#CPChatNow Recap- 07-08-2020

Posted on July 15, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Various subjects came and went Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Early dialogue from the evening involved participants discussing different mask mandates. Through the conversation we discovered most mandates possess similar disability exemptions. This led to some interesting questions.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how the disability exemption part of mask mandates will be enforced.

After we began discussing the mask mandate exemptions, I asked how many people with disabilities will feel like they will need to prove themselves as disabled. Plus, I questioned how many non-disabled individuals will lie and claim a disability just to get out of wearing a mask.

My co-host Devin Axtman who works in a college’s disability service office, answered the questions. He expects a tough balance between having people get documentation versus people just asking. Meanwhile chat regular Heather expressed doubts a lot of places will ask for documentation.

Enforcing mask mandate exemptions sure does bring about certain complications. Let us continue that discussion. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How would you enforce mask mandate exemptions?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Moving beyond masks, chat regular Seth shared an interesting experience he had July 4th weekend.

Seth and Zachary react to Seth's Fourth of July story.

As Seth explained, at a fireworks party, two kids became intrigued by Seth’s voice. Resulting, Seth ended up playing “Guess What the Gimp is Saying” with the kids. I found Seth’s story super cool, assuming Seth was cool with the game. An assumption Seth confirmed as true. Ultimately by having a sense of humor, Seth transformed a potentially awkward or frustrating situation into a positive moment.

Returning to a more serious tone, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How would you enforce mask mandate exemptions?” Answer below! Then mark your calendar for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET.

Until then, don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How would you enforce mask mandate exemptions?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 7/1/2020

Posted on July 7, 2020 by devinaxtman

#CPChatNow opened up July discussing a wide range of topics. Members discussed Canada Day, critical topics such as their favorite type of M&M’s, and if it was difficult to obey their limits. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, I would like to highlight an important conversation The Accessible Stall podcast had about systemic racism and abelism. You can find the episode here.

i tweet about the accessible stall podcast episode on systemic racism

I also wanted to highlight a recent blog post by co-host, Zachary Fennell, about his experience during the Cleveland UCP Race to Empower.

zach tweets about a guest blog post about cleveland UCP"s race to empower

July 1st was Canada Day and Blemi tweeted that it was very different than the normal celebrations due to the COVID pandemic.

blemi tweeted everything is canceled so she was having a low key canada day at home, zach asks about usual activities, blemi tweeted her hometown usually had a parade and rodeo and there are always family get togethers. zach tweets that sounds like fun and a low key day is good sometimes

Next, talk turned to a very important question, what are member’s favorite M&M’s. This was inspired by some delicious Crispy M&M’s I was enjoying.

i ask what people's favorite m&m's were. chris tweeted peanut or nutella.

Finally, members discussed a common struggle for folks with CP, obeying their limits.

zach asks if it is difficult for people to obey their limits. zach tweets his question was inspired by passing on some sub opportunities at work. i tweet i sometimes have trouble with walking long distances.

chris tweets he does not push his physical limitations and it has been a struggle because he used to resent his cp. he also tweets his immune system has never been strong and all 4 sides are affected so he wishes he could be more physically active.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite candy?

Thanks for reading and be sure to join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-24-2020

Posted on July 1, 2020 by zacharyfenell

On Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow continued adjusting to life in a COVID19 world. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Allow me to serve as your conductor on this metaphorical train ride known as your weekly recap. All aboard!

As aforementioned, much dialogue from the night related to the COVID19 world we all now live in. For example, Major League Baseball (MLB) announcing their plans for the 2020 season.

#CPChatNow participants discuss a common interest, baseball.

Bonds in our community prove strong, in-part due to commonalities beyond cerebral palsy. My co-host Devin Axtman brought one such commonality up, mentioning baseball. Specifically, MLB’s plan for the 2020 season. Many participants possess their favorite teams. Devin loves the Chicago Cubs. I am a huge Cleveland Indians fan. We learned relative newcomer to the group Chris supports the Indians’ divisional rival Minnesota Twins.

Meanwhile long-time regular Jen roots for the Texas Rangers. Her Rangers fandom showed when I asked a question about customizing face masks.

#CPChatNow participants discuss customizing face masks.

Seeking ideas for custom face masks, I asked #CPChatNow what would everyone put on a custom face mask. Jen replied, saying maybe the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot Gritty or the Texas Rangers’ mascot Rangers Captain. Also replying, Devin said our #CPChatNow logo. His comment sparked my creativity.

Taking a moment I went over to Custom Ink and generated a possible #CPChatNow mask. Both Devin and Chris liked what they saw. I still need to look into the logistics more, but stay tuned! #CPChatNow face masks could become available soon.

Would you want a #CPChatNow face mask? If not, what would you put on a custom face mask? Answer that for the week’s extend-the-conversation question!“What would you put on a custom face mask?”

Answer below! Then plan to join us on Twitter, each and every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET. I look forward to tweeting you then. Until then though, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What would you put on a custom face mask?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow- 6-10-2020

Posted on June 16, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always, but this week brought new members. Members discussed the Moro Reflex and media representation of CP. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap!

First, members discussed a dreaded part of CP for some people, an exaggerated startle reflex.

amelia asks if a startle reflex is a thing with cp and a german sheppard startled her. i tweeted about dogs and seth tweeted about storms.

Karen tweeted about the name for the reflex, the Moro reflex.

karen tweets some links explaining the moro reflex. amelia tweeted she did not know it had a name. tonia tweeted lots of aspects of cp are rarely discussed

Next, talk turned to different representations of CP in the media. Members discussed the Netflix documentary Crip Camp and various issues of representation in the documentary.

karen asks what people thought of the depiction of cp in crip camp. heather tweets about surpirse of cp being at the low end of hierachy. i tweet about how much of that is how visible cp is

amelia tweeted she was happy to be represented in crip camp, but she didn't feel she could relate. karen tweeted cp comes in so many forms.

Talk also turned to the sadly canceled ABC show, Speechless, and issues related to representation. Members had varying opinions on whether they could relate to JJ.

zach tweets about how some felt they could not relate to JJ"s character. karen tweeted about how CP is so different from each person that many don't use a chair or are nonverbal. karen's main problem was too many subplots. I tweeted my agreement

Karen connected the lack of a ramp in the season 2 finale of Speechless with the abelism highlighted in Crip Camp.

zach tweets about a favorite scene from the season 2 finale when an award show director discovered there was not a ramp. i tweeted about accepting an award in the same situation. karen tweets she won an award in college and was told a ramp would be a fire hazard.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever been denied recognition due to physical inaccessibility?

Thanks for reading this week’s recap and join us at 8 Eastern each Wednesday on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 06-03-2020

Posted on June 9, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Community, both past and present, took center stage during the weekly cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020. Here to tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Join me for our weekly tradition also known as the #CPChatNow recap.

Early in the night humor from our chat’s past emerged into our conversation.

Zachary and Devin share a laugh over humor from #CPChatNow's past.

Jokingly I asked my co-host Devin Axtman if he had any drinks on hand because I may experience technical difficulties throughout the night. A joke referencing the days when our community held monthly video chats via Google Hangouts. Notoriously I would experience technical difficulties, mostly due to my aged laptop’s inability to properly run during group video chats. At one point in a monthly Hangout Devin quipped about turning my technical difficulties into a drinking game. His joke soon became a running gag within our community.

Although, we no longer host monthly video chats our community continues growing in other ways. For example, continuing to welcome new participants to our chats. Newcomers, like Chris Johnson!

The #CPChatNow community learns more about newcomer Chris Johnson.

Judging by his return, I dare assume Chris enjoyed his first #CPChatNow experience Wednesday, May 27th, 2020. Devin happily welcomed Chris back by asking him about his hobbies. That led to a reveal Chris has a podcast about the iconic musician Prince.

Keeping the music vibe going I pointed out music stands a familiar topic within our chat.

Offering an example about our past music discussions, I noted how we discussed music’s therapeutic abilities. A sentiment Chris connected to himself. In-particular he mentioned working on a book about music’s healing qualities especially in the spiritual sense.

Allow us to maintain the music theme beat. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Who is your favorite musician and why?”

Leave your answers below in the comments! Afterwards mark your calendars as a reminder to join us each and 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, "Who is your favorite musician and why?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 5-27-2020

Posted on June 2, 2020 by devinaxtman

Hello #CPChatNow! As Matt Hardy would say, the past week in #CPChatNow was wonderful! Thanks for stopping by for this week’s recap. This is your co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride.

We will begin this week’s recap by discussing an aspect of CP that is certainly annoying, hamstring stretches. Zach made a video of his different hamstring stretches and shared it in the chat.

zach asking what hamstring stretches people do and sharing his youtube video

Also, Jorge checked in with an update on his plans for graduate school:

jorge shared he applied to UVA, Rice, McCombs, Syracuse, UNC, and wake forrest

Finally, this brings us to a cool story about the invention of an adaptive gaming controller for people with disabilities:

i tweeted a story about an adaptive gaming controller. zach tweeted he is not a gamer, but related to something being annoying as hell like OT

Jen pointed out an obvious issue if people do not play XBOX, they could not use the controller:

jen pointed out that if people didn't play xbox, they couldn't use the controller.

This bring us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What common household adapted item do you use?

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-20-2020

Posted on May 27, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, May 20th, 2020 saw participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discuss many different topics. To tell you all about the various discussions, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Admittedly the night started off on the quiet side. Knowing sometimes people like to lurk, I asked lurkers to say hi. That led to a good laugh.

Zachary and Heather joke about creepy GIFs.

Following up my tweet asking lurkers to say hi, I explained I originally wanted to ask lurkers to tweet out a creepy GIF, but I did not want to affiliate lurking with being creepy. Responding to me, Heather tweeted a GIF which received a seal of approval via a couple likes.

With any ice needing breaking, broke the conversation began flowing. Chat regular Seth mentioned some disability related movies.

#CPChatNow discuss the films 37 Seconds and Margarita with a Straw.

In-particular Seth referenced seeing two interesting films recently, 37 Seconds and Margarita with a Straw. My co-host Devin Axtman said he enjoyed Margarita with a Straw. He described the film as “a very nuanced story.”

Meanwhile I said I did not know about the films. Seth educated me, explaining both essentially tell the same story. A young woman with CP discovering her sexuality. Adding, between the two, he liked Margarita with a Straw better.

Elsewhere in the chat, I echoed a question first asked earlier in the day by Chris.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their stiffness varying.

Chris had asked if others find their stiffness varies. Grace resoundingly responded affirmatively. When asked, Grace named activity, weather, and date as possible triggers for increased stiffness. Thanks to muscle relaxants though, Grace said the issue proves less constant.

How about you? Let us keep the dialogue going. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How do you manage when you feel extra stiff?” Comment to answer!

Continuing forward with the May 20th, 2020 recap, participants also discussed shaving.

The #CPChatNow community discusses shaving and cerebral palsy.

The shaving subject came to the forefront when I asked if anyone had stories about trouble shaving. Personally I use to cut my ears while shaving, a happening I credited to poor depth perception. Nonetheless, over time I just got better.

Additionally, Tonia shared a shaving story. She recalled shaving a razor-sized chunk of skin off her shin when 11 years old. She still has a scar to this day.

Finally, before bringing this recap to a close I wish to incorporate an update from long-time chat regular Hannah Pike.

Zachary shares an update about one of our OG members, Hannah Pike.

Hannah messaged me during the chat and gave me permission to share with the community an update about her. Beyond what remains captured in the above screen shot, Hannah wanted to express she still truly loves the chat. However, given her health she finds staying on Twitter for long periods difficult. Please continue to keep Hannah in your thoughts and prayers.

Also, do not forget to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. This week’s question asks, “How do you manage when you feel extra stiff?” Answer below!

Then join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "How do you manage when you feel extra stiff?" — Leave your answer below.

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-29-2020

Posted on May 6, 2020 by zacharyfenell

On Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 participants in our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discussed mental health and much more. Here with the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready to enjoy your weekly recap.

The aforementioned discussion about mental health started from a conversation between our “Positivity Princess” Linds and myself over working from home.

Zachary and Linds discuss working from home.

Checking in with Linds, I asked her how she was liking working from home. She admitted to feeling shaky about it at first, but now she loves it! One particular reason Linds had initially felt shaky dealt with her not knowing it was okay to voice her concerns.

Such self-doubt can wreck havoc on anyone’s mental health. Borrowing a fellow #CPChatNow co-founder’s mindset (John W. Quinn), we redirected the conversation to focus on solutions. Not problems!

Linds shares what she tells herself to overcome self-doubt.

Solution focused, I asked Linds if she has a phrase or mantra that helps her refocus when self-doubt begins to sabotage her. She answered yes, “I love me.”

Additionally, I shared what I say to myself when negative emotion starts to overwhelm me.

Zachary and Devin share what they tell themselves when they begin feeling overwhelmed.

Personally, I will start feeling overwhelmed. To calm myself down I internally repeat “One thing at a time.” My co-host Devin Axtman chimed in and said he tells himself the same. What about you? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “When you find yourself feeling negative, what phrase or mantra do you use to pull yourself through?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Perhaps rather than repeating a phrase or mantra, you crank up some music. Recently I read about Joey Odum, a blues musician with cerebral palsy.

#CPChatNow participants discuss doing a watch party for Joey Odum's upcoming Facebook stream.

Joey Odum plans to play a live Facebook stream this Saturday, May 9th at 3pm ET/2pm CT. Veronica, Devin, and I all expressed interest in doing a watch party for the stream. Please consider joining us! After the stream starts, I will begin the watch party at the CPChatNow Facebook page. So, Saturday afternoon, stay tuned to the page.

In the meantime remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “When you find yourself feeling negative, what phrase or mantra do you use to pull yourself through?” Comment below with your reply.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "When you find yourself feeling negative, what phrase or mantra do you use to pull yourself through?" — Comment below to answer.

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/22/2020

Posted on April 28, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week #CPChatNow was out of this world on Earth Day! Members discussed Earth Day, trying new things while staying at home, and their thoughts around reopening. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

April 22nd was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Jorge asked if folks were enjoying Earth Day.

Jorge asked if people got out to enjoy the earth on Earth day. Veronica tweeted her husband created a sitting area in her backyard where she drinks her coffee.

Next, members discussed trying new things while staying at home during the COVID pandemic. I discussed cooking more while at home and Hailey discussed trying a latch hook kit:

I ask if people have tried new things while staying home. Hailey tweeted about trying latch hook kit, but is worried about her motor skills

Jorge asked about a common topic that is impacted by the COVID pandemic, colleges and universities.

Jorge asks if I think colleges will open up in the Fall. I tweeted I felt it will be a patchwork of plans, but they would try. Jorge brings up the issue of international enrollment. jorge tweets he is applying to several schools.

Finally, Zach asked where different member’s home states are in the COVID pandemic reopening.

Zach asks where each member's area is on reopening. Grace tweets she is relieved Massachusetts is following guidelines and not considering reopening. I tweeted I am nervous that Texas is starting to open. I am nervous about going back to work and am nervous if I will continue to be able to work from home.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What new things have you been trying while staying at home during the COVID pandemic?

Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow.

-Devin

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!