[Nfbc-info] {Disarmed} Fw: Presidential Memorandum

[Mary Willows]

Presidential MemorandumHello All:
I thought you should see this memorandum from the President.  It is good to know that in these hard financial times that he is supporting the Randolph Shepard Act.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: White House Disability Group 
To: mwillows at sbcglobal.net 
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 3:09 PM
Subject: Presidential Memorandum


           Friday, January 20, 2012 
                    As our nation continues to recover from the economic downturn, the President continues to demonstrate that all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, must play a part in that recovery and have opportunities to work and contribute to our society.

                  Today, the President issued a memorandum to the heads of Executive Departments and Agencies regarding the Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program. 
                   
                  The text is below or you can find it online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/01/20/presidential-memorandum-federal-support-randolph-sheppard-vending-facili.

                  THE WHITE HOUSE
                  Office of the Press Secretary
                  For Immediate Release January 20, 2012
                  January 20, 2012

                  Memorandum For the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

                  SUBJECT: Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program

                  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.

                  BARACK OBAMA

                          
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