#CPChatNow Recap- 01-17-2024

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Participants in the live weekly X (formerly Twitter) chat #CPChatNow enjoyed an insightful conversation Wednesday, January 17th, 2024. To dive deeper into those insights, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Interestingly enough, the spark for the dialogue January 17th occurred earlier that week on Friday, January 12th when chat regular Stephen used the hashtag in a post.

Stephen asks about how you overcome cerebral palsy.

In his post Stephen asked how you overcome cerebral palsy. Veronica chimed in, saying, “I don’t like the word overcome. You have CP. It is a part of who you are.” She would go on to advise, “Realize you’d be a different person without it. Take it slow and think of something that makes you happy that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t have cerebral palsy.”

Additionally, I responded, “Like Veronica, Stephen, I don’t think of cerebral palsy as something I overcome. I see CP as something I live with.” A discussion we examined further during the chat January 17th.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how they would describe their relationship with CP.

Raising the subject matter, I asked the chat, “How would you describe your relationship with cerebral palsy? Are you overcoming your CP? Living with your CP? Adapting?”

My co-host Devin Axtman replied, “I would say living with. I don’t think anyone ever completely overcomes a disability.”

Agreeing with Devin I commented, “If anything, we have to more overcome the stigmas and stereotypes related to CP instead of CP itself.” My comment led to conversation on another topic.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss feeling comfortable in your own skin and toxic positivity.

In responding to my post about overcoming stigmas and stereotypes, Veronica noted, “It does take time to feel comfortable in your own skin.”

Devin also responded, warning against toxic positivity. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) describes toxic positivity as occurring when “encouraging statements are expected to minimize or eliminate painful emotions, creating pressure to be unrealistically optimistic without considering the circumstances of the situation.”

Specifically, Devin stated “I also think toxic positivity is not the greatest. Some things suck.” I would go on to address said “suck.”

Zachary offers his advice on how to handle the "suck" in life.

Concurring with Devin, I stated, “The phrase ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ comes to mind. You just cannot live in the suck. There needs to be a balance between being positive and recognizing what sucks about life.” Help us find that balance by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you balance being positive with recognizing what sucks about life?”

Answer below! Afterwards, set a reminder to join us on X each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.

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

-Zachary

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you balance being positive with recognizing what sucks about life?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-10-2024

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Community provides members support and such support remained on display Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 for the live cerebral palsy X chat #CPChatNow. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

The aforementioned support came into play after chat regular Stephen admitted to feeling down and asked for suggestions.

Veronica and Zachary offer Stephen suggestions to help lift Stephen's spirits.

Veronica responded, advising Stephen, “think of three things you are grateful for each day.” She would go on to add, “They don’t have to be big. Like I’m thankful I woke up this morning.”

Furthermore I recommended, “to not beat yourself up over the past.” Noting, “Unless you have a time machine, that’s a waste. Instead focus on what you could do in the present and future.” My insights ended up resonating with Veronica.

Zachary and Veronica discuss not beating yourself up over the past.

In-particular, Veronica said she brought this up in a recent #bloganuary post. Within the post Veronica answers the prompt, “What would you do different?” Make sure to read the post to see what Veronica had to say.

First though, add to our conversation here. Keeping a focus on suggestions for when you feel down, answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you cheer yourself up when you feel down?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "How do you cheer yourself up when you feel down?"

Reply in the comments below. Who knows? Your answer could help someone through a difficult time. So, please do share.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-03-2024

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2023 saw many changes for the platform formerly known as Twitter, now going by X. One constant remained though, our live cerebral palsy chat #CPChatNow. While you would not know by looking at our website, we continue to hold #CPChatNow every Wednesday at 8pm ET. Life just left my co-host Devin Axtman and I, Zachary Fenell, pre-occupied, causing us to inadvertently abandon the recaps. No more though! With the New Year comes a renewed resolve to get the weekly recaps back on track. Shall we begin?

To start 2024, our community decided to reflect back on 2023. Admittedly, a direction I guided with a question.

#CPChatNow participants answer the question, "Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?"

Specifically, I asked, “Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?” Veronica answered, saying “Fun, happy, and peaceful.” Personally, I said “active, growth, and memorable.” Devin also answered, revealing one commonality in the word choices he and I selected.

Devin describes his 2023 with the words "change, fun, and growth."

Devin described his 2023 with the words, “change, fun, and growth.” I replied, emphasizing I also said “growth.” In-particular I mentioned seeing relationships with co-workers grow into legit friendships, I myself grow into a better person, and jokingly noted I grew out my hair and wardrobe. But, how about you? Answer for the returning extend-the-conversation question, “Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?”

Engage us and answer in the comments! The whole point behind the extend-the-conversation questions remains creating opportunity for engagement. As Veronica and I would discuss Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 creating content others will engage with stands a challenge.

Zachary and Veronica discuss the challenge of getting people to engage with blog posts and other content.

The topic arose after I asked Veronica about any feedback she received to her blog post recounting her 2023. She noted receiving a few likes, which left me to comment getting a reader to click the “Like” button takes effort. Veronica would go on to tell me about a blog writing challenge WordPress has in January.

Time will tell what we discuss next in 2024! Make sure to join us each and every Wednesday on X for #CPChatNow. The fun starts at 8pm ET. In the meantime, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?” Answer below!

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

-Zachary

Answer below, "Looking back at 2023, what three words would sum up the year for you?"

#CPChatNow Recap- 3/8/23

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This past week in #CPChatNow was a lively chat as always. Members discussed disability on job applications, Youtube rabbit holes, and songs for a musical about Cerebral Palsy. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride of this week’s recap. All aboard!!

First, Heather talked about a new job she got that had been proactive about accommodations. This led to a discussion about questions about disability on job applications.

veronica asks if anyone has seen a disability disclosure on a job application. heather tweets she got a job and that her employer is the first one to be proactive about accommodations. veronica tweets she doesn't think employers can ask about disability and she would hope people don't apply for a job they can't fill. heather tweets she would hope people most people don't apply for positions they can't fill.

This led Zach to ask about disability law in Canada where Heather hails from:

zach asks about the governing law of disability in Canada. she says that Canada doesn't have a federal law, but the provinces have their own laws.

Next, talk turned to members falling down Youtube rabbit holes.

stephen asks if anyone has gone down a youtube rabbit hole. i tweet i have with old wrestling matches and zach tweet he has as well.
zach asks stephen what videos he is watching. stephen tweets he watches videos about old disney channel shows and their actors. zach mentions shows like lizzie mcguire and even stevens. stephen tweets about podcasts.

Finally, talk turned to what songs and musicians would appropriate for a musical about Cerebral Palsy.

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 03-01-2023

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Participants in the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow kicked off March with an engaging dialogue Wednesday, March 1st, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome aboard your weekly recap.

Early in the evening Stephen helped to get the conversation rolling.

Stephen mentions March is Disability Awareness Month.

Stephen mentioned March is “disabled awareness month,” referring to the United States recognizing March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. However, the festivities extend past just developmental disabilities. A point others in the discussion made.

In addition to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, March also gets recognized as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and Women's History Month.

Chris first replied to Stephen, noting March is also CP Awareness Month. Veronica confirmed this and acknowledged March is additionally Women’s History Month. The awareness did not stop there either.

Devin tweets about National Wheelchair Day

My co-host Devin Axtman tweeted about Wheelchair Day. According to amramp accessibility March 1st has the distinction as International Wheelchair Day. As amramp accessibility explains, “International Wheelchair Day is celebrated on March 1 every year to encourage wheelchair users around the world to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has had on their lives.”

Although, the idea behind International Wheelchair Day and other awareness initiatives remain respectable, once they compile up awareness fatigue can hit. As Devin stated, “There’s too many days.”

Personally, while I understand this sentiment, I countered that “If these different days mean something to someone, then that’s cool.” Continuing, I stated, “For me, my awareness efforts are year round with my blog, YouTube channel, books, and whatever else I do.”

In the spirit of continuous awareness, let us honor the intentions behind International Wheelchair Day. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How has your wheelchair had a positive impact on your life?”

Answer in the “Comments” section. First though, allow us to keep recapping our March 1st, 2023 chat.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss what makes a decision a good decision.

Besides the awareness efforts that fill up the calendar, participants enjoyed engaging dialogue about what makes a decision a “good decision.” The topic initially came to the surface earlier in the week when I shared my YouTube video, “Making Decisions with Cerebral Palsy.” In-particular the video focuses on making good decisions.

Responding to my tweet, Timmy asked, “define good decisions.” A prompt, at Timmy’s suggestion, I brought up during our chat March 1st. Devin offered his insight saying, “I think it’s highly dependent on the situation, but I think if a decision feels true to yourself and gives you room to be flexible.”

Meanwhile I defined “good decisions,” as “decisions that help you reach your desired goal(s).” Veronica provided a counterpoint, stating “But hindsight is 20/20. How do you know the direction you choose will lead you towards your goal?” Instead, Veronica advised, “Weighing pros and cons can be helpful.”

Hopefully you will weigh the pros and cons of joining our community and decide to join us each Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET. Set yourself a reminder. Also, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How has your wheelchair had a positive impact on your life?”

Answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "How has your wheelchair had a positive impact on your life?"

Answer below.

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-22-2023

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It’s #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. This week members discussed heating pads, mattresses, and what they would tell to their younger self.

First, Zach and I talked about a fantastic book we have been reading, True Biz. I highly encourage you to check it out!

zach asks how i'm liking true biz, i respond i like it and i'm halfway through, zach tweets he plans to write a review for his blog and there are some parallels to CP and the book finds a balance between being educational and entertaining.

Next, I asked if members had recommendations for heating pads.

i asked if anyone had recommendations for a heating pad, heather tweets she uses therapearl hot and cold packs on her shoulder joint and she has had botox done today

Also, Hannah asked for recommendations for mattresses.

hannah asks if anyone with CP have recommendations for a good mattress. Heather tweets the firmest one possible with softness impacting her shoulder and hip. She said she uses a Kingsdown rampart. Veronica also prefers a firm mattress and she has a firm tempurpedic.

Finally, talk turned to what members would tell their younger self about CP.

zach asks what members would tell their younger self about CP. Timmy tweets to be unapologetically you because it's your life not theirs
chris tweeted she would say it's ok to be disabled and her disabled body is normal for her and there's nothing wrong with it. she was berated for her spastic arm in the past. zach tweets we are all different in some way so normal is a myth. chris tweeted it took a lot of spending time with disabled people for her to be comfortable in her body. she notes she had to stop herself from yelling at a friend to put his arm down.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are some myths you were told about CP when you were young?

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-15-2023

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A casual night hanging with friends accurately describes the vibes emanating from the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 15th, 2023. In case you missed the chat, fear not! I, co-host Zachary Fenell, am here to provide you your weekly recap. Make yourself comfortable and let us revisit the fun.

Conversation from the previous week’s chat continued into Wednesday, February 15th.

Participants in #CPChatNow discuss gaining weight as they get older.

In-particular we continued discussing what we missed most about childhood and our teenage years. Timmy answered, “Being able to eat whatever I want without gaining weight.”

Replying to Timmy, I said, “I must be lucky,” sharing how, “I am still at a point where I don’t gain weight.” Even in my mid-30s! Nevertheless, time will tell as Veronica warned, “I didn’t have a problem with gaining weight until I hit 44.”

Like time inevitably does, our night’s chatter progressed. My co-host Devin Axtman played a big part in establishing the casual and friendly atmosphere previously mentioned by asking our community about an interest many of us share.

Devin, Zachary, and Timmy talk baseball.

Devin asked, “Is anyone excited for whatever the sport we call baseball now with the new rules is to start?” I for one voiced my disapproval for the rule changes that have happened to baseball over the last few seasons. Devin agreed with my sentiments. Regarding the upcoming rule changes to shifts, Timmy commented, “Here’s my thoughts about the shift rule. Learn how to hit.”

For any additional commentary on baseball’s new rules, I will refer you to ESPN, Sports Illustrated, or other sports focused outlets. In the meantime, let us return to the fun night with friends that was our February 15th, 2023 chat.

Devin shares an opinion piece John Loeppky wrote for CBC.

Just how you might recommend an article or book to a friend, Devin shared with our community and gave his approval for an opinion piece disabled athlete John Loeppky wrote for CBC. Devin called the piece, “a great article,” but what do you think? Read the post, “OPINION: Let us be boring: Disabled people are more than heroes or objects of your pity,” and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “What stands out most to you about John Loeppky’s CBC article?”

Read John Loeppky's CBC opinion piece and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, "What stands out most to you about John Loeppky's CBC article?"

Answer below! Afterwards, set yourself a reminder 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

#CPChatNow Recap- 2/8/2023

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This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, checking in once again for this week’s recap. Members got nostalgic this week talking about what they missed from childhood while contrasting that by discussing what they liked about adulthood. All aboard!

Members opened the week’s chat by discussing what they missed from childhood. Members talked about being carefree, being able to be carried around, and more!

zach asked what members missed most from their childhood/teenage years, i tweeted about being care free and having less responsibility, zach missed simpler times but talked about how that might be due to blissful ignorance, hannah tweeted having both of her parents and being small enough to be carried around.
alessandro answered he misses a back that doesn't hurt, zach tweeted he just turned on the heating pad for his back and his misses being able to bend down without grunting. alessandro added his misses not hearing a crack or pop.
timmy tweets about missing being able to eat whatever he wants without gaining weight

Finally, members discussed what they liked most about adulthood, namely the ability to take chances and money to go do stuff.

zach asks what members like most about adulthood and tweeted he likes not having to get permission to do things the most and used the example of becoming a marathoner, i tweeted having money to go do fun stuff

This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite memory from childhood? Please share your answers in the comments and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 02-01-2023

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The Wednesday tradition known as the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow kicked off a new month Wednesday, February 1st, 2023. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Please join me for your weekly recap.

Based off the night’s discussion, I would say those in our community are remaining active.

Veronica is remaining active physically by enjoying app centered scavenger hunts.

For Veronica, her activity proved physical. She shared she walked over three miles in Phoenix the previous weekend. Meanwhile I remained active in a different way.

Zachary shares his latest blog post, "Disability Employment and the Role YOU Play."

My activity involved staying busy with tasks. For instance, publishing my latest blog post, “Disability Employment and the Role YOU Play.” Chat co-host Devin Axtman said he liked my post, while specificly mentioning, “I found the interview section interesting.” Devin also noted, “Although it is illegal to discriminate it(‘s) often hard to prove.” A point he went on to demonstrate.

Devin shares with #CPChatNow a video which demonstrates how discrimination is hard to prove.

To demonstrate, Devin shared a YouTube video from Joey Baer titled, “What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video.” The hidden camera video includes some appalling honesty from individuals who work in recruiting and human resources. Or, at least I find their honesty appalling. Form your own opinion and watch the video for yourself.

What do you think? Let us make this the extend-the-conversation question for the week. Go ahead and answer in the comments, “What did you think of Joey Baer’s ‘What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video’?”

Keeping the recap moving along, additionally our community stayed active by looking to the future.

#CPChatNow participants discuss ideas for new promotional graphics.

Glancing ahead, I asked who would be interested in having their photos included in new #CPChatNow promotional graphics. Material which would appear on our Facebook page banner and our website here. Timmy offered a great suggestion, saying “What really (would) be cool is if we use pictures of us doing what we love to do as a way to break preconceived ideas about cerebral palsy.” Stay tuned for more on that.

In the meantime, set yourself a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Additionally remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “What did you think of Joey Baer’s ‘What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video’?”

Answer for the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What did you think of Joey Baer's 'What would you do? Discriminate Against Deaf Video'?"

Respond below!

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

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 01-25-2023

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Every Wednesday people gather on Twitter to participate in the cerebral palsy (CP) Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Afterwards, my co-host Devin Axtman or I, Zachary Fenell, collect highlights to provide you a weekly recap. Below you will find the recap for the Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 chat. Welcome!

Our chat January 25th, 2023 started on an upbeat note.

Stephen starts the chat on an upbeat note by sharing exciting news.

Stephen, an enthusiastic member in our community, shared he will soon switch his days at the Exceptional Foundation. The change has Stephen excited. Exciting news always remains better when you have someone to share the news with. Or, in our case, a community to share the news with.

On a larger community scale, conversation turned to different issues the overall disability community faces.

Devin asks #CPChatNow about any difficulty they have faced flying with a disability.

One such issue includes air travel. Devin brought up the topic by retweeting Emily Ladau‘s tweet featuring a story VICE News did. Checkout the piece for yourself.

Within Devin’s retweet, he asked if anyone has had difficulty with air travel. Replying to his own question, Devin recalled, “Once my tire got stuck in an airport door and separated from the wheelchair rim. Luckily some passengers helped.” Meanwhile I expressed how connecting flights make me nervous because I worry about missing the connection.

Another topic discussed January 25th, 2023 I raised.

Devin and Zachary discuss accommodations they received in school for fire drills.

Thinking back to my school days, I asked the chat if anyone received advanced notice before a fire drill. Devin answered, “I did, but always wondered how practical it was.” Adding, “In a real one I wouldn’t.” Sentiments I responded to with a resounding, “Exactly!”

Although, I went on to note my IEP team worked to minimize needing to use the stairs during an emergency by keeping my classes on the first floor whenever possible. What about you? Answer for today’s extend-the-conversation question, “In school how did your IEP team plan for potential emergencies, like a fire?” Tell us in the comments!

Afterwards, set yourself a reminder 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

Answerer for the extend-the-conversation question, "In school how did your IEP team plan for potential emergencies, like a fire?"

Answer below!