Posted on August 5, 2026
A federal judge for the US District Court of Maryland has granted summary judgement to the blind entrepreneurs in the suit of Melba Taylor, et al., v. US Department of Education, which challenged the Department of Education's decision in late 2025 to limit the Randolph-Sheppard program in Army dining facilities. The Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility program enhances employment opportunities for people who are blind by giving blind vendors priority consideration in the operation of vending facilities on federal property. In the judge's ruling, he found that Secretary McMahon violated the Administrative Procedures Act by not allowing public notice-and-comment process to take place or publishing supporting documentation before taking the action which negatively impacted blind vendors.
ACB applauds this ruling which upholds the integrity of the Randolph-Sheppard program, which is so vital for this community.
The full ruling can be found at the following link: https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/priority-contracting-for-blind-vendors.pdf