Wexford encounter shows the power of inclusion for families of children with additional needs

A Mum of 3 children with disabilities, says a chance meeting between her daughter and a young woman with Down syndrome in Wexford has given her renewed hope for the future.

Rhona was recently visiting the Newtown Park Hotel in Wexford with her daughter Molly when they met Katie, who has Down syndrome and works as part of the hotel team.

For Rhona, the moment was particularly significant.She says seeing Katie working, being valued and communicating in her own way made her think about the opportunities that could be available to Molly as she grows up.

Rhona says she wants people to see what her daughter can do, rather than making assumptions about what she can't.She was also struck by how staff communicated with Molly during their visit, naturally using signs without making a fuss or treating her differently.

Rhona says those small moments are what real inclusion looks like.It's also the thinking behind the VSP - Very Special Person - Programme, which she created to help businesses make their services more accessible and welcoming for people with additional needs.

The programme looks at the whole experience for families - from communication and sensory needs to accessibility, waiting times, noise and unfamiliar environments.Rhona says simple changes such as visual information, quieter spaces, social stories and greater staff awareness can make a huge difference.She says inclusion isn't simply about saying everyone is welcome - it's about understanding individual needs and making practical changes so people can genuinely take part.

For Rhona, seeing Molly meet Katie was a reminder of why she started the VSP programme.She says it gave her something incredibly important as a mum: hope for Molly's future and the opportunities that could be there for her.