This past week in #CPChatNow was bustling as always. Members discussed their upcoming book signing, startle reflex from fireworks, and difficulties of getting employers to accept accommodations. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, Zach talked about an upcoming book signing for his awesome book, Slow and Cerebral.
Next, members talked about Involuntary Startle Reflex Day, the 4th of July, and their plans for the fireworks.
Finally, members talked about the difficulty of getting employers to recognize and accept accommodations:
This brings to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: How do you best advocate for yourself?
Thanks for reading and please join us on Twitter at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern.
Each Wednesday participants in the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gather to enjoy dialogue and community. Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 proved no different. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. All aboard for your weekly recap!
Personally, my co-host Devin Axtman helped to kick the night off on a positive note for me.
The positivity generated from Devin giving me feedback on my new book Slow and Cerebral. Specifically, Devin commented, “It’s such a good read!” Intrigued by the discussion, Stephen wanted to know where you can get a copy. Slow and Cerebral is available on Amazon in the United States, as well as internationally in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. I mention those countries because our community includes participants living there.
Slow and Cerebral is a memoir about accomplishing the “unreasonable.” For me, that meant not letting my cerebral palsy stop me from becoming a marathoner. An accomplishment only made possible by facing challenges. Fittingly, as the chat continued, we discussed challenges.
Initiating the challenges discussion, I asked participants, “What do you find most challenging about having cerebral palsy (or whatever disability you have)? How do you handle this challenge?” Answers varied. For instance, Chris mentioned as a CP based challenge, how much her spasticity varies day to day. To handle this Chris stretches, uses heat, trigger point release, and massages her sore spots.
Meanwhile AcquiDis replied, “Living with and doing well with a medically acquired disability.” AcquiDis continued, noting doing well with a medically acquired disability, “is a contradiction to that which is expected for this condition throughout history.” Adding, “It (cerebral palsy) is often ‘feared’ and misunderstood because of its difference.”
AcquiDis’s sentiments resonated with me. I suggested that fears and misunderstandings about cerebral palsy are based off misconceptions and stereotypes. What do you think? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you think causes people to be fearful and misunderstanding of disabilities?”
Answer in the “Comments.”
To let us end on a positive note, also add “How could we help dispel the fear and misunderstanding surrounding disability?” Leave your ideas in the “Comments.”
Afterwards, mark your calendar for #CPChatNow. Our Twitter chat happens every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.
The first week of May in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed about honoring their family, Zach’s new book, shoes and CP, and exercises and CP. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. Hop on the recap train, all aboard!
First, I want to recognize and honor Hannah’s dad’s memory. Hannah is a valued member of #CPChatNow and one of the toughest people I know. We love you Hannah!
Next, I would love to promote Zach’s book on his journey to becoming a marathoner with CP, Slow and Cerebral. You can find it here.
Next, Stephen asked about a common annoyance for people with CP, shoes. Stephen asked people how many shoes they go through in a given year. Alessandro also shared his Air Jordan collection.
Finally, members discussed another common topic with CP, CP friendly exercises. Veronica also shared a tremendous link with some resources.
This brings us to the week’s Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite exercise to help your CP?
Thanks for joining us on this week’s recap and join us tomorrow and every Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.
Accomplishment remained a key theme during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 27th, 2022. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Come and join me for your weekly recap.
The accomplishment theme began with members in our community helping me celebrate an achievement.
My achievement I teased in the chat’s opening minutes, saying “I’ve had an exciting week.” Although, Blemi and Veronica had already seen the news. They both sent congratulatory messages my way. For those who had not seen my news, I quickly shared the reason for my excitement.
Prior to April 27th I announced through my social media outlets that I had released my new memoir, Slow and Cerebral. The book details how I did not let my CP stop me from becoming a marathoner. Thanks to Amazon, Slow and Cerebral is available in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.
Thank you for tolerating my cheap plug. Now let me resume recapping the April 27th chat. Stephen kept the conversation focused on accomplishments by asking a question.
Specifically, Stephen asked, “Do you think that when you have something that able people have that is a big accomplishment?” I answered, offering my opinion on accomplishments. In my opinion, “Big accomplishments should be measured in context with the person achieving them, not in comparison to who else has accomplished the same thing.”
Additionally, my co-host Devin Axtman responded to Stephen’s question. Devin said, “Depends on what it is.” Chris would share similar sentiments.
As Chris noted, “There are things that are universally big accomplishments.” She continued, correlating how feats achieved by people with disabilities get praised as “inspiring.” Nonetheless, Chris specified “But getting up and going to work or having a relationship… Those things are not inspiring, because they are expected.”
Said discussion progressed to highlight how setting goals to coincide with societal expectations could end up damaging. Let us stay positive though, and keep the conversation going by answering for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?”
Answer in the “Comments.”
After answering, make sure to mark your calendar for #CPChatNow each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
#CPChatNow 