#CPChatNow Recap- 07-24-2019

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Wednesday, July 24th, 2019 participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow displayed a problem solving attitude. Tasks CP can make difficult arose during the conversation. Others responded, suggesting potential solutions. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to tell you more the best way I know how. Through your weekly recap!

Long-time chat regular Blemi shared earlier in the day a spastic moment while using a knife almost sent her to the ER. This left me curious. So I asked participants to share their worst experience with a knife.

#CPChatNow participants discuss knife safety.

Veteran knife user Jake Jordan also showed curiosity. Though, his interest involved wondering what Blemi was cutting and with what type of knife. Those answers would help identify whether she could use a safer tool in the future.

Additionally Jake offered safety tips for using a knife. One such tip, cut away from yourself. A sentiment Blemi echoed, saying “Ya always cut away from yourself!”

Speaking up, I said I can find cutting away from myself challenging. To give an example, I mentioned cutting a roll. Jake countered, advising I hold the roll on its side and cut downwards. Plus he noted to use the proper knife, a serrated one. With a serrated knife, you should apply as little force as possible.

While Jake proved quite knowledgeable about knives, our community also received wisdom from another participant.

Veronica gives some advice about cutting food.

Veronica enjoyed a pleasant realization that although she cooks a lot, she has managed not to cut herself. She attributes the success to doubling or tripling prep time. An excellent idea!

As Veronica and I continued talking, she revealed another useful tidbit. At a restaurant they will cut your food in the kitchen if you ask! Good to know, right?

Beyond cutting food, a second CP challenge surfaced amidst the dialogue.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss changing bedding.

I momentarily excused myself to finish up some laundry, which I warned included bed sheets. Or, as my co-host Devin Axtman referred to them “the bane of CP.”

After members bonded over the struggle bed sheets cause, Jake once again offered a possible solution.

Jake linked to the mattress lifter, The tool could assist anyone who needs help lifting the mattress when putting bed sheets on. Perhaps you utilize a particular tool to make an activity easier. Let us know! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is a tool you use to help make an activity easier?” Answer below in the comments!

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is a tool you use to help make an activity easier?"
Comment below to answer!

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#CPChatNow Recap- 7/17/2019

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Last week in #CPChatNow was popping as always. Members talked about a ramp for their pool, going to graduate school, the Netflix show Special, and why they would not crowdsurf in their wheelchair at a concert. I am Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

We start this week’s recap with a cool picture of Hannah’s new pool ramp (and the world famous Levi!). This is an awesome example of people working to provide access.

Hannah announces her backyard now contains a ramp to her pool. there is a picture of the ramp along with her dog.

Next, another #CPChatNow Co-Host came to the party. Jorge, also known as Blake, checked in. He is preparing for the GMAT to start graduate school.

jorge tweets about preparing for the gmat to start graduate school for an M.S. in Commerce

Seth checked in with his thoughts about the Netflix show, Special.

seth tweets about watching special on netflix, a show about a gay man with CP. He says it is a funny, adult look at a dysfunctional mother/son relationship

Finally, Zach tweeted a video of a man in a wheelchair crowdsurfing at a concert. Hannah and I both agreed we would not do so due to fears of what would what happen. Hannah shared a story about a drunk person kicking her scooter.

zach tweets a video about a wheelchair user crowd surfing. hannah and i agree we would not due to fears about what would happen and she shared a story of her scooter being kicked by a drunk person.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the worst thing someone has done to your mobility equipment?

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 07-10-2019

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To those who participate in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow, each week Wednesday provides a hub for community. A place to find emotional support, plus share similar interests, common experiences, and more! The July 10th, 2019 chat proved no different. Here with the details I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Enjoy your weekly recap.

Unfortunately for long-time chat regular Hannah, health woes prevented her from participating July 10th.

#CPChatNow community members provide emotional support to long-time chat regular Hannah.

Community members responded to Hannah’s news by sending her sympathy. Meanwhile a power outage caused another long-time chat regular Jen to join late. Ironically the power outage helped to power the night’s discussion.

Participants began chatting about what they like to do when without power. I mentioned reading, but you can only read if enough natural light remains available. On that note, chat regular Shira brought up lighting candles. Jen said she couldn’t light a candle to save her life, instead preferring flashlights. I seconded the notion, saying flames and CP equal a nerve-wrecking combination. My co-host Devin Axtman further supported Jen’s flashlight preference.

Devin also prefers flashlights over candles.

Whether reading by flashlight, natural light, or another source multiple members in our community expressed a liking towards If At Birth You Don’t Succeed by Zach Anner. Personally, Anner’s raw honesty within If At Birth You Don’t Succeed wowed me.

#CPChatNow participants discuss If At Birth You Don't Succeed by Zach Anner.

If At Birth You Don’t Succeed stayed on my mind’s forefront as earlier in the week I finished reviewing the book for my website. Getting back to the chat though, Heather additionally gave the book praise.

Heather shares why she likes If At Birth You Don't Succeed by Zach Anner.

Heather found Anner “quite relatable and funny!” Your turn now! Keep the conversation going. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What cerebral palsy related book do you recommend?”

Leave your recommendation in the comments below! Then join the fun LIVE! Mark your calendar for #CPChatNow, every Wednesday on Twitter starting at 8pm ET!

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What cerebral palsy related book do you recommend?"
Answer by commenting below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 7/3/2019

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It was the day before the 4th of July and #CPChatNow brought the fireworks as usual. Members talked about fireworks, disability podcasts, wheelchair seats at sporting events, and just how far you mind can help overcome your disability. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride of this week’s recap.

First, members talked about fireworks themselves. Fireworks are also known as the bane of existence when you have the Cerebral Palsy startle reflex.

Zach asked if fireworks startled members. Jen stated they do and Daryl Perry agreed

Next, Zach brought up the cool story of Peter Kline. He has completed 45 marathons with disabled rider athletes. Well done Mr. Kline!

Zach posts about Peter Kline completing 45 marathons with different rider athletes
Paul Miller and Addiengeorge tweeted their appreciation towards Peter Kline

I would like to highlight one of my favorite podcasts (disability or otherwise), the Disability Visibility podcast. The podcast is hosted by Alice Wong and looks at different issues surrounding disability:

I recommend the Disability Visibility podcast. Zach recognized the host, Alice Wong, from the #CripTheVote chats.

Next, members talked about wheelchair seats at sporting events. Chris is going to an Indy Car race in Portland in September. She talked about an organization, @halfaccess, where people can post about the accessibility of a venue.

Zach tweeted about going to Bowling for Soup but being concerned about standing room only conditions. I reported it sucked when other people stood up when I had wheelchair seats and newer stadiums with elevated seats tended to be better. Chris tweeted about an organization called halfaccess that catalogue accessibility

Finally, #CPChatNow was tagged in an intriguing question by @cpandm. They asked if it was OK to be frustrated by others saying, “The body will do what you decide to make it do.” In other words, whether it is OK to be frustrated by your mind not being able to will your body to do things.

I responded to @cpandm's question. They felt frustrated since they can't will themselves to walk. I posted that the body doing what the mind wants it to do is unrealistic and that the will can't overcome things.
Zach's answer was that every case is different and the realm of possibility is different and that we need to listen to our bodies.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How do you know when your body is telling you you’re at your limit? Share your answer in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-26-2019

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On Wednesday, June 26th, 2019 participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discussed living with CP, emphasizing in-particular the LIVING part. Oppose to keeping the dialogue strictly CP related, members chatted about various subjects. Topics I, #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell, will seek to summarize and deliver to you the best way I know how. Your weekly recap!

Recent college graduate and beloved #CPChatNow member Jorge Oteiza expressed wonderment over when he will get to put his newly obtained degree to use.

Jorge wonders when he will get to put his college degree to use.

Others expressed similar sentiments too.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the usefulness of their respective college degrees.

Personally, I mention career wise not really getting use from my degree. Nevertheless I still find the lessons I learned both inside and outside the classroom valuable. Similarly long-time chat regular Blemi said she does not particularly use her degree either, noting “Sociology and Polisci is a far cry from finance.”

Offering an insightful observation, #CPChatNow regular Shira commented “I guess it’s a reminder the path you take is rarely the one you’ll think you’ll take.” Shira herself ventures off to college for the first time this fall. She confided to #CPChatNow worries about maintaining current friendships once college begins. Qualms our community helped to ease.

Hannah reassures Shira that Shira will be able to maintain friendships.

Long-time community member Hannah reassured Shira. Hannah demonstrated her point by citing a friendship which dates back to preschool. All that leads to the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How far back does your oldest friendship go?”

Answer below in the “Comments.” Then add to your calendar #CPChatNow. Our Twitter chat meets each Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. I hope to tweet you soon.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How far back does your oldest friendship go?"
Reply in the comment section!

#CPChatNow Recap- 6/19/2019

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This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members talked about various topics like having multiple disabilities, horror movies and CP, and their personal analogy for the CP community. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, two long time members of the #CPChatNow community finally met each other in-person with Hannah Pike and my other co-host, Zachary Fenell, meeting:

Pictures of zach and hannah. zach and hannah are holding a homemade #cpchatnow poster, zach is sitting with hannah's dog levi, and there is a picture of Hannah's #cpchatnow sign

Shira asked if having CP made you more likely to have multiple disabilities:

Shira asked if having CP made you more likely to have multiple disabilities:

Members chimed in that they had multiple diagnoses with CP and that other symptoms from CP might lead to a diagnosis:

Heather reports she has multiple diagnoses. I point out symptoms from CP can cause other issues

Next, members talked about the impacts from CP and their startle reflex on watching horror movies:

zach asked if startle reflex impacted horror movies. Hannah tweeted about liking Devil's knot and needing to watch a quiet place, grace lapointe said her startle reflex impacts her, but she loved get out. Blemi tweeted they are not her type of movie.
members continue to talk about issues with horror movies and startle reflex. members also talked cellphones

Finally, Zach asked if members had an analogy for the Cerebral Palsy community:

zach asks what analogy people would use for the cerebral palsy communtiy
zach says the CP community is like a music festival- there is a common bond in attendance (CP), but everyone has different experiences (seeing different bands)

Seth chimed in with his own analogy borrowing from a Lady Gaga song:

seth opines the cp community is closest to the LGBTQ community- born this way

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What analogy would you use for the CP community? Please share your answers in the comments!

Join us every Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-05-2019

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Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Zachary Fenell and I am the co-host for the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Yet #CPChatNow remains much more than just a Twitter chat. Our participants make up a community. What exactly makes a community, a community though? That question I am able to answer by recapping the Wednesday, June 5th, 2019 chat.

A community disbands isolation, turning seemingly odd quirks into common bonds. Like sneezing and cerebral palsy!

#CPChatNow participants discuss the worst time to have to sneeze.

To an able-bodied person, a forthcoming sneeze probably raises one major thought “Better get a Kleenex.” Living with cerebral palsy adds another level to consider. Long-time regular Blemi described sneezing as “a whole body event for me.” I related, sharing I need to brace my lower half before sneezing. Otherwise I might blow myself off balance!

A second aspect to community involves supporting each other, providing concern and encouragement when life’s balance falters. Upon my co-host Devin Axtman literally experiencing this, #CPChatNow proved ready to rise to the occasion.

#CPChatNow participants give Devin emotional support after he fell.

Devin tweeted he just took a huge fall at a restaurant, but avoided harm. Community member Chris responded, sharing surprise she has not fallen at work yet. Continuing Chris said she began using a cane back in January. Based off her zero falls at work, the cane appears quite helpful.

Meanwhile I asked Devin about the after fall. In my experience people’s reactions can prove more flustering then the actual fall. Devin explained the floor’s weird texture caused his fall to sound extra loud. The loudness left others there to look prior to resuming their own dinners.

Beyond diffusing loneliness and supplying emotional support, community stands a place you may go to ask questions. I took full advantage June 5th, posing a question to our group.

Zachary seeks insights from others for a blog post, "Defending Social Media."

Currently I am working on a blog post, seeking to highlight social media’s positives. Wanting input from others, I asked “How has social media had a positive impact on your life?”

Chris in-part replied she learned a lot about different disabilities and made friends. Should we keep the conversation going?

I agree! Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How has social media had a positive impact on your life?” Leave a comment to respond!

Then experience the #CPChatNow community firsthand, joining the chat every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How has social media had a positive impact on your life?"
Reply below in the “Comments.”