This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always, but this week brought new members. Members discussed the Moro Reflex and media representation of CP. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap!
First, members discussed a dreaded part of CP for some people, an exaggerated startle reflex.
Karen tweeted about the name for the reflex, the Moro reflex.
Next, talk turned to different representations of CP in the media. Members discussed the Netflix documentary Crip Camp and various issues of representation in the documentary.
Talk also turned to the sadly canceled ABC show, Speechless, and issues related to representation. Members had varying opinions on whether they could relate to JJ.
Karen connected the lack of a ramp in the season 2 finale of Speechless with the abelism highlighted in Crip Camp.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Have you ever been denied recognition due to physical inaccessibility?
Thanks for reading this week’s recap and join us at 8 Eastern each Wednesday on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
This past week in #CPChatNow was buzzing as always. Members talked about a recent Micah Fowler interview, a computer mouse versus a track pad, coffee mugs, and also a peanut butter debate. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, Speechless continues to be a popular topic during the chats. Forbes had a recent interview with Micah Fowler that is definitely worth checking out. The interview sparked discussion during the chat about how Speechless handled family and disability.
Next, debate turned to whether members prefer a trackpad or a mouse with opinions mixed between a trackpad and a mouse.
Also, #CPChatNow weighed in on the age old debate, smooth or crunchy peanut butter.
Next, Zach asked members how they handle their coffee mug. Blemi and Shira responded they handle both the handle and the mug.
Zach shared he uses travel mugs because they do not get hot and they have lids to prevent spills.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What common items not designed specifically for accessibility do you use to meet your access needs?
Thanks for reading this week’s recap! Join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.
Participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow proved anything but speechless Wednesday, May 15th, 2019. I am #CPChatNow co-host Zachary Fenell here to recap our community’s response to Speechless‘ cancellation. The subject remained the conversation’s main concentration throughout the night.
Devin’s had asked, “What is your favorite memory of Speechless?” Seth recalled the moment JJ met Lee, the character played by guest star Zach Anner. I praised that episode “R-U-N– RUNAWAY,” saying “that episode did wonders to show the importance of role models.” Personally though, my favorite Speechless memory differed.
My favorite Speechless memory goes back to season one and the show calling out the “inspirational porn” perspective. I remembered thinking “They are going for it. Awesome!”
Meanwhile Ajani, a past guest star on the show, said his favorite memory dealt around the episode Ray tried playing basketball to win a girl. Ajani found the pain Ray went through to impress the girl believable. The more everyone talked favorite memories, the more additional memories surfaced.
Seeing Ajani’s name made me think back to the episode he guest starred in, the season two finale “N-O– NOMINEE.” Specifically I loved the sequence involving getting JJ onstage to accept his award. Ajani commented he found that whole scene “like a page out of my life!” He proceeded to share details.
Over the years Ajani found himself attending events at inaccessible venues. To get in Ajani relied on different people to lift him up steps. His story gave me flashbacks to a tale I heard my fellow #CPChatNow co-founders Handicap This! share before. Mike and Tim’s story entailed a multi-floor movie theater and perhaps the quickest elevator ever repaired!
Based off the abovementioned dialogue one can positively say Speechless created empathetic television. This fact raises the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Share a Speechless scene you related to.” Do so via a comment in the “Comments” section.
Given Speechless‘ empathetic nature, there stands no surprise fans continue to actively try and save Speechless.
One effort to save Speechless involves a change.org petition. If interested, you can sign here. Although ABC already passed on renewing Speechless, Ajani hopes the network will at least continue the series at their sister station, Freeform. Seth liked the idea, saying he wants to see a series about JJ in college on Freeform.
Regardless whether the attempts to resurrect Speechless works, a question sticks out to me.
Curious I asked #CPChatNow if the efforts to revive Speechless go for not, would they consider the show’s run successful? Mainly I am thinking television’s future. Will Speechless influence other networks to feature shows with a prominent character who has a disability or will networks use Speechless‘ ratings as an excuse to dismiss similar shows? Nobody possessed a crystal ball to know for certain. However, participants did claim Speechless as a success.
Ajani deemed the show successful, citing how Speechless wound up garnering a global reach. Paul absolutely considered the show a success, noting how “it was the first of it’s kind.” You might say Speechless holds status in television as a true pioneer! At the least, I said that!
Let us keep the Speechless conversation going at minimum one more week. Remember to answer the extend-the-conversation question, “Share a Speechless scene you related to.” Leave your answers in the comments below!
Then come by Twitter every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET to enjoy the live chat. Follow along with the hashtag “#CPChatNow.” Until then, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!
This past week in #CPChatNow was stimulating as always as members discussed Speechless, kind deeds by friends, and the continued passage of time. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, I would like to highlight Co-Host, Zachary Fenell’s participation in the Cleveland UCP’s Race to Empower. In a cool note, he completed it with his childhood Physical Therapist.
Next, Zach asked members about a time a friend did something nice. Raisa chimed in about a friend helping her at a pub:
Next, we talked about the passage of time and how long people have spent at jobs:
Finally, members talked about the season finale of Speechless:
Unfortunately, Friday brought news Speechless was canceled, but I did get a like on my tweet from Minnie Driver:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite memory of Speechless?
Thanks for reading! Please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern at #CPChatNow on Twitter.
*SPORTS ANCHOR VOICE* “IT’S TIME FOR YOUR WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST WEEK IN #CPCHATNOW! I’M DEVIN AXTMAN, the #CPChatNow Co-Host, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. PLAY BALL!
First, our other #CPChatNow Co-Host, Zachary Fenell offered a preview of his next video, If Bob Ross had Cerebral Palsy:
Next, Zach and I discussed the opening day for baseball season and whether our disability impacts our plans at the ballpark:
Continuing down the lineup of chat highlights, talk turned to the sitcom Speechless and member’s thoughts on season 3. Zach and Seth offered their thoughts on a recent episode while I shared one of my recent favorites.
Zach and I then shared our thoughts on recent direction of the show and what characters we enjoyed watching:
Next, Paul and Zach brought up the fact that JJ is unable to speak on the show while the actor, Micah Fowler, can speak fine.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question: What improvements would you like in a Speechless season 4?
*SPORTS ANCHOR VOICE* “THANKS FOR WATCHING! PLEASE JOIN US EACH WEDNESDAY AT 8 EASTERN AT #CPChatNow on Twitter! THIS IS DEVIN AXTMAN SIGNING OFF!
Your weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow started out on a despondent note Wednesday, October 24th, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to tell you more, the best way I know how. Recap time!
Long-time regular Jen noticed I seemed a bit down at the chat’s beginning. I admitted to enduring a long day, although not necessarily a bad one. However, my spirits remained dampened by news WWE superstar Roman Reigns announced two days earlier. He revealed his ongoing battle against leukemia. I lost an aunt to leukemia and thus I am familiar with the difficult challenges the cancer presents.
Launching off the discussion between Jen and myself, I asked a question.
I asked participants if a certain celebrity death or health scare had a deep impact on them. Seth mentioned Robin Williams. Meanwhile my co-host Devin said Prince’s death hit him hard because Devin grew up listening to Prince.
To keep the conversation going while also transitioning to a more upbeat mood, allow me to ask as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you turn bad news into a positive?” Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.
Spirits uplifted during the Twitter chat October 24th when members began discussing the most recent Speechless episode “I-N– INTO THE W-O– WOODS.”
Devin loved the episode so much, he called “I-N– INTO THE W-O– WOODS” “my favorite episode in a long time. Maybe ever.” Seth liked JJ possessing a confidante beyond Kenneth. Additionally Seth expressed interest seeing JJ on the computer being independent.
Personally I am interested in viewing your answer to the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again, the question asks “How do you turn bad news into a positive?” Comment below to respond. Next plan to join us on Twitter every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.
This past week’s #CPChatNow Twitter chat was lively as always. Members talked about their latest accomplishments, the newest season of Speechless, a runner with CP being signed to a pro contract by Nike, and changes in the weather. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
Timmy shared his latest research that he presented at a conference. Great work Timmy!
Next, members talked about the ongoing third season of Speechless on ABC.
Jen and Zach talked about the miserable weather in Texas and Cleveland:
Jen and Zach also tweeted about their hatred for severe weather and tornado sirens:
Finally, Zach tweeted about Justin Gallegos, the runner with CP who got a professional running contract with Nike. Please check out the video in this tweet. Please note that Justin has asked to have the phrase “suffers from CP” changed to “lives with CP.” We couldn’t agree more Justin. Run on!
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are other types of representation you feel Cerebral Palsy or disability needs? Share your answer in the comments!
#CPChatNow was rocking as always last week. Members discussed the upcoming season of Speechless, the importance of senses, and what character they would be in a book. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, members talked about the upcoming season of Speechless.
Next, Hannah shared her excitement about new glasses. She shared how much easier life has been since regaining her vision:
Zach and Hannah discussed the loss of different senses and Hannah shared that she would likely deal OK with losing her hearing because of her knowledge of ASL:
This brings us to our extend-the-conversation question, “Which of the five senses do you feel is the most important?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.
Continuing on, Zach asked what book people would add themselves to and how they would change the story.
Zach tweeted about being a character in To Kill A Mockingbird and sticking up for Boo Radley:
Make sure to keep the conversation going by answering the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again that question asks, “Which of the five senses do you feel is the most important?” Leave your answers below!
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:
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:
Zach also shared the story of the creation of #CPChatNow. A collaboration between John Quinn and @HandicapThis.
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:
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:
Zach chimed in with the exercise chat led by Erin while I said the dating or accessible gaming ones:
Members also mentioned liking that the conversations in #CPChatNow tend to happen organically and do not feel forced:
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.
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?
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?”
Make sure to keep the conversation going by answering the week’s extend-the-conversation question. Again that question asks, “Which of the five senses do you feel is the most important?” Leave your answers below!
#CPChatNow 