[Ohio-Talk] Statement on Federal Notice Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Department of the Army Dining Facility Contracts | National Federation of the Blind

[Eric Duffy]

I can’t remember a time when we have had to stand against the very agency that is supposed to protect our program. 
Here is the information for those who would rather have it in the body of an Email:
Release Date
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Type
Press Release <https://nfb.org/press-release-types/press-release>
Category
National <https://nfb.org/press-releases/national>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on Federal Notice Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Department of the Army Dining Facility Contracts
December 23, 2025 - Baltimore, MD: The National Federation of the Blind condemns the Department of Education’s decision to “limit” (effectively eliminating) the Randolph-Sheppard priority in dining facility contracts (DFACs) on Department of the Army installations. Published today, December 23, 2025, in the Federal Register <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/23/2025-23761/34-cfr-part-395-limitation-of-the-randolph-sheppard-vending-facility-program-priority-for-the>, the notice marks a devastating setback for blind entrepreneurs and undermines Congress’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities.

The Randolph-Sheppard Act, passed in 1936, was established with a fundamental purpose: to create meaningful employment opportunities for trained, licensed blind people in competitive integrated settings. Right now, approximately 1,400 blind entrepreneurs across the country participate in this program. 

For the Department of the Army alone, twenty-four DFAC contracts across twenty-two installations represent real livelihoods and real businesses operated by blind vendors.

"This notice is a blatant betrayal of nearly ninety years of congressional commitment and discards the expertise and livelihoods of blind entrepreneurs who have proudly supported our armed forces for decades. The Department of the Army’s decision to eliminate the priority for blind vendors competing for DFAC contracts based on false information and their refusal to reconcile what is true about the Randolph Sheppard Program abandons hundreds of trained, licensed blind workers who have proven their capability and dedication," said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind.

"To the blind vendors affected by this decision: the National Federation of the Blind stands with you, and we will fight relentlessly for our rights, even if it means standing up to those who are typically tasked with defending those rights. This is exactly the kind of challenge that requires our collective action—thousands of blind people speaking with one voice about what we know we can accomplish."
The Randolph-Sheppard program is a congressional recognition that blind people often face discrimination that prevents us from competing fairly for government contracts. It leverages the expertise and professionalism of blind entrepreneurs—not as a charitable gesture or DEI checkbox. 

The National Federation of the Blind urgently calls on Secretary of Education McMahon and the Department of the Army to immediately reconsider this decision, work directly with blind merchants to truly understand the program, and honor the promise that blind Americans deserve the opportunity to work, build businesses, and contribute meaningfully to our country. 

2025 Published Resources for Additional Information on the Randolph Sheppard Program
November 3, 2025 - Letter to the Secretary of the Army Regarding the Randolph-Sheppard Program | National Federation of the Blind <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secretary-army-regarding-randolph-sheppard>
August 20, 2025 - Letter to Secretary of Defense Regarding the Randolph-Sheppard Program | National Federation of the Blind <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secretary-defense-regarding-randolph-sheppard>
March 10, 2025 - Response to NPRM Amending Definitions and Related Provisions under the Randolph-Sheppard Program | National Federation of the Blind <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/response-nprm-amending-definitions-and-related>
Preserving the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and the Office for Civil Rights | National Federation of the Blind <https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/preserving-office-special-education-and>
###

About the National Federation of the Blind 
The National Federation of the Blind, headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/>.

CONTACT
Stephanie Cascone
Director of Communications
National Federation of the Blind
410-659-9314, extension 2244
communications at nfb.org <mailto:communications at nfb.org>


> On Dec 24, 2025, at 8:55 AM, Richard Payne via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Update on Program Challenges and Advocacy Efforts
> Impact on Blind Vendors
> This is truly a serious setback for the program and for jobs supporting blind vendors in Ohio and around the world. It is essential that we remain diligent and committed to protecting these programs, as they are currently under attack. Many vendors will be adversely affected, and it is important for us to be prepared to collaborate with our national team to play our part in securing the protections we have established.
> Randolph-Sheppard Program in Ohio
> The Randolph-Sheppard program in Ohio will also be impacted, particularly because we have vendors operating on military locations. We must closely monitor developments in this area to ensure we are informed and responsive to any changes.
> Local Advocacy Efforts
> You may recall that we passed a resolution to protect vendors in Columbus. While the results are not perfect, it does seem that some progress has been made at this time. Annette and I have been working with Jessie from our national office, as well as the Merchants Division President, to communicate with the State Licensing Agency. We are committed to ensuring that everyone remains aligned and informed as we move forward.
> Holiday Greetings
> For now, please enjoy the holidays. If you do not hear from me before then, I wish you a happy New Year.
>  
>  
>  
> Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>  
> 937/829/3368
> Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com>
>  
> www.nfbohio.org <http://www.nfbohio.org/>
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
>  
> From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of President Capital chapter via Ohio-Talk
> Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 7:22 PM
> To: Ohio Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org <mailto:ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: President Capital chapter <president.capital.nfboh at gmail.com <mailto:president.capital.nfboh at gmail.com>>
> Subject: [Ohio-Talk] Statement on Federal Notice Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority for Department of the Army Dining Facility Contracts | National Federation of the Blind
>  
> 
> https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/statement-federal-notice-limiting-randolph-sheppard-priority-department-army
>  
> Annette Lutz
> President
> Capital Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
> 614-288-4323
> President.capital.nfboh at gmail.com <mailto:President.capital.nfboh at gmail.com>
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday we raise the expectations of blind people because we know that low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want, blindness is not what holds you back. 
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