Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 3917-3918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1750]

Vol. 77

Wednesday,

No. 16

January 25, 2012

Part IV

The President

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Memorandum of January 20, 2012--Federal Support for the Randolph-
Sheppard Vending Facility Program

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Title 3--
The President

Memorandum of January 20, 2012

Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending
Facility Program

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and
Agencies

Thousands of Americans who are blind have embraced the
entrepreneurial spirit that helps define our Nation as
a land of opportunity. Through the Federal Randolph-
Sheppard Vending Facility Program administered by the
Department of Education, talented and creative
individuals who are blind have acquired the management
training and business skills necessary to realize the
American dream--a lifetime of economic opportunity,
independence, and self-sufficiency for themselves and
their families.

For 75 years, blind business managers have successfully
operated food services and commercial ventures at
Federal, State, and private buildings and locations
nationwide. We honor and celebrate this program's
historic achievements. We also trust that the Randolph-
Sheppard Program will continue to be a leading model
for providing high-quality entrepreneurial
opportunities for blind individuals. From a simple
snack shop, to tourist services at the Hoover Dam, to
full food-services operations at military
installations, blind entrepreneurs have provided
exceptional customer service to Federal and State
employees, the Armed Forces, and the general public.
With proven ability, they have challenged preconceived
notions about disability.

The Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.)
created the Vending Facility Program requiring
qualified blind individuals be given a priority to
operate vending facilities on Federal properties. This
program is responsible today for providing
entrepreneurial opportunities for over 2,500
individuals who are blind. In turn, these business
managers have hired thousands of workers, many of whom
are individuals with disabilities. Every American,
including persons with disabilities, deserves the
opportunity to succeed without limits, earn equal pay
for equal jobs, and aspire to full-time, career-
oriented employment.

Continued support and cooperation are needed from
executive departments, agencies, and offices (agencies)
to extend the Randolph-Sheppard priority to qualified
blind managers through the State licensing agencies
that implement the program. Therefore, I direct all
agencies that have property management responsibilities
to ensure that agency officials, when pursuing the
establishment and operation of vending facilities
(including cafeterias and military dining facilities)
as defined in 20 U.S.C. 107e, issue permits and
contracts in compliance with the Randolph-Sheppard
Program and consistent with existing regulations and
law. I further direct the Secretary of Education,
through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services
Administration, to submit a report to the President on
agencies' implementation of the Randolph-Sheppard
Program not later than 1 year from the date of this
memorandum.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not,
create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law or in equity by any party against
the United States, its departments, agencies, or
entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any
other person.

The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized and
directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal
Register.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

Washington, January 20, 2012