A loving father from Ohio bought an ice cream truck for his two children with Down Syndrome so they can sell their delicious treats.
Joe Wegener now operates the truck with his daughter Mary Kate, 21, and Josh, 18.
Aside from keeping his children employed, this allows the family to build their social skills, learn about finances, and show the community what people with different abilities can do.
Mary Kate and Josh are two of Joe and Freida’s ten children. The 21-year-old had recently finished a career program for people with disabilities.
When they found another family with special needs in nearby Indiana selling an ice cream truck, they also purchased one for themselves.
Speaking to WLWT, Joe said that sales ‘have exceeded expectations,’ with the Spongebob popsicle their best-selling item.
In addition to teaching their children how to hold a job and deal with finances, Joe said that it is also a great opportunity for them to mingle with other people.
“It’s much more than selling ice cream,” he said.
“It’s about an experience for everybody, but to give my kids something to do and show other parents maybe there is something creative, out of the box that we can come up for our family and for our kids to do.”
“On a daily basis we connect with people that care so much about special needs, or they have their own story and to be able to sit in this truck, look out the window and see kids coming screaming and parents bringing their kid.”
“Almost every time I go out, I find a family with special needs or with some connection,” he added. “It’s just been an unbelievable journey.”
Joe hopes to buy more ice cream trucks and hire more people with special needs.
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