Welcome back to The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, hosted by Chad Williams with co-host Daryl Perry.

In this episode, we explore a powerful and often misunderstood topic, strength.

When most people think about strength, they think about physical performance, lifting heavier weights, running faster, or pushing harder. But living with cerebral palsy challenges that definition in meaningful ways.

Chad and Daryl break down the different layers of strength, including the ones that aren’t always visible.

From adapting to physical limitations, to staying consistent through setbacks, to navigating the mental and emotional challenges that come with CP, this conversation highlights how strength can look different for everyone.

You’ll hear personal stories around:

• Adjusting expectations after injuries and setbacks
• Redefining success in running and fitness
• The importance of patience, adaptability, and resilience
• Finding your own way to participate and stay active
• Letting go of comparison and focusing on presence and gratitude

This episode also touches on something deeper, the idea that sometimes strength is simply making it through the day and believing that tomorrow can be better.

Whether you live with cerebral palsy, support someone who does, or are navigating your own challenges, this conversation is a reminder that strength isn’t always loud or visible.

Sometimes, it’s quiet, consistent, and deeply personal.

Follow Chad and Daryl for more conversations and perspectives:

Chad Williams
https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1

Daryl Perry
https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by Jason Harvey for a powerful roundtable discussion.

Jason shares his story of growing up with cerebral palsy affecting his left side and how he built an incredible athletic journey competing in baseball throughout high school and college, all while playing one-handed.

We talk through his early diagnosis, the challenges he faced being held back in youth sports, and the resilience it took to continue pursuing what he loved despite setbacks, criticism, and doubt. Jason opens up about moments of bullying, perseverance, and the impact of finding the right support system along the way.

The conversation also dives into life after sports, adapting to physical changes over time, staying active through golf and physical therapy, and navigating what it means to age with cerebral palsy.

Jason also shares his passion for coaching, teaching, and his vision for creating more opportunities for adaptive athletes in the future.

This is a conversation about perseverance, identity, and the reality of building your own path when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

For Tickets and More Info on Josh Blue:

https://www.joshblue.com

Follow Chad Williams:

https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

Follow Daryl Perry:

https://instagram.com/daryltperry

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and co-host Daryl Perry welcome back Zachary Fennell for another powerful conversation.

This time, the focus shifts to what it really means to become comfortable in your own skin.

Zach shares his perspective on embracing differences, asking for help, and letting go of comparison. The conversation dives into real-life experiences, from navigating social situations to learning how to advocate for yourself and surround yourself with the right people.

You’ll also hear practical insights on building confidence, developing self-awareness, and why perfection isn’t the goal, growth is.

Whether you’re living with cerebral palsy or navigating your own challenges, this episode is a reminder that confidence is built through action, reflection, and self-acceptance.

What We Cover:

• What it means to be comfortable in your own skin
• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• How comparison takes away from your progress
• Real-life examples of growth and self-advocacy
• Building confidence through daily actions and reflection
• Letting go of perfection and focusing on progress

Zach's Links:

Zachary Fennell Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfenell

Off Balance Memoir:
https://www.zacharyfenell.com/off-balanced/

Chad Williams Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1

Daryl Perry Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

Finding your way into fitness with cerebral palsy or any disability is not always straightforward. In this episode, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry share their personal experiences navigating gyms, running, group environments, and the mental challenges that come with starting something new.

We talk about intimidation, comparison, confidence, and why movement does not have to look a certain way to count. From walking into the gym for the first time to crossing the finish line of a race, this conversation is about finding what works for you and building the confidence to keep going.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in fitness spaces, this episode is for you.

Follow us on Instagram:
Chad Williams: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/
Daryl Perry: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, we’re joined by Katie Wheeler, a Digital Accessibility Analyst and advocate who is working to make digital spaces more inclusive for everyone.

We dive into what digital accessibility actually means beyond physical environments, breaking down how websites, apps, and digital tools can either create independence or barriers for individuals with disabilities. Katie shares her journey into accessibility, how her lived experience with cerebral palsy shaped her path, and the growing need for organizations to prioritize inclusive design.

We also explore the gap between awareness and implementation, why many companies still fall short, and how improving accessibility can completely change someone’s ability to navigate the world independently. Katie provides insight into the importance of real-world testing, communication with businesses, and the role of advocacy in pushing this space forward.

The conversation also expands into content creation, entrepreneurship, and what it means to advocate for yourself, whether that’s in professional settings, client work, or everyday interactions.

This episode highlights the real impact of accessibility, the opportunities within the field, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

Katie Links:

Website: https://katie-wheeler-official.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieWheelerAccessibility
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-wheeler-707655220/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.wheeleraccess
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@KLWAccessibility

Katie Wheeler Accessibility Podcast on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2vyG8C3yM9kPKGml4AJgTm?si=LtbHBdpgSsKk1JCkRdVTtw&nd=1&dlsi=e4d3745261544915

Chad Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/
Shop: https://doinghardthingsmyway.com/

Daryl Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/
Your Level Fitness: https://yourlevelfitness.com/

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by disability advocate and content creator Chelsea Bear.

Chelsea shares her journey of building a platform around living with cerebral palsy, staying authentic online, and finding creative ways to continue sharing her story as she grows. The conversation dives into physical therapy experiences, adapting as we get older, trying new things, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to confidence, connection, and opportunity.

If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story or finding your place in the CP community, this episode will give you both perspective and encouragement.

Follow Chelsea Bear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchelseabear
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realchelseabear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realchelseabear
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realchelseabear

Follow us on Instagram:
Chad Williams: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/
Daryl Perry: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, we’re talking about something that sits at the core of this podcast, sharing your story on your terms.

We dive into what it really means to open up about your experiences, especially when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Sharing your story is not an obligation, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. But when you do, it can lead to connection, opportunity, and impact in ways you may not expect.

We talk about our own experiences with sharing our stories, how it started, what it felt like, and how it led to meaningful conversations, new opportunities, and the growth of this platform.

We also break down how we approach this podcast, what it looks like to come on as a guest, and how we create a space where people can share openly without pressure or expectation.

If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story, or wondered if it even matters, this episode is for you.

Chad Links:Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/⁠Shop: ⁠https://doinghardthingsmyway.com/⁠

Daryl links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/
Your Level Fitness: https://yourlevelfitness.com/

Apply to the Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship:⁠https://bold.org/scholarships/doing-hard-things-my-way-adaptive-athlete-scholarship⁠

Chad’s Links

Connect with Chad on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1

Get Your Doing Hard Things My Way Gear:
https://doinghardthingsmyway.com/

Apply to the Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship:
https://bold.org/scholarships/doing-hard-things-my-way-adaptive-athlete-scholarship

Daryl’s Links

Connect with Daryl on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

For ALL things Your Level Fitness:
https://yourlevelfitness.com/

In this episode of The Cerebral Palsy Perspective, host Chad Williams and cohost Daryl Perry talk about the origin and impact of the Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship.

What began as a personal challenge during a difficult season has now grown into something that is helping young adaptive athletes across the country.

Chad shares the story behind the scholarship and how the idea developed during the COVID shutdown when gyms were closed and managing cerebral palsy symptoms became more challenging. During that time he challenged himself to run a Spartan race. Training for that race unexpectedly led to a love for running and a completely new chapter in his life.

As Chad shared his journey publicly, the cerebral palsy community showed up with overwhelming encouragement and support. That support eventually inspired him to find a way to give something meaningful back to the community that had supported him along the way.

That idea became the Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship.

The scholarship was created to support a high school senior adaptive athlete who demonstrates perseverance, resilience, and dedication to sport while preparing for college. What started as a simple idea quickly gained momentum. The scholarship was fully funded through generous donations and has already received nearly one hundred seventy applications from students across the country.

Chad and Daryl talk about the emotional side of creating something that has such a powerful impact. They also discuss how sharing personal stories can lead to opportunities to support others in ways you never expected.

This episode highlights how one idea can grow into something much bigger. From a personal challenge to a brand, and now a scholarship supporting the next generation of adaptive athletes.

If you know a high school senior adaptive athlete who may be interested in applying, be sure to check the show notes for the scholarship application link.

Please share this episode with anyone you think would be interested in listening to it.

Visit yourlevelfitness.com/cerebral-palsy-perspective for links to the show page on each of the major podcast directories. From there, you can subscribe and share this pod.