[Nfbk] Presidential Memorandum - RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD

[Joey Couch]

Below is a memo from President Obama regarding the Randolph-Sheppard
Program.
From: White House Disability Group
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 5:09 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-memor
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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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-- 
Joey Couch
phone 606-216-8033.
email ki4vjd at gmail.com
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