would not pay for the walker. Instead the parents remained unsure whether the insurance company would cover the cost. This left me wondering, “Couldn’t you call and ask?”
My question left us contemplating the possibilities. Devin suggested perhaps the family was in the middle of the process. Further thought left me contemplating additional prospects. Maybe the parents tried calling, but kept getting put on hold. Or, they wound up talking to unhelpful representatives. Who knows?!
Rather than continuing to speculate, let us talk what we do know. Our personal experiences! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What have your experiences with insurance companies been?”
Comment below to answer. Then remember to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always. Members discussed their support system, issues with transportation companies and graduation, and more. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
It’s graduation season! Members shared their experiences and difficulties with graduation due to accessibility issues. Chris shared her graduation is at a baseball stadium and Blake shared he was able to successfully navigate his ceremony. I shared my difficulties at my ceremony, but also on a happy note some improvements that were made.
Next, members talked about issues with transportation, Uber and Lyft and also paratransit. There have been continuing issues with accessing Uber and Lyft for disabled people. This conversation stemmed from an Uber driving refusing to pick up a wheelchair user and Lyft being in an ADA lawsuit and arguing they are not a transportation company.
Chris shared she had a continuing wait for paratransit today per usual. Zach shared his hesitancy to sign up for paratransit because of the need to see a neurologist who he hasn’t seen in years.
Next, members talked about support systems. Chris shared her disability support system has helped her in numerous ways.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question. Let’s talk about support systems. Zach shared in the chat his support system helped him accomplish his goal of being a marathoner. What is the biggest thing your support system has helped you accomplish?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Next, Zach asked members about a time a friend did something nice. Raisa chimed in about a friend helping her at a pub:
Next, we talked about the passage of time and how long people have spent at jobs:
Finally, members talked about the season finale of Speechless:
Unfortunately, Friday brought news Speechless was canceled, but I did get a like on my tweet from Minnie Driver:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Next, Zach shared one of his favorite photos of himself being near his goal of completing a 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:
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!
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.
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 showSpecial.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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.”
Finally, this led to a discussion of what words or phrases miff people. Seth tweeted his thoughts:
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 