[Vendorsmi] Presidential Memorandum

[Mary Ann Robinson]

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Mary Ann

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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