#CPChatNow Recap- 12-28-2022

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Participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gathered Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 for one last 2022 chat. Allow me, chat co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you more. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Discussion for the night included favorite presents received during the 2022 holiday season.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss favorite presents they received for the 2022 holiday season.

As you can see in the above screenshot, I introduced this topic. Replying to my question, Jen showed us a stuffed Gamer Stich. Meanwhile my co-host Devin Axtman mentioned his wife gave him a really cool Cubs shirt. Responding to Devin, I noted one of my brothers gave me a Guardians 2022 postseason shirt.

Additionally, Timmy answered the question, showcasing the Garmin InReach given to him by his grandparents. Eventually though, like the holidays themselves, time passed and we moved on to others topics.

Stephen asks #CPChatNow if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers.

Stephen sparked insightful conversation by asking people if they prefer wheelchairs or walkers. Devin explained his preference, saying, “Wheelchair, it is way faster and I feel more stable. I don’t have to worry as much about terrain.”

On the contrary, Stephen voiced his preference for walkers, detailing, “I like walkers more because people do not have to push you.” Stephen’s comments led to further dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the pros and cons of wheelchairs and walkers.

Devin expressed understanding for Stephen’s preference, stating, “There’s definitely pluses and minuses and it also depends on the situation.” I seconded Devin’s thoughts, and added, “Another factor is how long a given activity is. If you have a full day ahead of you, something requiring less energy might be preferable.”

What do you think? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your preferred mobility device? Why?” Leave your answer in the comments section.

Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is your preferred mobility device? Why?"

Answer below!

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#CPChatNow Recap- 12/21/2022

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This past week in #CPChatNow not surprisingly centered around the holidays with members discussing favorite holiday movies and memories. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

Members started the chat by talking about their favorite Christmas movies and music:

i ask what members favorite Christmas movie is and shared mine is christmas vacation with a picture of the Griswold house
zach tweets his favorite movie is the santa clause. i tweeted i watched that today. zach asks if people have a favorite christmas album and tweets his is the christmas album by neil diamond. i tweeted my favorite song is the christmas song by nat king cole. chris tweeted that is his as well.

Next, Zach asked about member’s favorite holiday memories. We reminisced about favorite memories with Santa Claus.

zach asked about fun holiday memories. i tweeted about how my family hired a santa claus zach tweeted about how dad played santa one christmas eve.
seth tweeted about the time he told santa he had bad breath. zach asked how he reacted. seth said he really couldn't react.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation-Question: What is your funniest holiday memory?

Extend-the-conversation graphic with #CPChatNow logo in upper right hand corner, what is your funniest holiday memory? and picture of christmas trees and a hanukkah menorah

My funniest holiday memory is asking Santa where his sleigh was parked at the bank. He pointed to the roof and I was straining desperately to see it. Please share your answers in the comments!

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 12-14-2022

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Wednesday after Wednesday people in the cerebral palsy (CP) community gather on Twitter for the live weekly chat #CPChatNow. To tell you all about the chat from Wednesday, December 14th, 2022, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Let us get on with the recap!

An innate ability to understand each other remains one characteristic which has solidified our community. We showcased said understanding December 14th.

Timmy jokes about tripping on his way to the lab in the morning, but not spilling a drop of coffee.

Utilizing our hashtag, Timmy shared some humorous bad news and good news. The bad news, he tripped on his way to the lab in the morning. For the good news, Timmy revealed he did not spill a drop of his coffee! His comedic tweet received eight likes.

Transitioning to a more serious note, Stephen sparked dialogue with a question.

#CPChatNow participants answer Stephen's question, "What is the one thing that you (are) proud of this year?"

Stephen asked the chat, “What is the one thing you (are) proud of this year?” Veronica answered, “My youngest graduated from ASU.” Meanwhile, I stated, “The release of Slow and Cerebral, and the five five-star reviews Amazon readers have given the book.” Replying himself, Stephen shared his pride for, “going back to the exceptional foundation and my involvement in CPChatNow.”

As the night continued, discussion turned to seeing differences positively.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss how being different has been a good thing for them.

Admittedly, I brought up the topic when sharing a cartoon my uncle sent my way. Within the cartoon a single lopsided Christmas tree stands in a field alongside many tree stumps. A thought bubble with the words, “Hey! Maybe being different is a good thing!” hangs above the lopsided tree. Inspired by the comic, I asked, “How has being different been a good thing for you?”

Answering myself, I explained, “My differences have taught me the importance of representation. Plus CP and my physical inabilities led me to writing and where I am now.” AcquiDis also answered, saying, “Difference causes the individual to reflect of their own norms whether they be in relation to disability, gender, race.”

How about you? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “How has being different been a good thing for you?”

Answer below in the comments. Afterwards, set a reminder to join us every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

The extend-the-conversation question asks, "How has being different been a good thing for you?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 12/7/22

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This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members talked about the cold, falling and the difficulty of getting up with age, and what they want for Christmas. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, I would like to highlight a cool thing the library Zach works at did, showcase his book Slow and Cerebral!

an image of zach posting in front of copies of his book at his library

A common topic for people with CP dominated the chat, falling and getting up. Members discussed whether they feel falls more in cold or warmer temperatures. The consensus was cold weather is worse because members feel more stiff.

zach asks if members find there's a difference falling in cold or warm weather, i tweeted that my body tends to be more sore and stiff. zach tweeted he fell during a 5k and used his friend to get up because the cold had him feeling stiff. he finished 726th out of 743.
regina tweeted she feels more stiffness with cold weather. zach asks if she has found any ways to reduce the stiffness, stating he tries stretching and exercising. she tweeted she stretches and does light exercises which help easing leg cramps.

Talk about falls continued with members discussing the difficulty of getting up as they advanced in age.

zach asked what age people started having difficulty getting up after falling. i tweet i have noticed a huge difference in the last few years. zach said he became cautious after he sprained his groin, but he's fallen a few times without complication since then.
chris tweets she has had difficulty getting up after falling and they are working on it in PT. She tweets 911 has had to be called sometimes.

Finally, talk turned to what members wanted for Christmas.

stephen asked what everyone wants for christmas, zach wants a backrest for his computer chair that gives him more support than the pillow. stepehn is getting a retro mimi fridge.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation-Question: What is on your holiday wish list?

extend-the-conversation question graphic: what is on your holiday wishlist with picture of christmas tree in woods

Please share your answers in the comments and join us tomorrow on Twitter at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!

-Devin

Celebrating Nine Years of Community!

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Happy birthday to everyone in the #CPChatNow community! Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 marked nine years since our first ever Twitter chat. Hence my, #CPChatNow co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell, reference to December 3rd as our chat’s, “birthday.” Somebody else might prefer the traditional term, “anniversary.” No matter the terminology used, you will probably agree nine years together remains an occasion to celebrate.

Such a celebration has occurred over the last month too. Despite my co-host Devin Axtman and I not getting out our weekly recaps, the chat continues to meet each Wednesday on Twitter, 8pm ET. On Wednesday, November 23rd I mentioned the upcoming nine-year milestone.

Zachary and Chris are wowed by the fact #CPChatNow has been around for nine years.

The fact nine years has passed since our community’s first chat, wowed an enthusiastic fixture in our community, Chris. Reacting to the milestone, Chris tweeted, “9!?!?! Omg! I guess it has been, but wow!” Retweeting Chris’s response, I thanked everyone who has given our community staying power. Those individuals include both long-time community members and new faces. One new face in-particular shared his own #CPChatNow milestone.

#CPChatNow celebrates Stephen's one year anniversary as part of the community.

During the chat Wednesday, November 16th Stephen reminisced about being a part of #CPChatNow for one year. Belonging to our community can prove transformative. A notion supported by conversation held during our weekly chat Wednesday, November 30th.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow participants to fill in the blank and answer, "Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more (blank)."
Zachary and Devin discuss further ways #CPChatNow has impacted their lives.

With December 3rd approaching, I asked the community to fill in the blank and answer, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more _____.” Devin replied, saying our community has made him more, “confident in my disability identity.” Devin would go on to discuss how #CPChatNow has allowed us to meet, “super cool people that have done stuff with CP,” and “meet people (with CP) all over the country and even the world.”

What about you? Keep the conversation going, and fill in the blank. “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ________.” Even if you do not participate in the actual Twitter chat, feel free to answer. If you read the recaps, you are part of our community. Let us know what about the recaps keeps bringing you back.

Beyond celebrating the past nine years, our community took time to contemplate our future.

Zachary asks participants if they have any concerns about Twitter's future.

Jen answers if she has any concerns about Twitter's new ownership.

Considering Twitter serves as our main platform and 2022 saw a big change in Twitter’s ownership, on Wednesday, November 9th I asked members if anyone had concerns about the platform’s future. Both Chris and Jen expressed concern Twitter will cost money to use. Chris added he, “joined Mastodon just in case Twitter stops being free to use.”

Though, as long as Twitter stays free, you can count on joining us each and every Wednesday on the platform. The fun starts at 8pm ET. Before then, remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______.” Fill in the blank below!

Until next time, don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Fill in the blank to answer the extend-the-conversation question, "Thanks to #CPChatNow, I am more ______."

#CPChatNow Recap- 11/2/2022

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This past week in #CPChatNow was bouncing as always. Members discussed books they are reading, funny conversations related to disability, and Halloween. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

Zach had a book recommendation for #CPChatNow, True Biz, by Sara Novic.

zach asks if anyone has read True Biz by Sara Novic. he tweets it's about a school for deaf and differences in the hearing/deaf worlds. he's reading for a book discussion and enjoying it. chris tweets she has been reading about education in East Africa as part of her job.

Next, I shared a conversation I had on the train with a familiar theme for disabled people, people being amazed that disabled people have jobs and live regular lives.

i tweeted about a conversation on the train where a lady asked me if i worked and i explained my job and the person responded '"Good for you!"

Stephen asked what members did for Halloween.

stepehn asks how everyone's halloween was. i tweeted my wife is tired because is a teacher. zach tweets his was uneventful and stephen watched the curse of bridge hollow

Finally, Zach and I talked about what we are most excited for and most dreading in November.

zach asks what member's least and favorite parts of November are. i tweet Thanksgiving and my birthday and getting colder in my least favorite part. zach tweets Thanksgiving and family and snowstorms is his least favorite part

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What were your Halloween traditions growing up?

Please share your Halloween traditions in the comments and join us at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow! Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-26-2022

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Like trick-or-treaters going door to door Halloween night, various topics came and went Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 during the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Early in the evening participants discussed Halloween.

Hannah shares Halloween memories with the #CPChatNow community.

Beloved community member Hannah did not let a painful week stop her from popping into the chat and sharing Halloween memories. Such memories included dressing up one year as Tigger, using a red wagon to make Halloween accessible, and being a “voter” for Halloween in 2014.

Continuing the Halloween theme, participants discussed their plans for October 31st this year (2022).

Devin and Zachary discuss any plans for Halloween 2022.

This conversation I initiated by asking if anyone had Halloween plans. My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “Can’t say I do.” Meanwhile I expressed my contemplation to dress up as Bryan Cranston’s Breaking Bad character as a low key costume for work. Between my recently shaved head and goatee, I could easily pull off the character. At least, if I did not wear a face mask at work. Since I do though, the visual would get messed up. My explanation intrigued Devin.

#CPChatNow participants go from discussing costumes to another type of mask, face masks.

Curious, Devin asked me if people still wore face masks, noting, “Nobody wears them in Texas.”

Veronica responded, saying, “Very few wear them in AZ (Arizona) except doctor offices.”

Chris and I also piped up, stating in our respective areas some still wear face masks.

Additionally, we all weighed in on another subject.

Discussion turns to falls, fall alert systems, and phones.

Planning for her own wellbeing, Chris admitted, “I also clearly need a fall alert thing.” The comment segued to us discussing emergency features on phones. Veronica recalled seeing a news story recently about new iPhones accidently having their emergency feature tripped on roller coasters, wondering if she too will set it off. Devin shared that happened to him once, leading him to frantically reach out to his emergency contacts to ensure them he was fine.

What about you? Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “Have you ever accidently set off the emergency feature on your phone? If so, what happened?” Respond below in the comments.

Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

The extend-the-conversation question asks, "Have you ever accidently set off the emergency feature on your phone? If so, what happened?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 10/19/2022

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This past week in #CPChatNow was positively jumping. Members discussed their appearance on a podcast and the intersection of disability and mental health. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, Veronica tweeted about her haiku being featured on the podcast, Haiku Pea Podcast. Way to go, Veronica!

veronica tweets her latest haiku was featured on the haiku pea podcast. zach asks if people submit a recording or the host reads them. veronica tweeted the hosts reads most of them, but the judge reads their picks and sometimes their own haiku

Next, October 10th being World Mental Health Day sparked conversation about the intersection of disability and mental health.

veronica tweeted about mental health day after zach tweeted about his video on positive mental health. veronica and i tweeted the positivity of disability is rarely mentioned. veronica shares she has lost 2 family members to suicide and they said people need to stop the stigma of talking about feelings. zach tweets it is problematic our society is so hush hush about feelings

Zach did a great video on the impact of CP on his mental health. Members talked about the importance of talking about the positives of mental health.

zach tweeted he is hoping to do more content about fostering mental health because people are often left asking how to be positive. i tweeted that toxic positivity can be a problem, like the idea you have to be positive no matter what. veronica tweeted a haiku she did on that topic; phony lift in voice, you're such an inspiration, pity loud and clear.

zach tweeted he thinks back to the days where he let his cp made him feel weak and inferior due to narrative in the mainstream media. chris tweets she grew up feeling awkward about her cp and it's funny because her CP impacts in a similar way to zach

This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your strategies to maintain positive mental health?

extend the conversation question graphic. what are your strategies to maintain positive mental health? there is an image of a drawing of a black head and a white heart with gears turning inside the head.

Thanks for reading! Please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-12-2022

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Participants who joined the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 enjoyed an engaging night of conversation. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Early in the evening our community bonded over different interests.

Participants in the #CPChatNow community bond over mascot Gritty appearing at WWE Extreme Rules.

My co-host Devin Axtman asked long-time regular and mascot enthusiast Jen, if she saw that Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty appeared at WWE Extreme Rules. Knowing Devin and I like wrestling Jen replied, “That’s what I was gonna show y’all.”

Such an ability to connect over interests outside CP helps reinforce our community’s roots. Although, the conversation did naturally transition to CP-related matters.

Those in the #CPChatNow community discuss a current events article about brothers Pierce and Leo Olsen.

Cerebral palsy centered dialogue sparked after I shared a recent story from patch.com, “NJ Teen Got His Little Brother, With Cerebral Palsy, On Football Team.” Devin related to the story, recalling, “That’s exactly what I did, help with film!”

Meanwhile, Chris approached the article skeptically. Her skepticism revolving around the headline’s “inspirational porn” feel. This concern left me posing a question.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow participants to come up with a better title for the article about the Olsen brothers.

In the spirit of fun I asked everyone, “What headline would you have given the story?” Devin suggested, “A Team Adds to a Brotherhood.” Then Devin put the pressure on me, pointing out, “You’re the writer Zach.”

Zachary shares his headline for the article about the Olsen brothers.

For a suggested headline, I recommended, “Teen Brothers Become Unlikely Teammates.” What about you though? Checkout the piece about Pierce and Leo Olsen and then answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What headline would you give the news story about the Olsen brothers?“

Leave your answer in the “Comments.” Afterwards, make sure you set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The chat begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

For this week's extend-the-conversation question, let us know, "What headline would you give the news story about the Olsen brothers?"
Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 9/28/22

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This past week in #CPChatNow was rocking as always. Members discussed things such as their emergency preparedness plans and what they do for relaxation. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, I would like to share this great picture of Hannah and some friends. We are thinking of you Hannah!

hannah tweeted she is popping in to share a happy note that she got to meet her nonbiological sister. there is a picture of hannah with her friend's mom and hannah is holding her dog levi

Next, Zach asked members about their personal emergency preparedness plan, a timely topic given Hurricane Ian. Most members stated they did not have much of a personal emergency preparedness plan. Zach shared a link to a series he previously did for Handicap This on emergency preparedness and disability.

zach asked about members emergency preparedness, i tweeted that i don't think about, but i should. thomas tweeted a recommendation to memorize things to not trust on technology, chris tweeted she does not really have an emergency plan and hoped they don't have an earthquake.

zach tweeted a 3 part series on emergency preparedness he wrote for handicap this and that those in safer states think they don't need to plan, but they do

Finally, Chris talked about her recent exploration with progressive muscle relaxation.

chris tweets about progressive muscle relaxation with her therapist sending her a video she can follow. chris tweets progressive muscle relaxation allows her to relax and recognize body signals like when she is beginning to tense up

Veronica and Chris discussed the difficulties they have had relaxing during medical appointments.

veronica and chris tweet about difficulty relaxing during things like mammograms and chris tweeted her therapist's video with concrete actions help. veronica tweeted it is hard to relax when trying not to fall over

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are things you do to relax? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.

-Devin