Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-05-2017

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Hit sitcom Speechless and aging with cerebral palsy proved popular topics during the April 5th, 2017 #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here with the better late than never Twitter chat recap. Conversation turned to Speechless shortly after our usual Wednesday evening salutations.

Zachary asks about topics people want to see addressed on the show Speechless.Discussion initiated when I asked about subjects people want to see Speechless address in future episodes. Blemi spoke up, saying she wants to see an episode addressing fake friends. Another participant went further, expressing a desire to guest star on the sitcom. Not as farfetched a possibility as you might think!

Comedian and actress Maysoon Zayid wants to guest star on Speechless as Maya's disabled friend.Yes, actress and comedian Maysoon Zayid popped in to join our Wednesday evening chat. She wishes to guest star on Speechless, playing Maya’s disabled friend and hang/fight with the other moms. Does that sound intriguing to you?

Maysoon’s presence also brought a newcomer to #CPChatNow. He shared what he hopes to see in a future Speechless episode.

Newcomer to #CPChatNow Dave Smith wants to see a variety of CP cases on a Speechless episode.Personally, I like Dave’s idea to showcase the wide spectrum cerebral palsy offers. Your turn, though. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Is there a topic you would like to see Speechless address in its show that they have yet to address?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Eventually the night’s dialogue moved beyond Speechless. Although the first new topic remained Speechless inspired. The night’s episode delved into the ways teachers interact with their disabled students. #CPChatNow regular Hannah reacted to this.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their teachers and the levels of expectation they possess for disabled students. While Hannah couldn’t relate directly to what happens in the episode, she shared a similar experience and the emotional impact said situation created. Emotions discussed soon transitioned from hurt to fear thanks to chat regular Jen.

Jen wants to discuss fears, a notion seconded by Blemi.Here the previously mentioned aging with cerebral palsy subject arose.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the possibility of losing mobility as they age.

Answer for this week's extend-the-conversation question "Is there a topic you would like to see Speechless address in the show that they have yet to address?"Perhaps Speechless could address the aging with cerebral palsy issue. What other issues would you like to see Speechless address? Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question,  “Is there a topic you would like to see Speechless address in its show that they have yet to address?” Reply below in the “Comments” section.

Thank you for your interest in #CPChatNow. I look forward to tweeting you tonight.

Sincerely,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-29-2017

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Some cheers likely rang out in the #CPChatNow community when flipping the calendar from March to April. Just my speculation as #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Pretty ironic though, given March’s designation as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Still I possess reason behind my postulation.

Seemingly every week in March participants joined in seeking to escape from rough and tiring seven days. Same held true for our final March 2017 Twitter chat.

Zachary Fenell tries to reroute #CPChatNow from going down the rough, tired road another week.

As the above shows, Jen possessed good cause to feel tired. A tornado touched down in her town! Thankfully everyone she knew remained safe. Finding comfort in that fact, the Twitter chat progressed forward.

Both interim co-host Devin Axtman and myself spurred dialogue mentioning posts we found on The Mighty website. Actually his share “Why I Am Studying to Be a Physical Therapist with Cerebral Palsy” inspired my share.

Zachary Fenell shares an article questioning the narrative often seen with disability related prom stories.You can read the piece yourself, “The Problem with Those Prom Stories About People with Disabilities.” The idea to change narratives requires addressing how the mainstream media portrays life with a disability. Those in our community pointed out multiple problems with the current status quo portrayal.

#CPChatNow participants share their mainstream media pet peeves with regards to how the media portrays life with a disability.Habit to pity, inspirational undertones, and fitting us into a cookie cutter news template only marked a few pet peeves highlighted. Regular Hannah Pike spoke up, hitting upon a quite frustrating topic.

Hannah gets frustrated with how the media makes disability seem like an issue exclusively impacting kids.Maybe you agree with Hannah. You too growing irritated watching the media make disability appear a stand alone issue impacting children. Or, perhaps something different peeves you. Let us know! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your biggest pet peeve of how the mainstream media portrays disability?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Going back to the 29th, Hannah’s response segued to a conversation discussing aging. Regular Jocelyn playing a pivotal role in transitioning subjects, noting CP’s long-term effects on the body. A real concern despite cerebral palsy’s technical non-progressive status.

#CPChatNow discuss aging with cerebral palsy.Like the above screenshot reveals, I am hoping to organize an aging with cerebral palsy focus chat for May. Make sure you stay tuned for such an announcement, along with our April focus chat announcement. The latter should arrive imminently. Not this week, but probably next week.

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What is your biggest pet peeve of how the mainstream media portrays disability?" Answer in the "Comments" section.Distract from the building anticipation regarding our upcoming focus chats. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“What is your biggest pet peeve of how the mainstream media portrays disability?”

Reply in the “Comments” section. Tweet you soon.

Sincerely,

Zachary

 

#CPChatNow Recap 3-22-2017

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Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017, saw a meandering #CPChatNow Twitter chat that moved from CP-like symptoms in dogs, to parenting with CP, to efforts to increase fitness in people with Cerebral Palsy during CP Awareness Month.  I am your #CPChatNow Interim-Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be your conductor on this week’s recap.

The evening began on a goofy note as the gang discussed Cerebral Palsy-like symptoms in dogs:

The group discussing Cerebral Hypoplasia, CP in dogs

Things turned to a happy note as a #CPChatNow regular, Brooklyn, came back to chat and discuss her children enrolling in jiu jitsu:

Brooklyn discussing her kids enrollment in jitsu and benefits

The chat turned to a happy announcement as Co-Host, Zachary Fennell, announced that #CPChatNow’s apparel sales raised $170 for the Keep On Keeping On Foundation:

Zach announces #CPChatNow raised $170 for the Keep on Keeping On Foundaton

Next, talk turned to fitness and CP. Zach mentioned the #SweatForCP challenge:

Zach asking if anyone has heard about the #SweatForCP challenge and sharing an article

Finally, I brought up the 7 Minute Workout App from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Talk turned to how showcasing people with CP demonstrating their fitness routines is becoming more of a priority.

Devin bringing up the CPF 7 Minute fitness app. Zach bringing up the fact people with CP are shown doing exercises

This brings us to this week’s Extend-The-Conversation question: What are ways you have tried to increase your fitness level with CP?  Please leave your responses in the comments!

Finally, please don’t forget our Google Hangout next Thursday, March 30th at 8 PM EST!

Picture of a sunset with "What are ways you try to increase your fitness level with CP?

Me announcing the Hangout and Zach Have a great week everyone!

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-15-2017

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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 saw a well-needed #CPChatNow Twitter chat. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to document the chat for the history books. Or, at least recap the evening discussion for our website’s archives.

The evening began on a happy note, with some familiar faces returning following MIA status.

Some familiar names returned to the March 15th, 2017 #CPChatNow chat. Unfortunately, the joyful vibes hit some turbulence. Like the above screen shot shows Jocelyn’s appearance coincided with a rough week for her. Although Jocelyn proved not the only one.

Many seemed in-midst a tough week. Hence the reason I described the chat earlier as “well-needed.” Possessing a community to confide in remains extremely beneficial.

Rachel shares battling fatigue throughout the week..Now my response asking about a difference between CP related fatigue and everyday fatigue sparked some chatter. Specifically, whether there actually exists a difference.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the relation between fatigue and cerebral palsy.Looking to expand beyond troubles to solutions, I asked how others cheer themselves up when facing hard times.

#CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell wants to know how participants turn their frowns upside down.Yasmin shares activities she does to feel better.Jocelyn’s response in-part segued the conversation to another topic, friendships. More precisely how to maintain strong friendships while the years progress on. So staying friends when living in different states and starting families. You know, those adult life related issues!

Zachary asks how #CPChatNow participants successfully maintain long-time friendships.#CPChatNow regular Hannah Pike identified making time as an important task. Yasmin meanwhile spoke about trust.

Yasmin believes trust is instrumental to enjoying long lasting friendships.How about we keep the dialogue going? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “When it comes to long-time friends, how have you successfully maintained those relationships?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Also during the night I announced our March 2017 Google Hangout date.

#CPChatNow's March 2017 Google Hangout will happen Thursday, March 30th at 8pm ET.I hope you will join us Thursday, March 30th for our March 2017 Google Hangout. With no character limits, the video chat always provides an opportunity to delve into deeper conversations. Please contact interim co-host Devin Axtman or myself with any questions about joining.

Answer this week's extend-the-conversation question in the "Comments" section. When it comes to long-time friends, how have you successfully maintained those relationships?Additionally remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

When it comes to long-time friends, how have you successfully maintained those relationships?

Reply by commenting below.

Until tonight!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 3-8-2017

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This week on #CPChatNow there were a variety of topics talked about as always.  The topics ranged from our co-host’s time in Spain on his study abroad trip to the difficulty of finding shoes.  This is your interim co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.  All aboard!

Unfortunately, our other co-host, Zach Fenell, missed his first chat since September of 2014 due to a power outage.

Zach Fennell describing how he missed this chat due to a power outage

I also shared our regular co-host, Blake’s, blog from his study abroad trip in Spain.  The blog is worth checking out for the attempt at the wheelchair ramp alone!

Devin talking about Blake's blog on the ridiculous wheelchair ramp. Hannah saying it reminds her of escalators.

Next we talked about the common misperception people have that disability is something that needs to be fixed.  Hannah and Blemi agreed that the person with a disability has a right to decide whether they want to be fixed or not.

Hannah and Blemi talking about the misconception disability needs to be fixed

Hannah and I talked about ignorant comments others had made towards us including at a concert and when somebody blessed my legs.

Hannah talking about someone asking if she can stand at a concert. I responded with how somebody blessed my legs.

Finally, many chimed in with a common problem people with CP face, finding stylish shoes.

Discussion about difficulty of finding stylish shoes between Hannah, Devin, and Blemi.

What are some everyday things you find that are difficult to find because of your CP?This brings us to our extend-the-conversation question: What are some everyday things that are difficult to find because of your CP? Please share your responses in the comments.

Please join us next Wednesday for more #CPChatNow fun!

#CPChatNow Recap 2-22-2017

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This week’s #CPChatNow chat was lively as usual and highlighted the different things people in our community experience in our daily lives.  This is #CPChatNow Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you along on this week’s recap.

We welcomed a new member to the #CPChatNow Twitter chat family as Rachel who is teaching English in Spain joined us.  She heard about us after reading Co-Host Zach Fenell and #CPChatNow co-founder John Quinn’s books and connecting via our Facebook page and monthly Google Hangout.

Rachel expressing hope she is using Twitter correctly with a Chris Farley meme that says Technology and Stuff

Talk soon turned to a common hobby in the disability community, naming assistive devices!  Hannah shared her awesome names for her scooters.

Hannah talking about her scooter names "Hank the Tank" and ArsonShira and Zach both talked about her goal of publishing her poems and spreading knowledge and awareness about CP.  Zach offered his experienced advice.

Shira talking with Zach about her goal of publishing her poems of her experience with CPI also had to needle #CPChatNow co-host Blake from his study abroad stint in Spain about not joining us while Rachel stayed up in Spain.  Blake quickly put me in my place and proved he is staying busy as always.

Devin needling Blake he is not on the chat and Blake listing the 5 things he is doing

Finally, Rachel, Zach and I talked about things our parents said while we walked as youngsters and the common experience of feeling like a horse.

Devin talked about how his mom told him to take big steps and not to clomp. Rachel said she heard the same thing and often felt like a horseThis leads us to our extend-the-conversation question: What common parental advice do you hear (or give if you’re a parent) related to cerebral palsy?  Please share your responses in the comments!  What common parental advice do you hear (or give) related to Cerebral Palsy? Extend-The-Conversation Question

Finally, please join us for our focus chat with Alena Brand on the benefits computer science can bring to CP next Wednesday and continue to follow along on Facebook.

Zach announces Alena's focus chat on Computer Science and CP on March 1st

Have a great week!

Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 2-8-2017

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This week’s chat covered many topics: from upcoming announcements, to member’s ongoing activities, to a discussion of plans for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in March and effective awareness.  This just further illustrates the #CPChatNow community’s busy and active nature.

I am your Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you along on this week’s recap.  If you like what you see and haven’t joined in a chat yet, you can join us every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern.  We also do a monthly Google Hangout.

Next week is a busy week for #CPChatNow!  First, the awesome Maysoon Zayid will be leading a focus chat next Wednesday, the 15th.  Also, be sure to check out her amazing TED Talk on life with CP.

Zachary Fennell announces Maysoon Zayid will be leading a focus chat on 2/15

Zach announced February’s Google Hangout for Thursday the 16th

Zach announces the next #CPChatNow Google Hangout is February 16th

Talk soon shifted to difficulties and everyday stresses members were experiencing in their lives. Blemi is busy working on a benefit concert.

Blemi discussing the stresses she is experiencing in a planning a benefit concert

Zach soon asked if anyone had any plans for Cerebral Palsy Awareness month in March

Zach's tweet: Is anyone planning awareness initiatives with next month being National Developmental Disabilities/CP Awareness Month? #CPChatNow

This led to a discussion between Zach and I about what creates effective awareness.

Zach's 1st tweet: I think the key is pushing awareness beyond the CP community. Otherwise it's meaningless. Devin responded, "I think the key point is giving people things practical things they can do to improve things." Zach's 2nd tweet, "That's fair. "Raising awareness is a generic phrase. What does it really mean?" I responded, "Exactly. Give people concrete things they can do with their knowledge."

Finally, #CPChatNow member, Hamda, discussed her goal of having her own CP foundation in her home country one day to fill the void left by the lack of awareness organizations.

Picture of a sunset. White letters: What do you feel is necessary for effective disability awareness? Extend-The-Conversation Question White #CPChatNow logoNow for this week’s extend-the-conversation question: What do you feel is necessary for effective disability awareness?  Please post some things you feel are necessary in the comments.

Thanks for reading and your interest in #CPChatNow.

Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-01-2017

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Various topics arose Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 during our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to summarize everything up into a neat, easy to read recap. Hopefully you enjoyed last week’s recap, compiled by interim co-host Devin Axtman.

Devin continues to fill in admirably for co-host Blake Henry while Blake studies abroad. Tweets from Blake with the hashtag CPChatNow indicates our community remains on his mind. Although due to the time difference, said tweets come outside chat hours. So I thought to begin our February 1st chat by retweeting Blake’s latest update.

Zachary retweets Blake's latest update from Spain.Early on in the chat I also announced the date for our February Google Hangout. This led to some jokes.

#CPChatNow's February 2017 Google Hangout will be Thursday, February 16th.To fully appreciate the echoing humor, you needed to attend our January Google Hangout. Make sure you find your place on the Hangout invite list. Send a DM to Devin and/or me to request receiving the Hangout link Thursday, February 16th.

Usually around 8:30pm ET participants multi-task, contributing to our conversation and watching Speechless. ABC airing a Speechless rerun caused disappointment.

Hannah is bummed to find Speechless a repeat.My interim co-host Devin questioned the broadcasting strategy where you air reruns in consecutive weeks.

Devin thinks airing reruns multiple weeks in a row could cause confusion to viewers.Community regular Hannah pointed out such a strategy seeks to garner a show new viewers. Still, she agreed with Devin.

Meanwhile participant Jen Coventry, after a long day, arrived late to the chat. A fall on ice landed her in the ER. The situation left me referencing a comment I made two weeks ago. I joked we should all move to Tucson, Arizona and establish a snow-free society.

Snow can be very dangerous to the CP community. Jen's fall offers one example.Injuries soon became the dialogue’s concentration.

#CPChatNow participants recall the worst injuries they have endured.Jen's worst injury was an infection.Time to keep the conversation going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What is the worst injury you’ve had to endure?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Another noteworthy topic that emerged during the February 1st chat involved startle reflex.

Jen Coventry didn't always know startle reflex was connected to cerebral palsy.Both Jens’ comments illustrates how knowing others with cerebral palsy aids in better understanding your own cerebral palsy. Perhaps you will learn something regarding your cerebral palsy tonight. Join us on Twitter starting at 8pm ET. First though, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What is the worst injury you've had to endure?" “What is the worst injury you’ve had to endure?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section below.

Tweet you later,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- Having A Disability and Dating/Being a Part of the LGBTQ+ Community

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This week’s #CPChatNow focus chat focused on “Having a Disability and Dating/Being a Part of the LGBTQ+ Community”!  I am #CPChatNow interim co-host Devin Axtman, and I will be the conductor on this week’s recap of our Twitter chat.

#CPChatNow community member, Yasmin, led the chat from the UK!  We thank Yasmin for her efforts and for openly sharing her experiences.

Yasmin sparked the chat’s dialogue by disclosing that she identifies as asexual and how she learned about the term.


Yasmin also disclosed that she identifies as Aromanitc.

yas-aro-screenshot

Yasmin reported her identity was a gradual process that took awhile to sink in.

yasmin ‏@yas8900 Jan 25 More Q1. I'm Asexual and Aromantic, Q2. I don't date. #CPChatNow 0 replies 0 retweets 0 likes Reply Retweet Like Zachary Fenell ‏@zacharyfenell Jan 25 More At what age did you realize this @yas8900? Did you first fear something was

Yasmin really sparked the conversation with common misconceptions around those who identify as asexual.

misconceptions-4

#CPChatNow member Jen talked about how she feels misconceptions of the disability community and dating start.

jen-misconceptions

Finally, #CPChatNow members Alena and Erin talked about their climbing and skiing skills!

Alena Brand Tweet: Hey guys! Sorry I've been really busy! #CPChatNow Image of Alena Rockclimbing

alena brand ‏@AlenaBrand Jan 25 More Next month for adapted rec we're going skiing so I'm really excited about that! #cpchatnow I've never been skiing 2 replies 0 retweets 2 likes Reply 2 Retweet Like 2 EMDeerx Muse ‏@emdeerx Following More @AlenaBrand Downhill skiing is a blast. I just got home from Utah a week ago. #CPChatNow 5:28 PM - 26 Jan 2017 0 replies 0 retweets 0 likes

Thank you for riding along with me during this recap.  Now for our extend-the-conversation question:

What are some misconceptions surrounding the disability community and dating? EXTEND-THE-CONVERSATION-QUESTION
What are some misconceptions surrounding the disability community and dating?  Please share in the comments!

Tweet you later!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-18-2017

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Cerebral palsy’s presence during daily activities proved a common theme throughout our live Twitter chat Wednesday, January 18th, 2017. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell and you know why I am here. To recap our latest Twitter chat!

Every week #CPChatNow seems to gain new or renewed interest. Amanda, a familiar face to our long-term community members, returned and sparked much dialogue. First, she asked everyone to share a highlight and struggle from the past week.

Amanda suggests everyone shares one struggle and one triumph from the past week.Some people’s struggles demonstrated the previously mentioned theme, CP’s presence during daily activities. Blemi for example called attention to the difficulties winter brings.

Blemi accomplishment is overcoming the struggle of snow and ice, not falling!Meanwhile Sarah Waltz‘s struggle dealt with CP on an emotional level. Specifically, she sought empathy.

Sarah struggles to find empathy from her teachers.Other answers remained lighthearted and provided a laugh or two. My interim co-host Devin Axtman supplied such.

#CPChatNow met interim co-host Devin spilling water on himself at work with both humor and empathy.Certain answers transcended the cerebral palsy community. My own struggle I am sure many could relate. Time management stands an issue for able-bodied and disabled alike.

Co-host Zachary shares his challenge and triumph for the week.A couple individuals shared weight loss as their weekly triumphs. That led relative newcomer Jen Coventry to seek out exercise advice.

Jennifer wants to know what you do to exercise. If you want to read the article I recommended, awesome! Checkout “Exercises To Try At Home For People With Disabilities.” Hopefully you also find the post helpful.

As the chat continued physical activity stayed a hot topic. Amanda asked opinions on requests she received to film her walk. Said dialogue turned to seeing yourself walk.

Zachary says he used to find watching himself walk on video weird.Blemi compares how she feels walking to an episode of Friends.Like someone walking, let us keep this conversation moving forward. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Do you feel self-conscious about your walk?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Overall our January 18th Twitter chat featured riveting dialogue. Looking ahead to tonight’s chat, riveting dialogue promises to become a trend. Last week I confirmed tonight our own Yasmin will lead us in a focus chat.

This month our own Yasmin will lead a focus chat on "Having a Disability and Dating/Being a Part of the LGBTQ+ Community"Personally I am eager to learn tonight. You too?! Allow me to make suggestions to help you pass the time until 8pm ET. The #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale ends in five days.

Zachary gives a FYI about the current #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale.Explore the sale and order your #CPChatNow gear. Proceeds go to the nonprofit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Prior to shopping though, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

"Do you feel self-conscious about your walk?" Answer to keep the conversation going!

Keep the conversation going!

“Do you feel self-conscious about your walk?”

Respond with a comment below. Finally, I wish to remind you tomorrow Thursday, January 26th we will hold our monthly Google Hangouts video chat. To inquire about receiving an invitation to the event please contact Devin Axtman or myself on Twitter by DM. Tweet you later!

Sincerely,

-Zachary