Randolph-Sheppard Vending Program
Overview
The vending facility program for the blind was established by an Act of Congress in 1936. This legislation, known as the Randolph-Sheppard Act, provides qualified blind persons the opportunity to operate businesses on federal, state, and other property by granting a priority on such property.
Persons who are legally blind are established in businesses of various kinds, including cafeterias, snack bars, and other vending facilities in public and private buildings. The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) secures the location, furnishes equipment, initial stock, and operating capital. DBVI also provides the training necessary to be licensed in this program through vocational rehabilitation services. Business Opportunities for the Blind, Inc., a non-profit corporation under contract with DBVI, provides assistance in the daily management of the businesses in this enterprise.
The Randolph Sheppard Vending Program is 75 years old!
Did you know:
- The Randolph-Sheppard Act was enacted in 1936 and was amended in 1954 and 1974. It was authorized for the purpose of providing individuals who are blind with remunerative employment, enlarging economic opportunities for the blind, and stimulating blind persons to become self-supporting members of our society.
- Since the Randolph-Sheppard Act was passed, thousands of individuals who are blind (estimates of more than 40,000) have been trained and licensed to manage Randolph-Sheppard vending facilities nationally.
- Nationally for FY 2009, the program had gross sales of $758,352,000.
- In FY 2009, the average annual earnings for a licensed vending facility manager were $51,664.
- During FY 2009, there were 2,358 licensed blind vendors nationally.
- In FY 2009, there were 885 vending facilities on federal property.
- Although there is no legislative mandate, in FY 2009, blind vendors voluntarily employed 1,919 persons with visual and other disabilities, as well as 12,482 other individuals.
- Over the years, the Randolph-Sheppard program has changed dramatically from single vendor-managed concessions and newsstands to large military food service contracts, kiosks, convenience stores, laundry facilities, restaurants, highway rest-area vending machines and much more.
- For FY 2010, the Virginia Randolph-Sheppard Vending Program had gross sales of $34,180,580
- For FY 2010, the average annual earnings for a Virginia blind vending manager were $55,040 excluding benefits. With benefits the average annual earnings were $66,476
- There were 56 vendors in the Virginia Program
- There were 68 facilities in Virginia -- 54 Federal, 13 State and Public, and 1 facility at a private facility
- In Virginia, blind vendors voluntarily employed 5 persons with visual and other disabilities, as well as 604 other individuals
For additional information on this program, contact Mr. James Meehan at James.Meehan@dbvi.virginia.gov.
