[NFBNJ] Fwd: Join us June 17th details inside please share

Tue Jun 16 00:43:25 UTC 2026

-------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Allen, Krystle <Krystle.Allen at dhs.nj.gov>
Date: Mon, Jun 15, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Subject: Join us June 17th details inside please share

*The NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired *

*Invites You To: *

*The June 2026 *

*Community Connection Call*

*“Observing 90 Years of Landmark Success and Progress Toward Economic
Independence Statewide in NJ’s Vision Loss Community”*

*Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 10:30am to 12:00pm*

*Hosted by Krystle Allen, CBVI Community Outreach Specialist  *

In June, we observe the 90th anniversary of the Randolph Shepard Act of
1936.

The Randolph-Sheppard Act was signed into law on June 20, 1936, by
President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. The law was
named after Congressman Jennings Randolph and Senator Morris Sheppard. Its
purpose was to create employment and economic independence for blind
Americans through the operation of vending facilities on federal property.
(National Association of Blind Merchants)

Originally, the program focused on small newsstands and snack counters in
federal buildings and post offices. Over time, amendments in 1954 and 1974
expanded the program significantly. The law changed from merely
“authorizing” blind vendors to giving them legal “priority” to operate
vending facilities on federal property, including cafeterias, military
dining facilities, highway rest stops, and vending operations.

One of the most important features of the Act is that it recognized blind
individuals as entrepreneurs and business managers rather than charity
recipients. The law became a landmark disability-rights and vocational
rehabilitation program in the United States. Today, state agencies train
and license blind vendors under the program, helping thousands achieve
self-employment and financial independence. (ncsab.org)

Join us as we hear from our Keynote Presenter who will share information
about the history of the National Association of Blind Merchants. Here
about the latest resources from our NJ BEP Manager. Tune into the shared
stories of NJ BEP Operators who serve in our training center. Let’s honor
the milestones the Randolph Shepard Act has provided our NJ BEP operators
to celebrate the value of economic independence stepping into evolving
progress.

Learn how you or someone you know can succeed with BEP NJ today!

*Tell a friend to tell a friend!*

*Keynote Presenter: *

   - James Good, National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM)

*Resource Provider: *

   - Deacon Truesdale, Manager, CBVI BENJ Program

The benefits of networking and sharing information are the primary focus of
the Community Connection Calls. This month’s *“In Our Own Voices”*
panelists will share their stories. All are members of New Jersey’s blind,
deafblind, and visually impaired community.

*“In Our Own Voices” Panelists:*

   - William Robinson
   - Alfonso Harrell

Here are the simple directions for participating in the CBVI Community
Connections Call:

*Option 1: Join via Zoom*

   1. Either Click the Zoom meeting link here: Join Zoom Meeting
   <https://dhs-nj-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1611162134?pwd=CqHj9534NT9nKPYzxgdtQjDb4cju7t.1>
   2. Or Open the Zoom App and Enter the Meeting ID and Passcode

*Meeting ID: 161 116 2134*

*Passcode:* * 1910 *

*Option 2: Join on the phone via One Tap Mobile (click the link from your
mobile device)*

   - +16468287666,,1611162134#,,,,*1910#
   <//+16468287666,,1611162134/#,,,,*1910> (New York)

*Option 3: Dial-in via Phone*

   1. Dial the conference phone number: *1-646-828-7666*.
   2. Enter the Meeting ID: *161 116 2134* when prompted
   3. When asked for a participant ID, simply press the pound key (#).
   4. Enter the Passcode: *1910*

That's it! You're all set to join the meeting.

*Relay Captioning Link for individuals who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired:*
(At the start time of the event, please login by clicking on the link below)

https://www.captionedtext.com/client/embed.aspx?EventID=6146011

If you have any questions, or would like to be a Community Connections Call
panelist, please don’t hesitate to email: Krystle.Allen at dhs.nj.gov or call:
973-648-4497

Krystle Allen

Community Outreach Specialist

New Jersey Commission For The Blind and Visually Impaired

Desk: 973-648-4497

Mobile: 973-943-2209

Email: krystle.allen at dhs.nj.gov

"If you want to stand out, don't be different, be outstanding." - Meredith
West

*Image* *NJCBVI Logo: Dark blue Braille* *cells that depict NJCBVI, with a
gray hand hovering over the letter "N" with the finger pointed to read; to
the right and directly under the Braille cells is NJCBVI in large, bold,
blue block letters under which in all caps is New Jersey Commission
for the* *Blind
and Visually Impaired in gray letters.*

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