RESOLUTION 2011-13

75th Anniversary of Randolph-Sheppard Program

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
RESOLUTION 2011-13

SUMMARY:

1. This organization, along with its affiliate the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA), reaffirms the historic significance of the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

2. This organization will work toward the realization of the full potential of this program for the employment of blind and low-vision Americans.

WHEREAS, Senators E. Jennings Randolph and Morris Sheppard sponsored and championed the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and

WHEREAS, this act was passed by the United States Congress on June 20, 1936; and

WHEREAS, the Randolph-Sheppard Act has provided the priority for blind and visually impaired persons to manage vending stands and later food service facilities in federal buildings; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with subsequent amendments to the act sponsored by Senator Randolph, many states have adopted a comparable priority for the operation by blind persons of vending facilities on state property; and

WHEREAS, the Randolph-Sheppard program is among the largest employment program for blind and visually impaired persons in the nation; and

WHEREAS, 2011 is the 75th anniversary of the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and

WHEREAS, this program continues to be a valuable employment option;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled at the John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort and Casino in Sparks, Nev., on the 11th day of July, 2011, that this organization, along with its affiliate the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA), reaffirms the historic significance of the Randolph-Sheppard Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization work toward the realization of the full potential of this program for the employment of blind and low-vision Americans.

Adopted.

Marlaina Lieberg, Secretary