#CPChatNow Recap- 05-17-2017

Posted on May 24, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Many interesting topics emerged Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Or at least I, co-host Zachary Fenell, found the subjects intriguing. Go ahead and use this recap to draw your own conclusions.

Early on I asked about others’ sleeping habits. Specifically I sought information regarding the positions people sleep in and how many pillows they sleep with.

As I revealed in my back and forth with Blemi, curiosity motivated my question. I wondered if CP played a role in the positions we find comfortable. The various responses helped to provide the data needed to make such an evaluation.

Overall laying on your side with legs bent seemed the most popular sleeping position. Around 8:30pm ET our May focus chat announcement transitioned the conversation to a different matter.

Aging with cerebral palsy proves an in-demand issue. Like the above screenshot shows, participants couldn’t wait until May 31st to start addressing multiple points! We hope you will mark the “Aging with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat in your calendar and join us Wednesday, May 31st.

Concentrating back on our May 17th chat, friendly chatter kept the night progressing. This entailed individuals’ to-read lists. Mentioning a cerebral palsy memoir on my own to-read list caused the dialogue to evolve.

Interim co-host Devin Axtman noted he considers his life “pretty typical” and not really memoir worthy. Other participants expressed similar sentiments. Going a step further, Devin critiqued the disability stories currently out there.

Devin’s thought that disability stories can get repetitive spurred disagreement with #CPChatNow regular Rachel Folly. She supported her opinion with cerebral palsy’s individualistic nature. Devin further explained his critique, detailing what he deems the same story arch. What do you think? Let us know by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Do you find disability stories repetitive? Why or why not?”

Leave your reply via a comment in the “Comments” section. Perhaps we will even revisit the question during our May Google Hangout. As Devin reminded us, the video chat takes place on Thursday, May 25th, 2017.

Towards the chat’s end a younger participant Kate initiated discussion asking others about how participants’ parents handled the cerebral palsy diagnosis. Replies demonstrated varying approaches taken.

Thank you all for reading and your interest in #CPChatNow. Hopefully you can make tonight’s chat, beginning as usual at 8pm ET. If you cannot participate this week though, please try participating next week on Wednesday, May 31st for our “Aging with Cerebral Palsy” focus chat. Until later remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“Do you find disability stories repetitive? Why or why not?”

Comment below to respond!

Tweet you soon,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 5-10-2017

Posted on May 16, 2017 by devinaxtman

This week’s #CPChatNow Twitter chat was a ride ranging conversation on current events in community member’s lives and topics unique to the disability community. This is your Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you on this week’s recap journey.

#CPChatNow regular, Dave Smith, started the conversation by posting a video about the Alinker, a walk-assisted device. Members unanimously agreed it would be beneficial and preferable to using a walker:

#CPChatNow members Kate and Jocelyn returned and debated the proper pronunciation of Cerebral Palsy along with Rachel:

Kate also sparked much engaging conversation about having mild CP and not feeling like she fits in within the disability community:

Members also spoke of their fondness and desire to learn American Sign Language (ASL):

Finally, #CPChatNow Co-Host, Zachary Fenell, ended the chat on a happy note by announcing that he had recently taken a part time job at the local library:

Also, please join us on MAY 25th for our monthly Google Hangout (tip of the cap to Zach for backing up my errant throw):

Finally, this brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question: Where are some areas the disability community can improve its inclusion of others? Please share your answer in the comments and be sure to join us on Twitter every Wednesday at 8 Eastern Time.

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-03-2017

Posted on May 9, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Various topics emerged Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 amidst the two-hour live cerebral palsy Twitter chat we call #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell and I am here to do but what else?! Recap the previous week’s chat. So get ready to chug along.

For another week ABC’s sitcom Speechless proved a hot topic! That included discussion about the previous week’s episode, “R-U– RUNAWAY.”

Like I mentioned, the episode inspired my at the time in-progress blog post. Anyone interested can read, “Needing Role Models with Cerebral Palsy.” Warning to anyone yet to watch the episode “R-U– RUNAWAY,” my post contains minimal spoilers.

Regarding spoilers, we at #CPChatNow possess an informal anti-spoiling policy. We welcome participants to multi-task, watch Speechless and live tweet us. However we insist on leaving any detailed Speechless conversation outside the chat.

Like I explained on May 3rd, this policy intends to protect participants who live in areas where the show still hasn’t aired. After all, people in different time zones and different countries make up our community! Avoiding spoilers demonstrates thoughtfulness. I personally like to think about #CPChatNow as a thoughtful community.

Regular Rachel Folly showed mindfulness, bringing up an annoyance she recently came across.

Admittedly Rachel’s tweet confused me. Something you can tell by my replies in the above screen shot. Turns out Rachel and I watched different adaptions to the same video. Versions uploaded by separate users. Youtube user bagar5 uploaded the version Rachel linked to.

Meanwhile I previously viewed the video uploaded by the official Underarmour channel.

Confusion aside, Rachel raised a valuable point with the version she linked to. The term “boy” appears questionable given Johnny Agar’s age. What do you think? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Does the ‘Boy’ reference in the user uploaded Underarmour commercial video bother you? Why or why not?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

While questions surfaced about the video’s title, reaction to the actual content seemed overwhelmingly positive.

Interim co-host Devin Axtman displayed great enthusiasm for the ad. Rachel echoed the positivity, saying she found truth in the video’s message. Long-time regular Jen continued the topic merry-go-round, with some assistance from Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Rocket.

As you see from the preceding screenshot, the Guardians of the Galaxy talk soon led to Jen and relatively new regular Dave Smith to bond over collecting POPs. Common interests outside cerebral palsy albeit collecting POPs or baseball, hockey, wrestling, music, etcetera helps us form deeper relationships within our community.

Perhaps you will contemplate joining us! Our Twitter chat happens every Wednesday at 8pm ET. Perchance you do not use Twitter, you can always contribute by answering the recap’s extend-the-conversation question. Remember this week’s question asks the following.

“Does the ‘Boy’ reference in the user uploaded Underarmour commercial video bother you? Why or why not?”

Answer by commenting below! Until next time.

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- A Serious Chat About Comedy

Posted on April 27, 2017 by devinaxtman

This week brought up one of our best focus chats yet, as #CPChatNow regular, Susanne Kate Jones, led a serious chat about comedy. I’m your #CPChatNow Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride. So, what are you waiting for? Hop aboard and let’s get geauxing!

Susanne first introduced herself by noting her comedy experience:

Susane describing her degrees from LSU

Susanne discussing the comedy classes she has taken

Susanne came up with some outstanding questions. Her first question asked about people’s favorite comedian and comedy movie or TV show:

Alena also specifically brought up how the ABC show Speechless is her favorite because it highlights disability:

Susanne next asked about the importance of comedy and humor. Members chimed in with their thoughts:

Susanne next asked if members felt there were any topics that are comedically off limits:

Members chimed in with various different topics they felt were comedically off limits:

Ultimately, we agreed it depends on the situation:

Next, Susanne asked if comedy could be used to teach about disability related issues. Members largely agreed that it can allow others to relate to CP easier.

Next, Susanne asked why members thought there were so many successful comics with CP. Members largely agreed that CP gives comics a unique story that comics can tell. Members also spoke of comedy as a coping mechanism:

Finally, Susanne asked about ways to make comedy more accessible. Members discussed various ways, focusing on physical and digital access.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question, “What role does humor or comedy play in your daily life with CP?” Extend the conversation question with #CPChatNow Logo

Please leave your answer in the comments and thanks for reading!

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-19-2017

Posted on April 26, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Every week the Twitter chat #CPChatNow thrives thanks to our great community. A fact our April 19th, 2017 Twitter chat exemplified! I am proud co-founder and co-host Zachary Fenell here to recap our latest chat.

Participants keeping in touch throughout the week demonstrates the strength in connections made within our community. Something I wish to emphasize by creating new #CPChatNow promotional graphics. In past months I asked participants to submit photos with them in their #CPChatNow shirts for such graphics. I asked again April 19th, this time also sharing a taste to what said images might look like.

One signature trait to a true community involves seeing an idea shared grow and evolve. Long-time participant Hannah Pike set said evolution in motion with her photo submission.

Additionally opening up submissions beyond pictures featuring CPChatNow shirts seems only fair to those without CPChatNow shirts. If you want your face incorporated into CPChatNow promotional material, submit a photograph! You can send our way via a direct message through our Facebook fan page.

Another aspect to community emerged while a couple participants made small talk. Shira discussed a school project which peaked Blemi’s interest. Soon their dialogue blossomed in more meaningful ways.

$Knowing Blemi has made a career with numbers despite struggling at math brought Shira some hope.$ Hope, enhanced ideas, and friendship all represent community characteristics. What characteristics do you value in a community? Tell us! Answer the aforementioned for the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

This week the CPChatNow extend-the-conversation question asks "What characteristics do you value in a community?"

In the “Comments” section share what characteristics you value in a community.

Leave your reply in the “Comments” section. Then join us tonight on Twitter at 8pm ET. Susanne Kate Jones returns to our community to lead us in a focus chat titled “A Serious Chat About Comedy.” You can expect an insightful discussion sprinkled with laughs throughout. Talk and laugh with you later.

Sincerely,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 4-12-2017

Posted on April 16, 2017 by devinaxtman

A member getting married, LEGO’s newest efforts at highlighting disability, and actions by others to increase member’s confidence were all topics on last week’s #CPChatNow Twitter chat. I am Interim Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you along on this week’s recap. The only issue is, there were too many good Tweets to include!

#CPChatNow opened with a joyous start as regular, Jen Conventry, announced she had recently been married:

CPChatNow regular announcing that her peak of the week was her recent marriage

Talk next turned to LEGO’s efforts at highlighting disability issues and accessibility. It is great to see more mainstream companies highlighting disability in a positive way.

Devin highlighting LEGO's latest wheelchair accessible bus

Dave pointed out that LEGO has also released a wheelchair ramp to go along with their characters who use wheelchairs. Bravo, LEGO!

Dave Smith posting about wheelchair ramp from LEGO Re: Maysoon Zayid

Finally, #CPChatNow Co-Host, Zachary Fenell, posted a question that sparked conversation. Zach asked whether people get offended if their CP prevents them from being considered to do something by others.

Zach asking if others do not get considered for things because of their CP and using the example of being a paul bearer

#CPChatNow regular, Maysoon Zayid, tweeted this has happened numerous times throughout her TV career.

Maysoon tweeting her entire UNT career

Zach shared a powerful story of his cousin allowing him to hold a baby and how that totally awakened his confidence.

Zach holding his cousin's baby that led to him turning around his confidence

This leads us to our Extend-The-Question conversation, What actions have others taken to increase your confidence with your CP? Please share your answers in the comments! Extend the conversation question What actions have others taken to increase your confidence with your CP?

Finally, don’t forget our next Google Hangout, April 20th!

Google Hangout announcement April 20th 7 PM Have a great week, #CPChatNow fam!

Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-05-2017

Posted on April 12, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Hit sitcom Speechless and aging with cerebral palsy proved popular topics during the April 5th, 2017 #CPChatNow. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here with the better late than never Twitter chat recap. Conversation turned to Speechless shortly after our usual Wednesday evening salutations.

Discussion initiated when I asked about subjects people want to see Speechless address in future episodes. Blemi spoke up, saying she wants to see an episode addressing fake friends. Another participant went further, expressing a desire to guest star on the sitcom. Not as farfetched a possibility as you might think!

Yes, actress and comedian Maysoon Zayid popped in to join our Wednesday evening chat. She wishes to guest star on Speechless, playing Maya’s disabled friend and hang/fight with the other moms. Does that sound intriguing to you?

Maysoon’s presence also brought a newcomer to #CPChatNow. He shared what he hopes to see in a future Speechless episode.

Personally, I like Dave’s idea to showcase the wide spectrum cerebral palsy offers. Your turn, though. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Is there a topic you would like to see Speechless address in its show that they have yet to address?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Eventually the night’s dialogue moved beyond Speechless. Although the first new topic remained Speechless inspired. The night’s episode delved into the ways teachers interact with their disabled students. #CPChatNow regular Hannah reacted to this.

While Hannah couldn’t relate directly to what happens in the episode, she shared a similar experience and the emotional impact said situation created. Emotions discussed soon transitioned from hurt to fear thanks to chat regular Jen.

Here the previously mentioned aging with cerebral palsy subject arose.

Answer for this week's extend-the-conversation question "Is there a topic you would like to see Speechless address in the show that they have yet to address?" Perhaps Speechless could address the aging with cerebral palsy issue. What other issues would you like to see Speechless address? Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Is there a topic you would like to see Speechless address in its show that they have yet to address?” Reply below in the “Comments” section.

Thank you for your interest in #CPChatNow. I look forward to tweeting you tonight.

Sincerely,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-29-2017

Posted on April 5, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Some cheers likely rang out in the #CPChatNow community when flipping the calendar from March to April. Just my speculation as #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell. Pretty ironic though, given March’s designation as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Still I possess reason behind my postulation.

Seemingly every week in March participants joined in seeking to escape from rough and tiring seven days. Same held true for our final March 2017 Twitter chat.

Zachary Fenell tries to reroute #CPChatNow from going down the rough, tired road another week.

As the above shows, Jen possessed good cause to feel tired. A tornado touched down in her town! Thankfully everyone she knew remained safe. Finding comfort in that fact, the Twitter chat progressed forward.

Both interim co-host Devin Axtman and myself spurred dialogue mentioning posts we found on The Mighty website. Actually his share “Why I Am Studying to Be a Physical Therapist with Cerebral Palsy” inspired my share.

You can read the piece yourself, “The Problem with Those Prom Stories About People with Disabilities.” The idea to change narratives requires addressing how the mainstream media portrays life with a disability. Those in our community pointed out multiple problems with the current status quo portrayal.

Habit to pity, inspirational undertones, and fitting us into a cookie cutter news template only marked a few pet peeves highlighted. Regular Hannah Pike spoke up, hitting upon a quite frustrating topic.

Maybe you agree with Hannah. You too growing irritated watching the media make disability appear a stand alone issue impacting children. Or, perhaps something different peeves you. Let us know! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your biggest pet peeve of how the mainstream media portrays disability?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Going back to the 29th, Hannah’s response segued to a conversation discussing aging. Regular Jocelyn playing a pivotal role in transitioning subjects, noting CP’s long-term effects on the body. A real concern despite cerebral palsy’s technical non-progressive status.

Like the above screenshot reveals, I am hoping to organize an aging with cerebral palsy focus chat for May. Make sure you stay tuned for such an announcement, along with our April focus chat announcement. The latter should arrive imminently. Not this week, but probably next week.

Distract from the building anticipation regarding our upcoming focus chats. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question.

“What is your biggest pet peeve of how the mainstream media portrays disability?”

Reply in the “Comments” section. Tweet you soon.

Sincerely,

Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap 3-22-2017

Posted on March 26, 2017 by devinaxtman

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017, saw a meandering #CPChatNow Twitter chat that moved from CP-like symptoms in dogs, to parenting with CP, to efforts to increase fitness in people with Cerebral Palsy during CP Awareness Month. I am your #CPChatNow Interim-Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be your conductor on this week’s recap.

The evening began on a goofy note as the gang discussed Cerebral Palsy-like symptoms in dogs:

The group discussing Cerebral Hypoplasia, CP in dogs

Things turned to a happy note as a #CPChatNow regular, Brooklyn, came back to chat and discuss her children enrolling in jiu jitsu:

Brooklyn discussing her kids enrollment in jitsu and benefits

The chat turned to a happy announcement as Co-Host, Zachary Fennell, announced that #CPChatNow’s apparel sales raised $170 for the Keep On Keeping On Foundation:

Zach announces #CPChatNow raised $170 for the Keep on Keeping On Foundaton

Next, talk turned to fitness and CP. Zach mentioned the #SweatForCP challenge:

Zach asking if anyone has heard about the #SweatForCP challenge and sharing an article

Finally, I brought up the 7 Minute Workout App from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Talk turned to how showcasing people with CP demonstrating their fitness routines is becoming more of a priority.

Devin bringing up the CPF 7 Minute fitness app. Zach bringing up the fact people with CP are shown doing exercises

This brings us to this week’s Extend-The-Conversation question: What are ways you have tried to increase your fitness level with CP? Please leave your responses in the comments!

Finally, please don’t forget our Google Hangout next Thursday, March 30th at 8 PM EST!

Picture of a sunset with "What are ways you try to increase your fitness level with CP?

Me announcing the Hangout and Zach Have a great week everyone!

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-15-2017

Posted on March 22, 2017 by zacharyfenell

Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 saw a well-needed #CPChatNow Twitter chat. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, here to document the chat for the history books. Or, at least recap the evening discussion for our website’s archives.

The evening began on a happy note, with some familiar faces returning following MIA status.

Unfortunately, the joyful vibes hit some turbulence. Like the above screen shot shows Jocelyn’s appearance coincided with a rough week for her. Although Jocelyn proved not the only one.

Many seemed in-midst a tough week. Hence the reason I described the chat earlier as “well-needed.” Possessing a community to confide in remains extremely beneficial.

Now my response asking about a difference between CP related fatigue and everyday fatigue sparked some chatter. Specifically, whether there actually exists a difference.

Looking to expand beyond troubles to solutions, I asked how others cheer themselves up when facing hard times.

Jocelyn’s response in-part segued the conversation to another topic, friendships. More precisely how to maintain strong friendships while the years progress on. So staying friends when living in different states and starting families. You know, those adult life related issues!

#CPChatNow regular Hannah Pike identified making time as an important task. Yasmin meanwhile spoke about trust.

How about we keep the dialogue going? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “When it comes to long-time friends, how have you successfully maintained those relationships?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Also during the night I announced our March 2017 Google Hangout date.

I hope you will join us Thursday, March 30th for our March 2017 Google Hangout. With no character limits, the video chat always provides an opportunity to delve into deeper conversations. Please contact interim co-host Devin Axtman or myself with any questions about joining.

Additionally remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

When it comes to long-time friends, how have you successfully maintained those relationships?

Reply by commenting below.

Until tonight!

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!