2021

Posted on May 18, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed routine tasks that are difficult for them with their CP, problematic teachers, and things they are looking forward to doing when the world returns to normal. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, Zach opened up the conversation by asking his Extend-The-Conversation Question from last week.

zach opens the conversation by asking which routine tasks feels like an olympic sport due to cp and how members adapt.

Zach shared his strategy for adapting to the routine task of carrying hot liquids:

zach mentions he adapts to the routine task of walking with a hot beverage by using his adult sippy cup, zach tweets he is unsure why he doesn't use his sippy cup around the house

I tweeted about the bane of many people with CP’s existence, buttoning a dress shirt.

i tweeted buttoning a dress shirt is difficult for me and asked for tips, veronica tweeted she buttons and zips one handed and has never had an issue, but it may be that women's button's are on the opposite side. zach tweeted they make shirts with magnetic buttons, i tweeted it reminded me of JJ's pants on speechless

Next, Tonia shared a blog post about an ableist teacher praising her parents and not her for her good report card.

tonia shares a blog post about an ableist teacher that used a report card to praise her parents, i praised her for being vulnerable, zach tweeted knowing when to ask for help is difficult as an adult, let alone being a child. he asks if the help was needed or perceived help. tonia tweeted the help was to be determined by her teacher so it was perceived help.

Finally, members discussed what they were most looking forward to when the pandemic ends:

i ask what members are most looking forward to when things go back to normal. i tweeted i am looking forward to going to sporting events. zach tweeted he is looking forward to doing in-person speaking and author events. veronica tweets she looking forward to seeing more friends and family.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question. What do you think makes a good teacher good?

Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 05/05/2021

Posted on May 12, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Connections within the #CPChatNow community grew stronger Wednesday, May 5th, 2021. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Participants in the chat bonded over various cerebral palsy related topics. For example, I joked about how carrying a hot beverage without spilling any should be an Olympic sport.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the challenges of carrying a beverage without spilling.

Carrying hot chocolate from my kitchen into the dining room prompted me to make the Olympic sport quip. Hence why I also specified “hot beverage.” A point relative newcomer to the community Alessandro corrected, noting carrying any beverage without spilling remains a challenge.

Add your input too. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What seemingly ‘routine’ tasks feel like an Olympic sport due to CP?” Actually, in order to avoid simply dwelling on problems, let us make this a two-part question. “What seemingly ‘routine’ tasks feels like an Olympic sport due to CP? How do you adapt to complete the task?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

As the night’s discussion progressed, other cerebral palsy challenges arose. A topic triggered by a question I asked.

Zachary asks #CPChatNow if they ever imagine what life would be like without CP.

Devin and Zachary reflect on how life would be different if they drove.

Curious, I asked if others ever imagined what life would be like if they didn’t have CP. Alessandro admitted wondering about this daily. Meanwhile in a response to chat regular Chris, I hypothesized the biggest difference for me would be driving. My response resonating with my co-host Devin Axtman who said he was going to say the same.

Attempting to maintain a positive outlook, I mentioned how everything has positives and negatives. Not driving creates challenges, but I am also able to say not driving has helped me strengthen friendships.

Keep the positivity rolling and remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What seemingly ‘routine’ tasks feels like an Olympic sport due to CP? How do you adapt to complete the task?” Answer below.

Afterwards, set 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 is a two-parter, asking "What seemingly routine tasks feels like an Olympic sport due to CP? How do you adapt to complete the task?" — Reply below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/28/2021

Posted on May 4, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was cracking as always. Members discussed impacts from COVID vaccinations, strategies for trimming their toenails, and their latest book recommendations. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap!

Veronica and Zach both described the side effects they had experienced from their second COVID vaccination shots. If you’re interested, you can find more information about getting a vaccine appointment here.

zach asks veronica how her second vaccination shot went, veronica tweeted she was in bed for the entire day monday, but is getting better, zach tweeted the second dose gave him a fever and night sweats

People with CP and other disabilities often have to find creative ways to do everyday tasks. Zach asked members how they cut their toenails.

zach asks what position people use to cut their toenails. he tweets he sits on the floor with one leg at the side and the other one straight up and bent at the knee. i tweet i sit on the couch for back support and pull my legs up. blemi tweets she sits on the foilet and props her foot on the tub.

Finally, members talked about the books they were reading and other book recommendations.

i ask if anyone has any book recommendations. alessandro tweeted the ables, a story about superhero kids with different disabilities. — You can find The Ables here.

audacity magazine recommended the josie prescott series.

Finally, Zach tweeted that Amanda Leduc’s book, Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space, is on his to read list.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite book you have ever read? Please share your answers in the comments!

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-21-2021

Posted on April 28, 2021 by zacharyfenell

During the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 several subjects came to the conversation’s forefront. Here to fill you in on the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap.

Admittedly, the night started a little slow. As I waited for others to filter into the chat, I caught up on participant Tonia’s blog. Reading her recent post “How Does That Work: Interdependence in the Disabled Community.”

#CPChatNow participants discuss Tonia's blog post about interdependence.

Throughout the post Tonia makes some excellent points. Or, so I thought. One I specifically commented about in our Twitter dialogue. Oppose to going on with my personal takeaway though, I will just encourage you to read Tonia’s post yourself. Allow you to develop your own takeaways.

In the meantime, let us continue recapping our discussion from April 21st.

#CPChatNow community members discuss their vaccination statuses.

Upon joining April 21st, long-time regular Blemi shared exciting news. She finally received her first COVID vaccination shot! This led others to offer their vaccination statuses. Veronica looked forward to getting her second shot on Sunday. Meanwhile Alessandro recalled his second shot taking a toll on him.

Another occurrence which can take a toll I raised via a question.

Participants of #CPChatNow discuss how long they need to recover from a horrid night of sleep.

I asked everyone how long they take to return to their regular selves following a horrid night of sleep. Blemi, Grace, and my co-host Devin Axtman all mentioned needing a couple days before returning to their status quo.

Regarding the status quo, participants reminisced about resuming a pre-pandemic lifestyle. Leading to concert going rising as a topic.

#CPChatNow participants discuss their best concert experience.

Recalling those simpler times, I asked our community about their best concert experience. Veronica answered she saw Queen and Adam Lambert in July 2019. Alessandro also replied, recalling seeing T.I. at the House of Blues in Orlando.

As the concert chatter continued, Tonia reminded us concerts are not for everyone. Saying she has never been to one due to their overstimulating nature. What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What has been your best concert experience?”

Reply in the comments below. If you find concerts overstimulating, let us know that! Then plan to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "What has been your best concert experience?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/14/21

Posted on April 20, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was a happening as always. Members discussed new jobs, their accomplishments for the week, canes, and stretching. 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 recognize some good news and a strong GIF game from Linds!

linds tweets that she got a job with a gif of spongebob talking on the phone with his eyes up. zach tweets congratulations and asks if it will take her away from #cpchatnow

Linds also tweeted about her cane and feeling accomplished by finishing laundry. I can certainly relate to finishing laundry sometimes feeling like an accomplishment!

zach asks about what members have accomplished in the last seven days, linds tweets she has started to use a cane and has a 31 wpm typing speed, she tweeted she also did another load of laundry, zach asks what her cane looked like and if she multiple so she can treat it like an accessory, linds tweeted her canes are blue scrolling paisley or tropical flowers

We had some new folks join the chat this week! Constance Jamet talked about her various accomplishments this week which including finishing some things for work and walking a bit more.

zach tweeted asking what members had accomplished in the last seven days, constance tweeted she has improved on the kneeling knight position, meeting deadlines on her job, and walking a little more after being immobile for a few weeks

Constance’s tweets led to a further conversation about stretching with Zach and I tweeting about our stretching routines.

zach and i tweet about stretching, i tweeting i can understand the difficulty of learning to stretch something new and that i have done that throughout my life with new muscles, zach tweets he has to stretch consistently, he tweets his body feels like it's being squeezed by a snake if he doesn't stretch

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your stretching routine? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-07-2021

Posted on April 14, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Energetic proves a fitting way to describe the conversation which happened during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 7th, 2021. Why you may ask. Let me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you why via your weekly recap.

The description “energetic” encompasses a buzz and our chat buzzed from topic to topic April 7th.

Early in the night my co-host Devin Axtman and long-time chat regular Jen discussed a common interest multiple people in our community hold, baseball. In-particular Jen mentioned a bench clearing incident involving Devin’s favorite team the Chicago Cubs.

While players on the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers jumped off their benches and ran onto the field, participants in our community discussed a different jumping.

Devin discusses being super jumpy at the dentist.

#CPChatNow participants discuss scenarios which make them jumpy.

Both Devin and I brought up situations which can make us jumpy. Devin mentioning being “super jumpy” at the dentist. Meanwhile I shared how my workplace currently has HVAC work getting done. The work causing lots of banging. Neither situation stands ideal alone, but combined? Yikes! A scenario Veronica recalled experiencing while responding to my tweet.

Elsewhere in the conversation Veronica offered a useful tip.

Veronica offers a useful tip dealing with cerebral palsy and cooking.

Regarding cooking, Veronica said whenever she looks at recipes, she doubles the prep time because due to her CP she has to do her prep one-handed. Smart thinking, if you ask me! Would you agree? Comment below and let us know.

Also, while commenting share your own cerebral palsy tip. Consider that your extend-the-conversation question for the week. After commenting, mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun always begins at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/31/2021

Posted on April 7, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed good things from the pandemic, renewing their handicap parking placard, accessibility issues at a sporting event, and what makes a good doctor. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

Zach talked with Blemi about one good thing from the pandemic:

zach asks about a good thing that resulted form the pandemic after blemi talked about online yoga classes, zach discussed finishing his next book, stating he had planned to edit the draft in march, but was sidetracked by instagram posts, blemi tweeted striving for bigger material items is pointless

Next, I asked about something that is a common annoyance to disabled people, having to renew their permanent handicapped parking placard.

i asked how often people have to renew their permanent handicapped parking placard, zach tweeted he is not sure because he always gets a reminder to renew

blemi tweeted it is every five years to renew a placard in alberta, zach tweeted it is a pet peeve to have to renew the placard since the cp doesn't go away, chris tweets she has to do the same with paratransit even though she lives in the same house and her disabilities are permanent

Next, talk turned to the biggest accessibility concerns members had while at sporting events.

zach asked about accessibility issues members face at sporting events, chris tweeted about bleachers without handrails and buses with long routes that take forever, blemi tweeted hand rails that start and stop

veronica tweets bringing food to and from her seat is why she keeps her husban around

Finally, talk turned to a common issue for people with CP and other disabilities, finding a good doctor. Zach asked about the traits that make a doctor a good doctor:

zach asks what makes a doctor a good doctor, he tweets a crucial trait of a good doctor is the willingness to listen, blemi tweeted listening as well but also not just assuming something is CP related

Chris also tweeted about the traits that made someone a good doctor and the importance of building trust by being open about what the doctor doesn’t know.

chris tweeted about her experiences at valley healthcare's residency program, she tweets she appreciates people they saying they don't know, but they would consult and she tweeted she feels doctors care more if you are open about your health.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What made your favorite doctor so great?

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- “Family Reunion” Focus Chat

Posted on March 31, 2021 by zacharyfenell

Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a familial and festive atmosphere Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. The night representing our community’s first “family reunion.” To tell you more I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. All aboard this special recap.

As my co-host Devin Axtman and I hoped, the “family reunion” themed focus chat brought back familiar faces.

Devin happily greets Hannah during the #CPChatNow family reunion.

Beloved community member Hannah joined in on the reunion fun. Such a welcomed presence! After everyone exchanged their hellos, we started into the night’s designated questions.

The list of questions for #CPChatNow's family reunion focus chat.

Answers to the different questions brought up some commonalities. For example, with question two “How has your life changed since you participated in #CPChatNow?”

Long-time chat regular Jen answered the question, saying she has virtually gotten to know more people with CP. I responded, noting virtual connections can lead to real impact. A sentiment Hannah expressed with me in 2019 while recording a Youtube video “The Positives of Social Media.”

Devin further illustrated this fact when answering question three “How has your experience of disability changed (or not) since you started participating?”

#CPChatNow participants discuss how participating in the weekly Twitter chat has changed their experience of disability.

In his answer Devin noted that our community has helped him become more confident in his disability. Other benefits our community has provided members arose when people answered question five, “How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?”

#CPChatNow members share how their connections in the group has benefited them.

Both Jen and our “Positivity Princess” Linds responded to the inquiry. Linds saying the chat helps to boost her energy levels. Meanwhile Jen indicated our chat gives her a place to connect with others who can relate with her struggles.

What about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

After you reply, set a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, The good times begin at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

The week's extend-the-conversation question asks "How have the relationships you developed in #CPChatNow been of a benefit to you?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/17/2021

Posted on March 23, 2021 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was happening as always. Members discussed positives that were occurring in their life and how their disability has helped them stand out. We are also proud to announce our Family Reunion Focus Chat! This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we are excited to announce our Family Reunion Focus Chat. Please join us Wednesday (3/24) on Twitter to reconnect (or connect!) with #CPChatNow community members, both longtime and new!

zach tweets announcing the #cpchatnow family reunion for march 24th. there is a graphic announcing the reunion and inviting people too join

Next, I would like to recognize Dick Hoyt’s death. Dick and his son Rick who has CP have inspired many by their participation in marathons and triathlons.

i recognize the death of dick hoyt and share a link to his obituary, there is a picture of him pushing his son rick.

zach tweets dick hoyt's death made him think of ultimate warrior's promo before his death. dick hoyt helped others believe and made their blood pulse through their body.

Zach also asked members about a positive in their week. Tonia shared a blog post she wrote in the past week about 10 things no one tells you about aging with CP. I can definitely agree with number 3!

zach asked what about a positive thing from member's past week's. tonia shares a new blog post about 10 things no one tells you about aging with cp.

Finally, Zach asked members how their disability has helped them standout.

zach asks how member's disabilities have helped them standout and excel. i tweeted it has given me an opportunity to share my story with others and build relationships. zach tweets he can say the same thing and his cp gave him a purpose, more than clocking in and out of a job. — Chris also shared her favorite quote about disability regarding being open to differences and fighting for social justice as the ways she tries to standout.

chris tweets about her favorite quote from an activist and social worker with CP, there is an image of the quote, zach tweets he feels he is a better friend to others because he is more open minded and willing to listen, chris tweets she likes the quote because she feels the memoir is the first time she is reading about herself or her experiences

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How has your disability helped you excel? Please share your answers in the comments and join us next Wednesday, March 24th for our Family Reunion Focus Chat on Twitter at 8 PM Eastern.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-10-2021

Posted on March 17, 2021 by zacharyfenell

An excited energy buzzed about Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Here to tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. A task I will pursue the best way I know how, your weekly recap.

The excitement began early in the evening. Sparked by a returning participant.

Yes! Royalty entered our presence when our “Positivity Princess” Linds made her return. Quickly Linds started catching up with others.

Linds and Jen catch up, talking about pets and more.

Fellow long-time regular Jen happily greeted Linds. The two discussed Linds’ current living arrangements, plus Linds’ pets. Similar conversation will likely occur Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

#CPChatNow will host their first reunion focus chat on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

As I announced, on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 we will host a reunion focus chat. Mark your calendars! I, along with my co-host Devin Axtman, hope you can make the reunion. The night promises to include friendly dialogue, nostalgic reminiscing, and more.

For now though, let us continue recapping the March 10th chat. Discussion turned to the pandemic and vaccinations.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how vaccinations are going in their respective areas.

Admittedly, I raised the subject asking participants how they feel communication in their respective areas about vaccinations is going. Both Devin and I seemed satisfied with the vaccination progress in our different states. Meanwhile Heather appeared less impressed. Calling the situation in Ontario “a mess.”

What about you and your area? Keep the discussion going by answering as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you feel the communication about vaccinations is going in your state?” Answer below!

Afterwards, double check you marked your calendar for the reunion focus chat Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. The evening aims to rekindle old connections and who knows? Maybe create a few new ones.

#CPChatNow will be having a family reunion focus chat Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.

If you cannot make the reunion, no worries. Join us any week that you can. Our chat begins each Wednesday at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!