Inclusion isn't a policy. It's an experience.

Practical consultancy, staff education and strategic recommendations that help businesses become more welcoming, inclusive and accessible.

WHY CHOOSE THE VSP PROGRAMME?

The VSP Programme is about more than accessibility—it's about understanding people.

Every day, businesses welcome customers, visitors and colleagues who may be autistic, have ADHD, Down syndrome or other additional needs. Often, the biggest barrier isn't the environment—it's simply a lack of understanding.

Through practical consultancy and staff training, the VSP Programme gives your team the confidence to better understand different communication styles, sensory needs and ways of supporting every customer with empathy and respect.

Benefits for Your Business

• Create a more welcoming and inclusive customer experience

• Build staff confidence through practical training

• Better understand autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and additional needs

• Improve communication and customer service

• Support families, adults and individuals with different needs

• Strengthen your reputation as an inclusive business

• Encourage positive customer experiences and repeat visits

• Learn from lived experience combined with hospitality expertise

Understanding changes everything.
Small changes can make a lasting difference—for your customers, your staff and your business.

YOUR INCLUSION CONSULTANT FOR HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

RHONA CULLINAN
Founder, VSP Programme
Inclusion Consultant & Special Needs Advocate

For over a decade, Rhona has worked at the forefront of advocacy for families with additional needs - as a national representative for Down Syndrome Ireland, a speaker at conferences across Ireland, and a regular contributor on Ireland AM, RTÉ Afternoon Show and international podcasts.

She's also a mum to children with Autism, Asperger's and Down syndrome. That's not a footnote — it's why her consultancy work is different.

She's lived the reality of trying to access services, book a table, or simply feel welcome as a family. She knows exactly where the gap sits between good intentions and genuine inclusion. Rhona brings both sides of the table: the lived experience of a special needs parent, and the practical, commercial understanding of a business owner. The result is consultancy that's actionable, not theoretical — small changes, real impact, no unnecessary complexity.

SMALL CHANGES - BIG IMPACT!

"The VSP Programme has given our team a greater understanding of what genuine inclusion really looks like. The practical changes have been simple to implement, but the impact on both our staff and our customers has been invaluable. We're proud to create a more welcoming environment where every guest feels understood and valued."

— Harry's Italian Restaurant, Terenure

Inclusion Consultancy & Training Services for Hotels, Restaurants & the Hospitality Industry

Every business is at a different stage of its inclusion journey. Whether you're looking for an independent review, staff training or a complete consultancy service, the VSP Programme provides practical, achievable solutions to help create a more welcoming, understanding and inclusive experience for every guest.

Objectives

Educate - Build understanding, awareness and confidence in supporting customers with additional needs

Inspire - Encourage a culture of inclusion where every customer feels welcomed, valued and respected.

Empower - Give teams practical tools and simple strategies they can confidently use every day.

Services include:

VSP DISCOVERY VISIT

An independent, confidential review of your customer experience.

The VSP Discovery Visit is a "secret shopper" style assessment where I visit your venue as a customer, allowing me to experience your business exactly as your guests do.

Using my lived experience as a special needs advocate and inclusion consultant, I'll assess your venue from the perspective of families with additional needs, identifying both your strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Following the visit, you'll receive a concise report with practical recommendations that can make an immediate difference to your customer experience.

Includes

• Confidential customer experience visit

• Review of the customer journey from arrival to departure

• Observation of customer service and staff interactions

• Accessibility and sensory observations

• Review of menus and communication

• Practical "quick win" recommendations

• Summary report with suggested improvements

Best For

Businesses looking for an honest, independent assessment before deciding on further consultancy or training.

VSP ACCESIBILITY AUDIT

A comprehensive review of your business through the eyes of inclusion.

This detailed on-site audit examines every stage of your customer journey, helping you identify opportunities to create a more accessible, welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.

You'll receive a professional written report with practical, prioritised recommendations tailored specifically to your business.

Includes

• Customer journey review

• Entrance and accessibility assessment

• Reception and welcome experience

• Restaurant, café or dining experience review

• Menu accessibility and communication

• Sensory environment assessment

• Waiting times and customer flow

• Quiet areas and family facilities

• Toilets and changing facilities

• Hotel bedrooms and accommodation review (where applicable)

• Leisure facilities, swimming pools and play areas (where applicable)

• Practical recommendations and action plan

• Comprehensive written report

Best For

Businesses looking for a clear roadmap to becoming more inclusive.

VSP STAFF TRAINING WORKSHOP

Creating confident teams through understanding.

This engaging and practical workshop gives hospitality teams the knowledge and confidence to provide exceptional customer experiences for guests with additional needs.

Using real-life examples and practical scenarios, your team will gain a better understanding of autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing, communication differences and inclusive customer service.

Training Includes

• Understanding autism

• Understanding Down syndrome

• Hidden disabilities and neurodiversity

• Sensory awareness

• Supporting non-speaking customers

• Introduction to basic Lámh signs

• Hospitality case studies

• Practical communication techniques

• Building confidence when supporting families

• Questions and discussion tailored to your business

Best For

Hotels, cafés, restaurants, visitor attractions and customer-facing businesses committed to creating inclusive customer experiences.

VSP SIGNATURE PARTNERSHIP

A premium consultancy service for businesses that want to become recognised leaders in inclusive hospitality.

The VSP Signature Partnership combines accessibility auditing, staff training, practical implementation guidance and marketing support, helping you build an inclusive customer experience while showcasing your commitment to the wider community.

Rather than simply providing recommendations, I'll work alongside your business for 6 months to help bring your vision to life and ensure your investment has a lasting impact.

Includes

Everything included in the VSP Accessibility Audit and Staff Training, plus:

• Implementation guidance and consultancy

• Review of customer policies and procedures

• Picture menu guidance

• Customer questionnaire recommendations

• Social story planning and guidance

• Customer journey improvements

• Sensory-friendly recommendations

• Website content guidance highlighting your inclusive facilities

• On-site video content to showcase your venue and accessibility features

• Social story videos for families visiting your venue

• Social media strategy and content ideas to share your inclusion journey

• Press release support announcing your VSP Partnership

• Assistance with planning and promoting a launch event or media day (if required)

• Follow-up implementation review to measure progress and recommend next steps

• VSP Partner Recognition (subject to agreed standards being achieved)

Best For

Businesses that want expert consultancy, practical support and marketing guidance to create meaningful inclusion while building trust with families and strengthening their reputation within the community.

BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL

Experience & Recognition

* Founder of the VSP (Very Special Person) Programme

* Special Needs Advocate and Inclusion Consultant

* National Advocate with Down Syndrome Ireland

* National TV & Radio Contributor, including Ireland AM, RTÉ Afternoon Show, The Pat Kenny Show and local radio

* International Podcast Guest

* Conference Speaker, Workshop Facilitator & Public Speaker

* Author of "Look Good Feel Good"

* Woman's Way Inspirational Mother of the Year 2019

* Trusted by Families, Community Organisations and Businesses Across Ireland

CONTACT ME

EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE CHANGES HAVE IMPLEMENTED

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 the 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/hotel 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 in 2025 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.