#CPChatNow Recap- 01-11-2017

Posted on January 18, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Meryl Streep’s Golden Globes speech and accessibility remained among popular topics discussed during #CPChatNow Wednesday, January 11th, 2017. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here with the highlights. Enjoy the following.

Shortly after our usual Wednesday evening greetings, community regular Hamda turned our attention to Meryl Streep’s Golden Globes speech. Specifically she retweeted a reaction to Streep’s speech.

discussing-golden-globes-speech Like the above screenshot shows reactions addressed the stereotype which views a person with a disability as helpless. A topic we talked about in the past both via our weekly Twitter chats and monthly Google Hangouts. Regarding the latter, interim co-host Devin announced our January 2017 Google Hangout date.

Meanwhile I sparked much dialogue by asking a question on accessibility.

Blemi acknowledged many physical barriers to accessibility. Others who answered addressed accessibility more generally.

more-answers-to-accessibility-question Personally, the different responses intrigued me. See, the topic lingered within my mind since I began participating in another disability related Twitter chat, #AXSChat.

Since I am still curious and I am the one writing today’s recap, I am making an executive decision. I declare “What does accessibility mean/look like to you?” the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. Please too share across the disability population. Let us compile responses from a diverse group! The value in reaching across different disability communities emerged while I told others more about #AXSChat.

Like Shira, I also agreed with Devin‘s comments “the disability community too often goes into our own corners.” I encourage anyone from #CPChatNow to join #AXSChat (if your schedule allows). #AXSChat takes place Tuesdays at 3pm ET. For more information visit their website, axschat.com.

In the meantime make sure you join #CPChatNow tonight at 8pm ET. We will confirm details for our January focus chat. Additionally double check you marked your calendar for #CPChatNow’s January 2017 Google Hangout Thursday, January 26th. Contact Devin or I to inquire about receiving the invite. Finally, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What does accessibility mean/look like to you?”

Comment below to answer. Thank you for reading the weekly recap.

Sincerely,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-04-2017

Posted on January 11, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, January 4th, 2017! Yes, 2017! I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell here with highlights from our first Twitter chat in the new year. Our live cerebral palsy Twitter chat happens every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. We began the New Year by addressing an issue which emerged to end 2016.

The poll sought feedback on a suggestion to move #CPChatNow from Wednesday to another night. ABC’s Speechless airing during the chat provided the catalyst for the proposition.

Admittedly for whatever reason the poll only received three votes. Like I previously mentioned though, we also discussed the matter on Facebook and during our December Google Hangout. In our private Facebook group I posted a similar poll which experienced higher interaction. In that poll seven individuals voted. All but one recommending we keep the chat on Wednesdays. Therefore #CPChatNow will continue as a Wednesday evening tradition.

Thank you to everyone who supplied their feedback to the potential scheduling change. Like I tweeted January 4th, I thought the suggestion deserved a community decision. After all, our communal environment enables us to thrive. If you ever possess a suggestion to improve our community, please voice your opinion. You can do so publicly or privately, whatever makes you comfortable. Publicly, our private Facebook group works well. Anyone not yet in the group should click the link above and submit a request to join. Privately, please send a Twitter DM to interim co-host Devin and/or myself.

Your feedback influences our decisions. For example, I announced during the January 4th chat an extension for our t-shirt and winter apparel sale.

Ensure you checkout our Customcat sales page before January 30th! You will find t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, hoodies, scarves, knit hats, and more available. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation.

Now outside decision making dialogue, we enjoyed casual chatter. A question I asked regarding siblings sparked much discussion.

For anyone interested in reading my blog post, indulge “An Older Brother’s Wisdom.” Since my question stirred such a reaction, I thought we should keep the conversation going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What would you say are the defining characteristics of your sibling relationships?” Respond by commenting in the “Comments” section.

Another popular topic from January 4th naturally involved New Year resolutions. A blog post from regular Lindsay triggered the subject matter. Click the link to read, “2016 is over now, Hello 2017!”

Remember to keep your New Year resolutions manageable. Think practical and executable. Perhaps you will resolve to “Stay better connected to the #CPChatNow community by answering the weekly extend-the-conversation question.” In case you adopt the aforementioned, get started right. Answer the following.

“What would you say are the defining characteristics of your sibling relationships?”

Reply below. Until next time!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-28-2016

Posted on December 31, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, December 28th closed out our third complete year filled with Twitter chats. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to recap our final 2016 Twitter chat. Long-time regulars enjoyed seeing a familiar face surface once again.

Susanne‘s humor remained a missed entity from #CPChatNow. Even those on the receiving end to her sarcasm enjoyed Susanne’s presence.

The warm reception Susanne received represents our community’s overall welcoming attitude. Life could keep you away. However, say the opportunity arises for you to stop in. Prepare for exclamation marks, joyous GIFs, and maybe even happy emojis! 😛

On a personal note, I am pleased to see #CPChatNow adopt such an attitude. As an original co-founder I witnessed much transition the last three-plus years. Yet we continue to remember and respect our past. For example, take the praise given Wednesday to former co-host and #CPChatNow co-founder John W. Quinn.

Fittingly enough #CPChatNow stands at another transition point. My current co-host Blake Henry will spend the first half to 2017 studying abroad in Spain. Consequently the time difference will limit Blake’s ability to participate in the Twitter chats. Hence last week’s announcement promoting chat regular Devin to interim co-host.

Suspecting individuals might possess questions about his upcoming adventure, Blake made himself available to chat December 28th.

Meanwhile I asked a question designed to encourage others to think about their 2017.

Although I am obviously bias, I think my question supplies a lot to contemplate heading into the new year. So let the thoughts flow! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Is anyone setting New Year resolutions? If so, what are they?”

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section below.

Finally, let me take a moment to thank you. With your help #CPChatNow enjoyed a second straight banner year! Besides 11 focus chats and monthly Google Hangouts this year saw new members join the community, our website launch, and #CPChatNow apparel created. The latter you can still purchase during our “#CPChatNow T-Shirt and Winter Apparel” sale.

Profits from our shirt sales go to the non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. To date our summer and winter sale raised nearly $158.00. Enable us to add to that total and go ahead buy your own #CPChatNow t-shirt or winter apparel. First, before you go shop #CPChatNow apparel answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“Is anyone setting New Year resolutions? If so, what are they?”

Answers go in the “Comments” section. Talk with you in 2017!

Sincerely,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-21-2016

Posted on December 28, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Excitement resonated throughout #CPChatNow Wednesday, December 21st. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, tasked with compacting all that enthusiastic energy down into your weekly recap. Hype for a big announcement sparked the initial anticipation.

Multiple community members expressed their excitement for my co-host Blake Henry as he prepares for his next adventure.

Summarizing in my own words the details to Blake’s upcoming opportunity feels underwhelming. Rather I recommend you check out his post for yourself. Read “Blake Henry’s Next Adventure.”

While time ticked away until the interim co-host announcement, our dialogue transitioned to the previous week’s extend-the-conversation question. Special guest Heaven Ramsey asked the question during her “Strength Through Community” focus chat. “Did you feel alone before social media?”

This triggered discussion on the differences various social media platforms provide.

In some ways my explanation echoed sentiments I shared at our “Strength Through Community” focus chat December 14th.

For me chatting with the #CPChatNow regulars week after week I almost feel I know them as persons and not online connections.

The individual Blake and I chose as interim co-host falls into said category. Blake revealed the interim co-host’s identity around 8:30pm ET.

Congratulations to Devin! He deserves the opportunity based off seniority in #CPChatNow, his passion for the community, and more. Certainly though, a community needs more than co-hosts to thrive. Your participation keeps us going strong. Decisions we make as co-hosts aim to best serve you. Therefore your feedback proves vital. You will possess the opportunity to share feedback tomorrow Thursday, December 29th at our year end Google Hangout.

Whether you can make the Hangout or not, please reach out and share your feedback about #CPChatNow. Contact Blake, Devin, or myself. Give your input on how #CPChatNow runs. Plus offer any new suggestions.

Beyond all our exciting community activities, regular Jen turned our attention to holiday festivities. She asked about what you hoped to find under the Christmas tree.

Although Christmas passed, let us maintain the holiday theme with the week’s extend-the-conversation question. This time we concentrate on the giving aspect to the season. Answer “What is a gift you gave this holiday season?”

Leave your response in the “Comments” section below.

Additionally note, #CPChatNow apparel still remains available. At your request we extended the #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale to Monday, January 2nd, 2017. A #CPChatNow shirt could make a great belated holiday gift. Or, perhaps you feel like buying yourself a present. Proceeds from the sale go to the non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. So, essentially you still end up giving to someone else!

Go ahead and order your #CPChatNow shirt. Too attend our Google Hangout Thursday, December 29th and share your feedback on our community. Finally, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What is a gift you gave this holiday season?”

Comment away!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-07-2016

Posted on December 14, 2016 by zacharyfenell

The first #CPChatNow was a special event with Handicap This' Tim Wambach, John W. Quinn, and Zachary Fenell. Your enthusiasm turned the chat into a weekly deal!

The first #CPChatNow happened back in 2013 during the first week of December.

Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 marked three years since the first #CPChatNow Twitter chat. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, grateful for you all. You turned a special event with Handicap This‘ Tim Wambach, John W. Quinn, and myself into a weekly chat. Thanks to your participation #CPChatNow blossomed into the awesome community we know today.

Ironically, I failed to acknowledge the three-year anniversary during the December 7th chat. My mind instead focused elsewhere. A subject we fittingly enough discussed later on in the evening. First though, the night started with a tease for our December focus chat.

While the minutes ticked away until the focus chat announcement, weather emerged as a popular topic.

Given the colder temperatures, dressing warmly remains paramount. So ready those long sleeve shirts, hoodies, hats, and scarves. If you need such apparel, checkout the #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale. The sale goes through Friday, December 23rd. Proceeds from the sale benefit the non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Devin showed off his new #CPChatNow long sleeve shirt.

Again you can shop the #CPChatNow t-shirt and winter apparel sale until Friday, December 23rd. Order up your apparel soon!

Dialogue about weather and #CPChatNow apparel kept the night progressing. Eventually the time for the focus chat announcement arrived.

Since I am posting this recap last minute, that means our focus chat begins in mere minutes! Hopefully you can join us when we welcome Heaven Ramsey. In case you can’t, I recommend looking around Heaven’s Facebook page, A Stairway to the Stars: Heaven’s Journey with CP.

Confirming the Heaven Ramsey “Strength Through Community” focus chat stood one task personally keeping me busy. Another task accounts for me not mentioning our three-year anniversary amidst the December 7th chat. I spent the day preparing for a presentation I gave on Friday, December 9th. Now I bring up not to gloat, but because others took an interest in my presentation.

Seeking to provide a universal presentation about cerebral palsy and disabilities, I asked others for their insights.

Although I already made my presentation, I think people’s answers still could interest others. Therefore let us make the inquiry the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“When you were in second grade, what would you have wanted your peers to know about CP?”

Comment below with your response! Then make sure to check into Twitter at 8pm ET for our “Strength Through Community” focus chat with guest Heaven Ramsey.

Tweet you soon!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-30-2016

Posted on December 8, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Activity within our #CPChatNow community enjoyed the spotlight during the November 30th, 2016 Twitter chat. Although, we still discussed consequential cerebral palsy issues. Both subject types I, co-host Zachary Fenell, plan to highlight in the following recap.

First though, allow me to apologize for the delayed recap. Other timely tasks prevented me from completing this before our December 7th, 2016 chat. Expect to see that recap early next week. For now we concentrate on the happenings from November 30th.

The internal focus started with our December 2016 Google Hangout announcement.

In 2014 and 2015 we used the December Hangout as a year end reflection. The tradition returns this year. Think about our growth as a community and what you might want to see from us in the future.

2016 stands out arguably as our best year yet. #CPChatNow shirts going from idea to tangible product proving a main highlight. My co-host Blake Henry and I want to show that off too.

Besides showing off our shirts, the new promotional imagery will emphasize what makes the #CPChatNow community thrive. You! Please send me your photo via direct message on Twitter. Or, send in a message to the Facebook fan page.

Continuing on, the above dialogue branched off to discuss our current shirt sale.

As the aforementioned shows, our current sale offers many options. Make sure to visit the #CPChatNow T-Shirt and Winter Apparel sales page to checkout what you like best. The sale ends Friday, December 23rd. Remember shirt profits go to non-profit Keep On Keeping On Foundation.

Eventually the chatter expanded beyond announcements and #CPChatNow apparel. Shira Sadiky sparked the transition with an intriguing question.

How about we keep the answers coming? Let us make Shira’s question the day’s extend-the-conversation question. Answer “What are the worst and best times your body has treated you to?”

Leave your response in the “Comments” section below.

Thank you for reading and for your continued interest in #CPChatNow. I will return in the coming days with the recap for December 7th. Until then!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-05-2016

Posted on October 12, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Spirits remained high during #CPChatNow’s live Twitter chat Wednesday, October 5th, coincidentally also World Cerebral Palsy Day. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, prepared to compact all the enthusiasm down into the traditional weekly recap. #CPChatNow landing on World Cerebral Palsy Day set up a festive atmosphere.

Some participants chose to use our chat to live tweet Speechless. Although, they stayed thoughtful. Considering the show airs at later times in other areas, their dialogue avoided spoilers.

Prior to Speechless starting, I sought to stretch the night’s excitement to cover the entire month. First, came our October focus chat announcement.

If you possess questions about CPTV, please join us tonight. Anyone unfamiliar with CPTV should read our detailed announcement post. Repeating what I wrote in the announcement, personally I believe CPTV can become a central resource for the cerebral palsy community. While counting down the minutes to tonight, mark your calendars for the October 2016 Google Hangout.

Google Hangouts allow for face-to-face interaction via video chat. Contact my co-host Blake Henry or I about receiving an invite to the October Hangout. These video chats work similarly to our Twitter chats. Topics arise naturally.

One topic brought up during the Twitter chat October 5th involved writing a memoir.

Visit Lindsay’s blog to see what she plans to title her memoir. Then engage in your own creativity and answer the following for the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What would you title your cerebral palsy memoir?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Finally, I wish to take a moment to thank everyone who contributes to our community. You enable #CPChatNow to thrive. As you can see our community makes a difference.

Again, thank you. Keep contributing too! Answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“What would you title your cerebral palsy memoir?”

Respond below!

Tweet you later,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-28-2016

Posted on October 2, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, September 28th chat regulars looked to #CPChatNow for a needed escape. I, co-host Zachary Fenell, among them. Allow me to fill you in on the details via this week’s recap.

Greetings set the tone early.

As I noted in the recap’s introduction, I too sought an escape through #CPChatNow. Although rather than a bad day, I desired freedom from fatigue.

My co-host Blake Henry also sounded like he could use a break.

Various topics emerged to distract from the tough days, tiredness, and never ending responsibilities. Naturally around 8:30pm ET conversation turned to the sitcom Speechless.

Only two episodes into Speechless and #CPChatNow community members already connect with the characters! One character in-particular seems to resonate more than the others.

Given news broke Thursday ABC picked up Speechless for a full season, obviously the love affair with the show transcends #CPChatNow. Make arrangements to watch both the show and participate in our chat. Determine the best plan for you, whether that means multi-tasking or recording Speechless to watch later.

Anyone who relates to the sitcom should enjoy the real life connections #CPChatNow offers. We discuss important issues. For instance, September 28th discussion eventually transitioned to pharmacy errors.

Read the article which led to the subject, “Boy given ten times as much medicine prescribed in pharmacy error.” During the dialogue chat regular Hannah Pike pinpointed another pharmacy error to double check against.

Thanks to a fun hypothetical, the chat ended on a creative note.

“These Spastic Chains,” “An Ordinary Fighter,” and “Invested in Love” only begins to showcase the creativity possessed by our #CPChatNow community. Show off your originality by answering the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“If you wrote a song about life with cerebral palsy, what would the name of the song be?”

Reply by commenting in the “Comments” section below. I am sure your answer will rock!

Tweet you soon,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-21-2016

Posted on September 23, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Anticipation remained high Wednesday, September 21st. Hi! I am Zachary Fenell back behind the keyboard. As #CPChatNow co-host I wish I could credit all the bursting excitement to our Twitter chat. However, the premiering Speechless deserves some dues.

Speechless stars Micah Fowler, a young actor with cerebral palsy. The show follows his character JJ and his family the Dimeos as they live life and deal with JJ’s CP. This includes JJ’s siblings Ray Dimeo (Mason Cook) and Dylan Dimeo (Kyla Kenedy). Each family member receives fitting screen time, at least in the pilot episode.

Anyways, I am not here to critique Speechless. Rather I am tasked to recap our latest Twitter chat. I mention the show because early on conversation centered on the subject.

While anticipation for Speechless remained high, we managed to discuss other topics. Community regular Hannah Pike shared a photo which escalated the dialogue.

Half an hour into the chat the conversation returned to Speechless.

The Speechless analysis purposefully stayed general in an effort to prevent spoiling for regions with later air times. For those who watched the pilot, answer the following for the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Do you plan to watch Speechless weekly?”

Leave your reply via a comment in the “Comments” section. First though, continue reading the recap. In our second hour I posed a question which triggered chatter.

Most people displayed a curiosity in how cerebral palsy impacts the aging process. One certainty with aging involves seeking advice and emotional support. Items #CPChatNow can provide.

If need advice on life with cerebral palsy, join our Twitter chat Wednesdays, 8pm ET. Or, checkout the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page. Message us so we can discuss posting your question to the Facebook page.

Now before you go remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question. “Do you plan to watch Speechless weekly?”

Respond by commenting below. Talk with you later.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-07-2016

Posted on September 9, 2016 by zacharyfenell

Excitement stirred throughout the evening Wednesday, September 7th, 2016. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, ready to compress all the excitement into a weekly recap. This week’s Twitter chat coincided with the 2016 Paralympics opening ceremonies. Naturally the conversation drifted to the games.

Now while I directed my question to Devin, anyone could answer. So let us open up the floor. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Discussion went beyond the Paralympics too. I sparked dialogue with my greeting by asking about lessons learned this week.

lesson-about-comfort-zones Hamda’s reply led to detailed talk about leaving comfort zones.

cpchatnow-members-leaving-comfort-zones Additionally I shared some community news, officially announcing our September 2016 Google Hangout date.

Google Hangouts gives our community a chance to chat face-to-face using web cams. Please contact me via a Twitter DM with any questions on how to join.

Glancing ahead next week looks eventful for us at #CPChatNow. You may recall Wednesday we hold September’s focus chat. A chat our own Jen will lead!

Before starting a countdown to September 14th and September 15th though, allow me to finish recapping this week’s Twitter chat. Towards the chat’s end conversation returned to the Paralympics.

Honestly, like Blemi I did not always know the difference between the Paralympics and Special Olympics. However, I quickly learned in 2012 when writing the following blog post, “Debunking Misconceptions: Paralympics/Special Olympics Confusion.” Feel free to pass on the post to help educate others on the differences.

Meanwhile also remember to answer this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Are there any particular Paralympic events you are looking forward to?”

Comment below to respond.

Talk with you later!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!

Category Archives: Weekly Recaps

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-11-2017

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-04-2017

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-28-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-07-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-30-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-05-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-28-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-21-2016

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-07-2016