[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 3917-3918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1750]



[[Page 3915]]

Vol. 77

Wednesday,

No. 16

January 25, 2012

Part IV





The President





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Memorandum of January 20, 2012--Federal Support for the Randolph-
Sheppard Vending Facility Program
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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 16 / Wednesday, January 25, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 3917]]

                Memorandum of January 20, 2012

                
Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending 
                Facility Program

                Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and 
                Agencies

                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.

[[Page 3918]]

                The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized and 
                directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal 
                Register.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

                THE WHITE HOUSE,

                    Washington, January 20, 2012

[FR Doc. 2012-1750
Filed 1-24-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 4000-01-P