Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 6/26/24

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Thanks for joining us for the #CPChatNow recap from June 26th, 2024. Members discussed going to pride parades, fall clinics, and what they think when they stumble.

First, Jen and I marked 626 Day, a day commemorating Stitch from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch.

jen tweets happy 626 day with a picture of her stitch plush.

Next, Seth checked in to say he had fun going to the Pride parade.

i explain to seth that stitch is also named project 626 and ask how he has been. he tweets ok just busy and the pride parade was fun

Chris also expressed excitement about going to a fall clinic that is going to evaluate her risks for falling and teach her some techniques.

chris tweeted she is excited to go to the fall clinic, zach tweeted it will be interested to see what input she will learn that she hasn't over the years, chris tweeted no one has taught her about falls or done anything supportive. zach tweeted he spent an entire summer of physical therapy focusing on falling after a fall that led to a concussion in first grade.

Finally, talk turned to what self talk members employ when they stumble.

zach asked what self-talk goes through member's minds when they trip, veronica tweeted she usually thinks pick up your feet dumbass but she learned about turf toe when watching football and she realized she's athletic and she didn't know it.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What strategies do you use to not fall?

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-19-2024

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Participants in the cerebral palsy (CP) X chat #CPChatNow spent time on their 2024 Juneteenth holiday talking to each other. To delve into the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. So, go pop some popcorn, grab your preferred beverage, and get ready to enjoy your weekly recap!

If the above popcorn and beverage line makes you think about going to movies, then I accomplished my mission. Going to the movies remained a main focus Wednesday, June 19th. My co-host Devin Axtman brought up the topic when he checked in for the evening.

#CPChatNow co-host Devin Axtman sparks the movie discussion.

Devin revealed he was going to see Inside Out 2 that night. Those in the chat responded in various ways. Hannah encouraging Devin to “Let us know what you think.” Meanwhile Jen replied, “Hope you have a great time.”

As the dialogue continued, focus shifted to the last movie everyone saw in theaters.

Hannah and Zachary discuss going to movies as a great friend activity.

Personally, I shared the last movie I saw in theaters was Dune 2. I went with a friend even though I had not seen the first Dune. Like I explained during the discussion, “Movies to me are more about time with friends.” Regarding the friend I saw Dune 2 with, I noted, “A friend who has done a half marathon and several other races with me. So, of course I’m like sure I can go see this movie.”

My remarks about seeing movies more as an activity to do with friends also resonated with Hannah, who commented, “I feel like it’s an equal opportunity experience because I don’t have to try to keep up with everyone. We’re all just relaxing.” Sentiments I recalled Mike Berkson from Handicap This expressing years ago. Inviting participants to travel further back, I asked another question.

#CPChatNow participants remember the first movies they ever saw in theaters.

I asked, “Do you remember what the first movie you ever saw in theaters was?” Devin answered Lion King. However, he did provide the disclaimer, “Or maybe that was the first one I remember.”

Additionally Jen showed memory fuzziness saying, “Batman in 89 or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 90.” Other responses included Hannah recalling seeing Titanic with her parents and me naming the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies as one of the first movies I saw in theaters.

How about you though? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What was the first movie you ever saw in theaters?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What was the first movie you ever saw in theaters?"

Respond below in the “Comments.” Afterwards, set a reminder to join us every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 6/12/24

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This past week in #CPChatNow was a happening as always. Members talked about their children’s graduation, their feelings on roller coasters, movies they were hoping to see this summer, and the Juneteenth holiday. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

Veronica tweeted about her child’s graduation from veterinarian school. Congratulations Veronica and family!

veronica tweets she made it to the hotel in oregon and the graduation is on sunday. zach asked if they had any plans before the graduation. veronica tweeted the college has activities planned and sightseeing.
zach asks veronica if she has any places she wants to sightsee. veronica tweets they may see silver falls state park and the carousel museum, zach tweets the carousel museum sounds fun

Next, Hannah popped in the chat and the conversation turned to roller coasters and whether members liked them.

zach asks how members feel about roller coasters, hannah tweets she loves them, but she's not a fan of going upside down, i tweeted that i agree about going upside down, but i'll still ride it.

Next, members talked about movies they wanted to see this summer.

zach asked if anyone is planning to see any movies this summer. hannah tweeted she wanted to see inside out 2, i tweeted i loved the first movie, and zach tweeted he is going to see deadpool/wolverine this summer

Finally, I wanted to commemorate Juneteenth, a day that celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States.

zach asks what members are looking forward to in the next 7 days. i tweeted we get juneteenth off and i didn't know what it was until i got to texas, zach tweets they get a floating holiday and he knows it gained more visibility two years ago when it became a national holiday

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite movie of all time? My favorite movie is Parasite. Please share your answers in the comments!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-05-2024

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For participants in the live cerebral palsy (CP) X chat #CPChatNow, Wednesday evenings mean engaging and thoughtful conversation. The chat provided exactly that Wednesday, June 5th, 2024. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Much chatter from the night revolved around lifelong friendships.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss keys for maintaining friendships.

Personally, friendship pre-occupied my mind after I spent time reflecting on the now closed Notre Dame College (NDC). As my college alma mater, NDC holds a special place in my heart. I shared a collage combining photos from my college days and photos taken since, whether at alumni events or races I completed alongside fellow Falcons. In addition to the collage, I asked participants what they consider keys for maintaining friendships.

Veronica replied, “Helping each other out and celebrating everyone’s success.” Continuing, Veronica added, “Being there through the hard times as well.” The latter had remained on display earlier in the evening June 5th.

Both Hannah and I offered support for each other. Hannah joined the chat sore, getting a bunch of fillings earlier in the day. I responded to Hannah, echoing a phrase she has used in the past, “One minute, one hour, one day at a time.”

Meanwhile I admitted to the bittersweet emotions I felt over my college alma mater closing. Hannah actively listened and summarized my sentiments by saying, “‘One of those don’t cry because it’s over(.) Smile because it happened’ scenarios.”

How about you though? For the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Tell us about a time a friend was there for you during a hard time.” Share your story in the comments.

For the week's extend-the-conversation question, tell us about a time a friend was there for you during a hard time.

Afterwards, set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. Participate enough and you will find yourself building new lifelong friendships. The chats begin at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 5/29/24

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Last week in #CPChatNow members discussed their church communities, colleges closing down, wearing glasses, and getting through hard days. This is co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride for this week’s recap. All aboard!

Casey stopped by the chat and shared the importance of their church. This illustrates the importance of virtual options for many disabled people.

casey tweeted about their online church family and how important it is

Zach shared his sadness at his alma mater, Notre Dame College, shutting down. He shared he was going to a farewell mass on Saturday.

zach asked what members were looking forward to that weekend. i tweeted about watching playoff hockey, zach tweeted about his alma mater's closing mass on saturday

Next, discussion turned to whether members wore glasses.

zach asked if members wore glasses. i tweeted i don't wear contacts because of cp dexterity

Finally, Hannah graced the chat with her presence and Zach and her discussed how to get through hard days sharing a Steve Harvey quote.

hannah tweeted she is hanging in there. zach shared a steve harvey quote of 'Your track record for those tough days is 100%. zach tweeted that sometimes you need to get through one day or one minute.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation-Question: How do you get through those hard days? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on X!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-22-2024

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Wednesday after Wednesday people gather on X for the live cerebral palsy chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the discussion from Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Starting the conversation on a fun note, I shared a clip of me doing karaoke from the previous weekend.

The video would go on to spark much dialogue throughout the night.

Karaoke conversation leads to discussion about asking for help and much more!

Initially, Veronica and I discussed the intricacies involved with karaoke. My co-host Devin Axtman added another layer to the chatter when he commented, “I wouldn’t have the guts to even sing so good on you!”

In response, I mentioned, “Honestly, I find saying ‘I need help getting up and down the stairs’ (to the stage) more nerving than the actual karaoke.” This led to talk about asking for help. As I stated, “Too frequently asking for help is seen as a sign of weakness, but it really is a strength, showing self-awareness and honesty with oneself.”

Devin related, saying “I used to worry about asking for help, but it doesn’t bother me now. Maybe it’s an age thing.” Devin’s age theory makes sense to me since aging gives you experience and experience creates better perspective.

What do you think though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about asking for help?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

First, let us continue with our recap. Besides asking for help, the karaoke dialogue evolved into conversation about courageous actions.

#CPChatNow participants discuss something courageous they have either done or want to try to do.

Specifically, I asked the chat, “What is something courageous you have either done or want to try?” Veronica revealed facing a fear multiple individuals in our community possess, the dreaded escalator! Veronica recalled, “I rode up an escalator by myself. It was over 10 years ago when I was traveling alone and there was a lot of construction in the terminal and I couldn’t find the elevators.”

Meanwhile Devin answered, saying, “Dating.” Adding, “So glad that’s over haha.” A whole new dimension comes into play if you factor dating in with the prior discussion about asking for help. Regarding the latter, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel about asking for help?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you feel about asking for help?"

Respond below! Afterwards set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 5/15/24

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This past week in #CPChatNow was grooving as always. Members discussed handling conflict and what they would change in their life. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach and I discussed how to handle conflict. We discussed the importance of active listening and conflicts bringing opportunities.

zach talked about attending a conflict management program at work and discussed how to handle conflict. i tweeted it is best dealt with directly and with active listening. zach tweeted active listening is key and one of his coworkers said conflict is learning opportunity

Next, members discussed what they would change in their lives if anything.

zach asked what changes people would make in their life. I tweeted I would have more fun in college because nobody has asked about my gpa. Zach tweets he would've taken his freshman year in college more seriously. I tweeted I also would've bought a house 4 years ago
veronica tweeted her husband and her have talked about they couldn't afford to buy a house in today's market and they bought their house 24 hours ago.
chris tweeted she would've studied social work in 2012 after ending up in a lot of debt

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What do you do if you start experiencing regrets? Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow night on X at 8 Eastern.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap-5/8/24

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This past week in #CPChatNow was bumping as always. Members discussed engagements, job searches, new sports, and how CP impacts their mental health. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we would like to congratulate #CPChatNow co-host, Jorge Oteiza, on his recent engagement!

jorge oteiza announcing his engagement with a picture of him proposing to his fiance

Next, Gracielita discussed her search for jobs, specifically work from home jobs.

gracelita and zach discussed the job search process, specifically work from home jobs to maintain her health

Next, Stephen mentioned that he has been getting into tennis by watching it on TV and playing video games.

steven and zach tweeted about how stephen has gotten into tennis by watching and playing video games

Finally, Zach and I talked about the changing impact of CP on mental health as we age. I also want to recommend folks check the recent episode The Accessible Stall Podcast did on the subject of cures.

zach asks how CP impacts people's mental health. i shared this has changed as i have aged and experienced more pain. zach agreed aging creates new challenges

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your favorite things to do for mental health self-care?

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-01-2024

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Different subjects came and went during the live weekly X (formerly Twitter) cerebral palsy (CP) chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, May 1st, 2024. If you missed the discussion, do not worry! I, #CPChatNow co-host, Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you with your recap. Shall we get started?

Early in the evening my co-host Devin Axtman sent out congratulations to a previous chat co-host.

Congratulations to previous chat co-host Blake Henry on his recent engagement.

Devin congratulated Blake Henry on his recent engagement. The exciting news Blake had shared on Instagram. Through keeping in touch on multiple platforms, the connections made in our community transcend our weekly chats. In the process, expanding our support system. A good support system helps nurture other benefits. For example, self-confidence.

Devin and Zachary discuss self-confidence.

Self-confidence surfaced as a topic for discussion when I asked the chat, “What helps you fuel your self-confidence?” Within Devin’s reply he mentioned his support system, saying, “(I) remind myself people have confidence in me.”

Regarding other people showing confidence in you I said, “I find the last part kind of builds into itself. Other people have confidence in you which gives you confidence and as a result more people end up having confidence in you.”

As the self-confidence dialogue progressed, Devin named an element vital to self-confidence, “You have to love yourself. Part of that is not comparing yourself to others.”

In my opinion, an important pillar for learning to love yourself stems from positive representation in media, whether the news, TV shows, or books. In relation to disability and children’s books, I sought recommendations, asking “Do you have any recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities?”

#CPChatNow participants discuss recommendations of picture books for introducing a child to disabilities.

The subject lingered in my mind after coming across I Am Extraordinary by Stephen Curry at work. Summarizing my thoughts on the book, I said, “The overall message is great (pretty much don’t blend in. Blend out!) However, there are a couple portions that feel too ‘inspirational porn’ like.”

Beyond I Am Extraordinary, Veronica named the children’s series, The Abilities in Me. Each book in the series explores a different disability, such as ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy. Your turn now! Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What picture books do you recommend for introducing a child to disabilities?"

Answer below! Afterwards mark your calendar to join #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-24-2024

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Every Wednesday folks gather on X (formerly Twitter) for the live cerebral palsy (CP) chat, #CPChatNow. Here to provide highlights from the April 24th, 2024 chat, I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready for your weekly recap!

The power community offers remained on display early in the evening.

Stephen explains how #CPChatNow has empowered him.

Chat regular Stephen shared, “Thanks to #cpchatnow I can say what I want to say.” When I expressed an interest in learning more about his comment, Stephen explained, “It was I can say whatever I want and I know yall will understand.”

Elsewhere in the night’s discussion, understanding showed with participants chatting about how cerebral palsy can impact going to a concert. The dialogue eventually led to a concert-related question.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their favorite venues for seeing concerts.

I asked participants what their favorite venues for seeing concerts are. My co-host Devin Axtman and I both named outdoor venues in our respective areas. Regarding outside concerts, I commented, “Part of a outside concert’s charm is weather. Weather influences the atmosphere of a show. I’ve been to concerts where it down poured for a portion of the show and it only made the concert that much more memorable.”

While rain can help make an outside concert more memorable, I occasionally feel I need something to make all tasks on my to-do list memorable. Therefore, I asked a question.

#CPChatNow participants share their tactics for staying organized.

Seeking ideas, I asked, “How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?” Stephen said, “My memory.” Quite impressive, at least in my opinion.

Meanwhile Devin answered, “notes app on my phone. Memory a bit too but that’s not working as well.” What about you though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?” Reply in the comments.

However, first mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on X. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "How do you stay organized and keep track of everything you have to do?"