#CPChatNow Recap- 5-9-2018

Posted on May 15, 2018 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was jumping as always. Members talked about being ambidextrous, learning to fall, and rebelling against CP. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.

Zach and Grace talked about being ambidextrous and whether that translated to falling to one side or the other:

Zach and Grace talking about whether being ambidextrous translated to falling more on one side. Grace tweeted she is, but tends to fall on her right side

Members then talked about learning to fall. Stacey expressed surprise that was a thing, but many members such as Zach and Hannah tweeted about learning to fall:

Zach and Stacey tweeted about learning to fall. Stacey said she had never learned to fall, but she falls on her stronger side.

Zach and Hannah tweeted about different techniques regarding learning to fall in PT:

Zach tweets about learning to fall on his dominant side. Hannah tweets she learned ways to catch herself. Zach tweeted he went to private PT

Zach, Hannah, and I tweeted about having private PT and our parents sweating over payment details:

Zach, Hannah, and I tweet about having private PT when younger and not thinking about the payment details

Next, talk turned to an interesting question Zach had. He asked members about the first time they could remember rebelling against their CP.

Zach asked about the first time members rebelled against their CP. Zach tweets about not leaving classes. Jen tweeted about grabbing things with her claw rather than asking for help

Hannah tweeted about moving to Nashville and Zach tweeted about his parents being unsure about him competing in his first marathon:

Hannah tweets about rebelling by moving to Nashville. Zach tweets about doing the marathon and reassuring his parents

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question. Zach had all of the good questions this week, so I will ask his question again for those who couldn’t participate on Twitter: “What was the first decision you made to rebel against people’s concerns over your CP?” Share you answers and the results in the comments

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-18-2018

Posted on April 24, 2018 by zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow’s communal atmosphere remained on full display Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 during the weekly Twitter chat. Familiar faces returning after lengthy absences helped to establish the night’s tone. Here to tell you all about the evening, I am co-host Zachary Fenell.

Those aforementioned familiar faces referenced included long-time participant Hannah Pike and always busy co-host Jorge Oteiza. Other participants warmly greeted the two.

Co-host Devin utilized a wrestling GIF to welcome Hannah and Jorge. Such a GIF demonstrates another aspect to our friendly community. Perhaps an element to discuss in a future recap! For now, let us catch up with Hannah and Jorge.

Some serious health issues kept Hannah away from #CPChatNow. Issues she recently detailed while blogging.

Despite personally already knowing Hannah’s situation, reading her blog post still made me shudder. The seriousness that comes along brain surgery proving undeniable. Take a look and read yourself, “The Setbacks Leading to the Comeback.”

Thankfully the reasoning behind Jorge’s absence involves a lot less dire circumstances. College and work continues to keep him pre-occupied. As Jorge explained, an earlier shift allowed him to make the week’s chat.

Just like Hannah, participants excitedly met Jorge. Specifically, Shira Sadiky recounted how Jorge helped her feel comfortable when she first joined #CPChatNow a couple years ago. Comfort definitely stands important towards building a strong community.

What other characteristics do you also find valuable in a community? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What characteristics make for a strong community?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Maintaining the communal theme, remember #CPChatNow’s forthcoming April 2018 Google Hangout.

The monthly Hangout allows our community to chat using a more open platform. No character limits! Plus video chatting adds communication factors like tone of voice and facial expressions, enhancing the dialogue! Due to privacy reasons, the link to the Hangout does not go out publicly. Perchance you want to join us, message the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page to let us know.

Before visiting our Facebook page though, answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question! “What characteristics make for a strong community?” Answer by commenting below! I eagerly await seeing your replies.

Until next time,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 2-21-2018

Posted on February 27, 2018 by devinaxtman

Last Wednesday was a bustling week in #CPChatNow as always. Members discussed Drunk History portraying the fight for disability rights and a discussion on members’ number one life priorities. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for this week’s recap.

First, we are very excited to announce #CPChatNow’s 2nd t-shirt sale benefiting the Keep On Keeping On Foundation. Get your #CPChatNow Community Established December 2013 shirt now!

Tweet announcing #CPChatNow's t shirt sale

Next, Rachel and I talked about Drunk History portraying the fight by the disability community to get the Rehabilitation Act 504 standards codified into law. Past #CPChatNow participant, Ajani “AJ” Murray, was an actor in the video! (Warning: the link contains adult language)

Rachel and I discussing our mutual love for Drunk History's segment on the section 504 regulations

Next, members talked about their number one priority with Zach, myself, and Heather chiming in:

Zach asks about member's number 1 priorities. He said his is taking care of himself physically, I said being happy, and Heather mentioned dreading going to work after a few days out and wondering what her coworkers will think. Zach asks Heather about she handles this

Heather and Zach both tweeted about how the only thing that should matter for a boss is job performance:

Heather tweeted about how she normally only worries about what she can control. Zach tweeted that the only thing that should matter from a boss is opinions on job performance

Finally, Shira and Zach discussed Shira’s number 1 priority, survival:

Shira responded her number one priority is survival. Zach asked a follow up question about what makes it easiest for her to survive

Shira tweeted that she survives by leaning on her support system. Zach agreed this is critical.

Shira tweeted that leaning on others and dreams and determination helps. Zach and Shira agreed that

This brings us to our extend-the-conversation question. I will add to Zach’s great question: What is your number 1 priority in life and how does CP factor into your priority (if at all)?

Be sure to join us every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow

Tweet you later!

-Devin

A white background with Extend-The-Conversation in black and What is your number 1 priority in life and how does CP factor into your priority (if at all)? on the bottom. The multicolored #CPChatNow logo is in the bottom lefthand corner. There is a pointer finger with a red ball with a #1 in white

#CPChatNow Recap- 12/20/2017

Posted on December 26, 2017 by devinaxtman

The week before Christmas was an eventful week as always in #CPChatNow. Members talked about returning to their former clinic, the character of Tiny Tim, their grandparents, and more. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.

The chat started with #CPChatNow Co-Host, Jorge, checking in from a vacation with his family:

Blake checking from a vacation with his family. His tweet includes a picture of a beach at sunset

Zach also talked about recently seeing A Christmas Carol and being disappointed with the Tiny Tim character:

Zach lamenting that Tiny Tim in a Christmas Carol is just a plot device and a turning point for Scrooge

Wum Gin talked about going back to her old clinic and memories of her gait analysis. We shared memories of the pain from the markers for the gait analysis being removed from our legs:

Wum Gin discussing returning to her original clinic. We discussed memories of our gait analysis and the pain the removal of the markers caused

With the holidays, talk turned to family, and specifically grandparents. Blemi started the conversation by talking about her 95-year-old grandfather who has been a huge influence in her life and how he met her grandmother in a World War II internment camp:

Blemi discussing her grandfather's active lifestyle and her grandparents meeting in the internment camp

Finally, Zach also discussed a memorable moment where he scooped ice cream for his grandparents. Zach shared his ability to perform tasks is often overlooked:

Zach talking about a cherished moment when he scooped ice cream for his grandparents and he discussed how he is often overlooked when family asked for help

This brings us to our extend-the-conversation question: What do you wish others knew about your strengths while living with CP?

Tweet you later!

-Devin An orange background with white text. The top has Extend-The-Conversation Question. Strength is in the middle in all caps. What do you wish others knew about your strengths while living with CP? is in white on the bottom with the #CPChatNow logo in white on the bottom

#CPChatNow Recap- Reflecting Back and Looking Forward Focus Chat

Posted on December 13, 2017 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was especially lively as we celebrated #CPChatNow’s 4th birthday! We decided to do a focus chat with various questions focusing on changes in member’s lives, questions about #CPChatNow, and a discussion about #CPChatNow’s future. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this special recap.

The first question focused on what has changed in members’ lives in the last four years. Members shared many things, but it was interesting that many members had common changes:

Zach asking what has changed over the past 4 years. I answered with some changes including a master's degree, girlfriend

Blemi discussing a new job and boyfriend when talking about changes. Seth discussing cruises and burying his grandpa

The next question was about how members had heard about #CPChatNow. Members shared various things such as discovering it on their timeline to seeing CP celebrities like John Quinn tweet about it:

Hannah tweeting that #CPChatNow showed up on her timeline

Me stating that I stumbled on #CPChatNow in a search, but I saw John Quinn tweet it

Zach also shared the story of the creation of #CPChatNow. A collaboration between John Quinn and @HandicapThis.

Zach sharing story of #CPChatNow's creation

The next question related to specific questions or conversations that have stuck out to members. Hannah shared the long running #CPChatNow joke of the story when someone asked if her CP was caused by getting ran over by a train:

Hannah tweeting the train conversation is her favorite #CPChatNow conversation

Jen tweeted about the focus chat with @The_CP_Swagger and Hunter Gandee who has made national news by carrying his brother with CP on his back to raise awareness:

Jen tweeting her favorite chat was with CP Swagger

Zach chimed in with the exercise chat led by Erin while I said the dating or accessible gaming ones:

Zach and Devin discussing their favorite conversations

Members also mentioned liking that the conversations in #CPChatNow tend to happen organically and do not feel forced:

Members discussing the joy that CPChatNow conversations tend to happen organically

Finally, the last question in the Focus Chat was regarding who members would like to see be a guest on a future focus chat. Members were consistent in requesting Micah Fowler of Speechless fame.

Jen tweeting that she would like to see Micah Fowler on a future chat

Now this brings us to our next Extend-The-Conversation question and I will use #CPChatNow’s fourth birthday as inspiration. What has changed for you in the past four years and what would you like to see in the next four?

This week's extend-the-conversation questions asks "What has changed for you in the past four years and what would you like to see in the next four?"

Answer in the “Comments” section.

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-22-2017

Posted on November 27, 2017 by devinaxtman

The chat before Thanksgiving was very eventful as members talked about moving their impacted side(s), difficulty with insurance companies, inaccessible houses during the holidays, and more. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, and I will be taking you along for this week’s recap.

We begin this week’s recap with Rachel and I discussing having to purposely focus more on moving our impacted side(s):

Rachel and I discussion about movement on our impacted side

Next, Chris and Zach discussed the difficulties of dealing with insurance companies and the added frustration that comes with knowing the proposed treatment would save money in the long run:

Chris discussing frustration with getting her asthma treatments covered

Finally, much of the talk in the chat was surrounding member’s holiday plans. Talk soon turned to accessibility issues members had while visiting family and strategies they had to deal with them:

Paul and Zach also discussed family member’s houses with stairs and sliding on their butts to go down them:

Paul and Zach discussing sliding down the stairs on their butts

This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are some out of the box solutions you have used in inaccessible situations? Please share your answers in the comments and join us every Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.

The extend-the-conversation question with a picture of a box with a green arrow in the center

-Tweet you later

Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-8-2017

Posted on November 15, 2017 by devinaxtman

This past week’s #CPChatNow Twitter chat was eventful as always. Members discussed fixing accessibility problems at work, the helpfulness of blogging, and the independence that something like a parking tag can bring.

A continual theme on #CPChatNow has been working with employers on addressing accessibility related issues. Zach relayed a story of working with his employer to address a folding mat over a carpet:

Zach relaying a story of working with his employer to correct a folding carpet mat

Next, Lindsey and Zach discussed the importance of blogging in their lives. Lindsey and Zach discussed how blogging is a way to express their thoughts to the world:

Lindsey and Zach discussed how blogging is a way to express their thoughts to the world

Zach and Lindsey also discussed the difficulty of caring what others think:

Zach and Lindsey discussing the difficulty of getting over caring what others think

Next, talked turned to the mixed feelings that using an aid such as a wheelchair, cane, or accessible parking placard can bring:

Zach, Lindsey, and Devin talking about the mixed feelings that come with using an aid that increases independence

Zach and Veronica discussed the assistance that having an accessible parking placard can provide when navigating the giant falling hazards that are known as parking lots:

Zach and Veronica discussing the aid that an accessible parking placard can be when navigating parking lots and the benefits of living in Arizona

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question: What tools related to your CP give you mixed feelings?

Please share your answer in the comments!

Tweet you later