Tag Archives: Disability

#CPChatNow Recap- 11/2/2022

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This past week in #CPChatNow was bouncing as always. Members discussed books they are reading, funny conversations related to disability, and Halloween. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

Zach had a book recommendation for #CPChatNow, True Biz, by Sara Novic.

zach asks if anyone has read True Biz by Sara Novic. he tweets it's about a school for deaf and differences in the hearing/deaf worlds. he's reading for a book discussion and enjoying it. chris tweets she has been reading about education in East Africa as part of her job.

Next, I shared a conversation I had on the train with a familiar theme for disabled people, people being amazed that disabled people have jobs and live regular lives.

i tweeted about a conversation on the train where a lady asked me if i worked and i explained my job and the person responded '"Good for you!"

Stephen asked what members did for Halloween.

stepehn asks how everyone's halloween was. i tweeted my wife is tired because is a teacher. zach tweets his was uneventful and stephen watched the curse of bridge hollow

Finally, Zach and I talked about what we are most excited for and most dreading in November.

zach asks what member's least and favorite parts of November are. i tweet Thanksgiving and my birthday and getting colder in my least favorite part. zach tweets Thanksgiving and family and snowstorms is his least favorite part

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What were your Halloween traditions growing up?

Please share your Halloween traditions in the comments and join us at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow! Thanks for reading!

-Devin

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#CPChatNow Recap- 12/29/2021

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The last #CPChatNow of 2021 had members looking back on their highs and lows of the year and what they had learned along with looking forward to 2022. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, members discussed their highs and lows from 2021:

zach asks about highs and lows, i tweet getting married and low of the cubs season, zach tweeted his high is progressing on his book and getting promoted at work, low is not getting video work done to work on book, blemi tweeted her high is getting engaged and her low is having to leave work

Next, members discussed what they had learned during the year.

zach asks about life lessons from 2021, chris tweets don't ignore what you think are little or insignificant health issues
zach tweets his life lesson is to focus on the present and that he injured his groin because he was not focused on the present. i tweeted that he stole mine and that sometimes things are worth waiting for.

Finally, members discussed their goals for 2022.

zach asks about goals for 2022, i tweeted to stretch more regularly, he tweeted simple goals can have great results and the cold weather has had him needing to stretch, blemi tweeted continuing to get her health back in order.
stephen tweeted to get a girlfriend, zach tweeted getting a signficant other is hard because things are out of your control and it's better to be single than in a bad relationship, chris tweeted to finish her master's degree.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your goals for 2022? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 4/28/2021

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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.

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!

extend-the-conversation question graphic, orange, blue, and green #CPChatNow logo in upper right hand corner, what is your favorite book you have ever read? above a picture of vintage books stacked, #CPCHATNOW in white text with a green background on the border

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 8/26/2020

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This past week in #CPChatNow was intriguing as always. Members discussed recent accomplishments and life events and their reason for joining Twitter. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

I would like to first highlight some cool things going on in member’s lives. Chris has developed a survey attempting to measure what people think students should learn about disability. Please help her out by taking the survey!

chris developed a survey for her masters project about what students should know about disability

Next, Zach shared his progress in the Race Across Ohio. He has walked 43 miles in 18 days towards his 60 mile goal.

zach tweets he has walked 43.75 miles in 18 days towards his 60 mile goal in the race across ohio canton to cleveland event

Finally, Zach asked what prompted members to join Twitter. Members shared various reasons, but they all centered around community.

zach asks why members joined twitter tweeting he joined because a client required he had social media accounts to use for promotion, but he has stayed because of community. chris tweeted she was doing disability stuff
shira tweeted she joined twitter because of #cpchatnow. tonia joined because of the dancers from so you think you can dance having accounts and she wanted to keep up with them

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is the main reason you use social media? Please share your answers in the comments.

the extend-the-conversation question graphic. What is the main reason you use social media? There is a graphic of a hand holding a smart phone with a hashtag

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

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 6/19/2019

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This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members talked about various topics like having multiple disabilities, horror movies and CP, and their personal analogy for the CP community. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, two long time members of the #CPChatNow community finally met each other in-person with Hannah Pike and my other co-host, Zachary Fenell, meeting:

Pictures of zach and hannah. zach and hannah are holding a homemade #cpchatnow poster, zach is sitting with hannah's dog levi, and there is a picture of Hannah's #cpchatnow sign

Shira asked if having CP made you more likely to have multiple disabilities:

Shira asked if having CP made you more likely to have multiple disabilities:

Members chimed in that they had multiple diagnoses with CP and that other symptoms from CP might lead to a diagnosis:

Heather reports she has multiple diagnoses. I point out symptoms from CP can cause other issues

Next, members talked about the impacts from CP and their startle reflex on watching horror movies:

zach asked if startle reflex impacted horror movies. Hannah tweeted about liking Devil's knot and needing to watch a quiet place, grace lapointe said her startle reflex impacts her, but she loved get out. Blemi tweeted they are not her type of movie.
members continue to talk about issues with horror movies and startle reflex. members also talked cellphones

Finally, Zach asked if members had an analogy for the Cerebral Palsy community:

zach asks what analogy people would use for the cerebral palsy communtiy
zach says the CP community is like a music festival- there is a common bond in attendance (CP), but everyone has different experiences (seeing different bands)

Seth chimed in with his own analogy borrowing from a Lady Gaga song:

seth opines the cp community is closest to the LGBTQ community- born this way

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What analogy would you use for the CP community? Please share your answers in the comments!

Join us every Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.

Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 9-20-2017

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Last week was an eventful week in #CPChatNow as always!  Members discussed searching for their medical records, the return of the TV show Speechless, their high school accommodations, and the importance of self-advocacy.  This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.  Buckle up!

The chat started out on a light note as Mindy discussed the difficulty of finding medical records and Blemi shared in the frustration:

Mindy expressed frustration she can't find her medical records. Blemi stated she found her's with a chocolate stain

Next, the chat turned to #CPChatNow’s favorite TV show, Speechless! Speechless returns Wednesday at 8:30 Eastern! Zach shared a fantastic article covering the show and we discussed the director of Speechless saying a goal was to lose the shackles of the “dreaded disability factor”:

Zach and Devin discussing the return of speechless and the director's thoughts

Talk then turned to high school accommodations and how much members were involved in their own accommodations. Blemi mentioned that her small town in Canada just did the bare minimum:

Blemi and Zach discussing high school accommodations in Canada. Blemi said there is no national standard and her small town did the bare minimum

Blemi reported that her school just exempted her from PE and allowed her to simply write papers.  Simply excusing something rather than accommodating for disability is definitely not the best response:

Blemi reported she wrote papers instead of doing PE

Christine and Zach discussed their evolution from being mad at being included in IEP meetings to taking self-advocacy as a point of pride:

Christine and Zach discussing their evolution from being shy to feeling prideful regarding their disability

Omens also discussed the occasional difficulties of self-advocacy, but rejoiced in the good moments when you find an ally that helps you like their stat teacher:

Omens discusses difficulties with self-advocacy and her stat teacher being her ally

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What memorable stories do you have surrounding CP and self-advocacy?  Please share your answer in the comments!

Tweet you later!

Devin An oranage cat in the lower left hand corner with a shadow of a lion. There is white text saying Extend-The-Convrsation and What memorable stories do you have surrounding CP?

#CPChatNow Recap- 8-23-17

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#CPChatNow was bustling as always this past week as members discussed moving, marathon training, and perceptions of disability.  This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s ride.

The chat included some members sharing some exciting news in the disability world.  I shared a cool story from Canada about a woman with CP repelling down a skyscraper to raise money for charity:

Next, Dave shared some news about an exoskeleton helping people with CP with movement.  Technology continues to offer exciting advancements for people with disabilities!

Dave tweeting about a freaking amazing exoskeleton. He shares that working out power will be a gamechanger

Jen shared this was the last #CPChatNow in the house she grew up in and her feelings surrounding the move.

Jen discussing her upcoming move and the bittersweet feelings surrounding it

Next Zach talked about how his October 8th marathon was drawing closer and the organizers have agreed to allow him to have an early start as an accommodation for his CP:

Zach discussing his October 8th marathon and the 31 training days to go. He states he has 31 training days left

Finally, talk turned to the perception of disability in society.  This was started by Zach as he stated that he did not like to take off his shoes during gym class because people would ask him about his DAFOs.  Elizabeth jumped in to the discussion with a question that spurred more discussion about the perception of disability in society largely being something that is to be ashamed of.

A discussion of gym class, DAFOs, adulthood, and disability perceptions in society

For our Extend-The-Conversation question this week, I will use the theme of changing perceptions in the transition to adulthood.  What personal perceptions about disability have changed as you entered adulthood?

Tweet you later!

Devin

A sunset with a desert formation on the horizon. The Extend-The-Conversation Question of What Personal Perceptions of Disability Have Changed As You Entered Adulthood? A white #CPChatNow logo on the bottom

#CPChatNow Recap- 5-10-2017

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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 3-22-2017

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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- 3-8-2017

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This week on #CPChatNow there were a variety of topics talked about as always.  The topics ranged from our co-host’s time in Spain on his study abroad trip to the difficulty of finding shoes.  This is your interim co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.  All aboard!

Unfortunately, our other co-host, Zach Fenell, missed his first chat since September of 2014 due to a power outage.

Zach Fennell describing how he missed this chat due to a power outage

I also shared our regular co-host, Blake’s, blog from his study abroad trip in Spain.  The blog is worth checking out for the attempt at the wheelchair ramp alone!

Devin talking about Blake's blog on the ridiculous wheelchair ramp. Hannah saying it reminds her of escalators.

Next we talked about the common misperception people have that disability is something that needs to be fixed.  Hannah and Blemi agreed that the person with a disability has a right to decide whether they want to be fixed or not.

Hannah and Blemi talking about the misconception disability needs to be fixed

Hannah and I talked about ignorant comments others had made towards us including at a concert and when somebody blessed my legs.

Hannah talking about someone asking if she can stand at a concert. I responded with how somebody blessed my legs.

Finally, many chimed in with a common problem people with CP face, finding stylish shoes.

Discussion about difficulty of finding stylish shoes between Hannah, Devin, and Blemi.

What are some everyday things you find that are difficult to find because of your CP?This brings us to our extend-the-conversation question: What are some everyday things that are difficult to find because of your CP? Please share your responses in the comments.

Please join us next Wednesday for more #CPChatNow fun!