PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES:

* Educating

* Inspiring

* Motivating

Educate staff on the different characteristics of Autism and Down syndrome, providing practical tips on interacting with children and adults with these conditions and others.

Inspire restaurants, cafes, and hotels to implement small, inexpensive but significant changes that can make a world of difference for families with special needs.

Motivate the hospitality industry to embrace inclusivity as a core value, creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for all.

SMALL CHANGES - BIG IMPACT!

The VSP (Very Special Person) Programme was created to support special needs families by promoting inclusivity in the hospitality industry. It encourages restaurants, cafes, and hotels to make simple changes, enhancing the dining and travel experience for families with special needs.

SOME OF THE CHANGES WE AIM TO IMPLEMENT

PICTURE MENUS

Providing non-speaking VSPs with a visual representation of menu options will enable them to make independent choices about their meals.

Each picture is the actual portion of food on the actual plates they are being served on so they know what to expect. Each item is available in adult or child portions

CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY

VSPs will be able to choose from a selection of items on the menu to suit their personal needs (e.g., sausages and nuggets with no chips). This empowers them to participate in the dining experience without judgement.

SIMPLIFIED COMMUNICATION

Introducing a poster featuring basic sign language phrases into the staff area will facilitate communication with non-speaking VSPs who use this form of sign language.

SENSORY FRIENDLY COMMUNICATIONS

Chefs will be instructed to avoid adding garnish or parsley to dishes and to utilise larger plates to prevent foods from touching, minimising sensory overload for anyone with sensitivities.

FAMILIAR FOOD OPTIONS

Fast food-style chicken nuggets and plain food options will be added to the menu where possible, providing a familiar and reassuring food choice. This will depend on venues menu.

PRIORITISING VSPS

Prioritising table reservations for special needs families reduces wait times, easing stress for VSPs who may struggle with crowds.

Preordering food can also streamline the dining experience. A designated table sign will indicate priority status discreetly, respecting individuals with invisible disabilities.

SOCIAL STORIES

On our website, families will be able to view a video of a walk through of the venue prior to their arrival, which will help to prepare VSPs for the dining experience, reducing anxiety and promoting a smoother transition.

FEED BACK CHANNEL

Implementing a feedback channel will allow families to share their experiences, enabling the campaign to continuously improve and adapt to evolving needs.

Harry’s Italian Restaurant: Leading the Way with the VSP Programme!

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Harry’s Italian Restaurant in Terenure, is the very first restaurant in Ireland to fully embrace the VSP Programme!

This incredible milestone marks a huge step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible dining experience for families with additional needs. From the moment we introduced the VSP initiative, the team at Harry’s Italian didn’t hesitate - they welcomed it with open arms and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

They understand that small, thoughtful changes can have a huge impact on families who often struggle with everyday outings due to sensory sensitivities, long wait times, and overwhelming environments.