Attending the 14th International CHARGE Conference in Texas gave Jason an opportunity to push boundaries and expand his comfort zone with the support of his Intervenor Services team. We previously shared how intervenor Kel worked with Jason to ease any anxiety around flying in a plane for the first time since he was a boy, reassuring him that it was OK to feel nervous and that bumps from turbulence were OK and part of flying, too. Kel’s efforts extended to the pool and water park at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, which hosted the conference in Dallas. The conference included a pool party at the Jade Oval Leisure Cove on Aug. 2, which Jason attended. As his comfort level increased, Jason went from holding on inside a round inflatable to lounging on top of the tube, feet outstretched enjoying the sun and water, especially the lazy river feature. All in all, Jason spent a couple of hours in the pool surrounded by individuals who have CHARGE, just like him. “It was truly a magical day,” said intervenor services coordinator Cullen. He gave credit to Kel. “It was out of his comfort zone but she was able to motivate him,” Cullen said. A big step was using a raised ledge around the pool to help Jason get on the inflatable in a safe manner. “Because it was more comfortable for Jason to get in that way, he got in,” Cullen said. Jason also attended the CHARGE Hoedown the following night, once again interacting with others with CHARGE. He line danced and played different games included several western-themed bean bag and ring tosses. Another sign that Jason was comfortable at the CHARGE conference was his willingness to pose for photos. He asked Cullen to take photos posing with many of the different statues found throughout the resort.
