07/17/2026
Retired science teacher Joel Wegener wanted to make sure his adult children, Mary and Josh, who both have Down syndrome, had meaningful employment opportunities after seeing how difficult it could be for them to find work. So he bought an old ice cream truck for $6,000, fixed it up, and launched Special Neat Treats, giving his children the chance to work alongside him serving their Ohio community.
What began as a simple family business quickly became something much bigger. Running the ice cream truck has helped Mary and Josh build confidence, strengthen their communication and social skills, and gain greater independence while bringing joy to thousands of customers. Joel hopes their success inspires other families to think creatively about creating opportunities for people with disabilities and to recognize their abilities rather than their limitations.
