Sometimes the world can forget that people with disabilities are just like anyone else ‒ they have the same hopes and dreams, the same desires to be productive and to help others.  But when it’s your own children, you know how much they can achieve, and you will do anything in your power to help them succeed. So for Joel Wegener, buying an ice cream truck was just the way to show his kids he believed in their future.

Wegener and his wife, Freida, have 10 children. Two of their kids, Mary Kate and Josh, were born with Down Syndrome. The children were born with an extra chromosome, leading to lifelong physical and often developmental issues. But as medical knowledge grew, so did the understanding of how to raise and support those who have Down Syndrome.

Joel Wegener, center, poses with his children Josh, left, and Mary Kate. Photo by Special Neat Treats

With that in mind, the Wegeners who live in Ohio, wanted to help his two children find a career path that would accommodate their needs, as well as raise awareness for Down Syndrome. And what better way to gain support than an ice cream truck?  Wegener explained, “The reason the ice cream truck is so perfect is that it has allowed them both to develop their interactive and social skills in a comfortable environment.”

So after locating a vehicle online for $6,000, making a few renovations and repairs, the family was ready to start selling ice cream. But first, they needed a name.  

My wife had the brilliant idea to name it Special Neat Treats, a play on words of special needs. When we bought the ice cream truck in January, I never expected for this to happen. The publicity we have received is amazing, and we hope that we can inspire other families with special needs kids to find new and inventive ways to support their children,” he said.

The family-owned business has served up thousands of tasty treats and plans to add more ice cream trucks and hire more special needs employees. Wegener said, “Almost every time I go out, I find a family with special needs or with some connection. It’s just been an unbelievable journey.”

“As a parent, you have desires. I don’t know that either one of them will ever be totally independent. But we hope to move them in that direction, and I hope they can keep helping me sell ice cream for a long time,” he said. To see more about the family and their journey, please watch the video below.

Sources: WLWT | My Positive Outlooks