Important Articles and Speeches

NABM President Gacos Named to NAMA Board

nfb_admin — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:02:44 +0000

NABM President Gacos Named to NAMA Board nfb_admin Tue, 07/24/2018 - 16:02

Nicky Gacos Elected to NAMA Board – Congratulations to Nicky Gacos, President of the National Association of Blind Merchants, who was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA). NAMA is the trade organization that represents the interests of the nation’s vending industry. On July 1st when he assumed office, Gacos became the first blind person to ever serve on the NAMA Board. His election is a significant step forward and strengthens the position of blind entrepreneurs in the larger vending industry. The issues that affect the vending industry as a whole also affect Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneurs. It also puts NABM in better position to educate the larger industry about the needs of our blind entrepreneurs. While attending the NAMA One Show in Las Vegas in April, Gacos also received special recognition from NAMA when he was presented an award for advocacy. Gacos is both a national leader in the vending industry and an advocate for blind entrepreneurs and is well deserving of this award. Congratulations Nicky Gacos.

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Industry Updates

NABM DAY on The Hill

nfb_admin — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:43:41 +0000

NABM DAY on The Hill nfb_admin Tue, 06/05/2018 - 09:43

NABM DAY on The Hill Blind Entrepreneurs Educate Members of Congress On May 22, 2018, over 100 blind entrepreneurs got off of buses on Independence Avenue in front of the Rayburn House Office Building and following a Congressional Breakfast spread out over Capitol Hill to educate their members of Congress about the Randolph-Sheppard Program. The message was that blind entrepreneurs can own and operate successful businesses when afforded the opportunity and that the Randolph-Sheppard priority is one worth supporting. The discussions focused on 3 areas:

The negative impact that rest area commercialization would have on blind entrepreneurs across the country;
Problems with DoD contracting that create a disincentive for contracting officers to award troop dining contracts to Randolph-Sheppard; and,
Problems in the Department of Education’s administration of the Program.

The rest area commercialization issue is one that is not new; however, it picked up steam this year when President Trump included the idea in his much anticipated infrastructure plan. If Congress enacted this proposal, approximately 400 blind entrepreneurs who operate vending at these rest areas could be displaced and lose their livelihoods. The goal was to make sure members knew exactly how blind people could be harmed by such legislation. Important: please click here for Commercialization Fact Sheet>> The second issue related to Department of Defense contracting. Due to a quirk in the law, there is a disincentive for DoD contracting officers to award troop dining contracts to Randolph-Sheppard. The contracting officers have quotas they have to meet in terms of awarding contracts to small businesses. State Licensing Agencies are not small businesses so giving a contract to the SLA is the same as giving it to a large corporation. NABM would like to see that changed since in reality the contract is being managed by a small business owned by a blind person. Important: please click here for DoD contracting Fact Sheet>> The third issue related to the Department of Education’s failure to promptly issue convening letters for arbitration panels or to approve state BEP rules in a timely manner. These failures are creating a hardship on blind vendors and SLA’s alike. The goal was simply to ask Congress to make Education do its job. Important: please click here for Department of Education's Fact Sheet>> It was a great experience and a productive one as dozens of blind entrepreneurs trekked to The Hill for their first time. Canes and dogs were evident everywhere. No one can tell the story of Randolph-Sheppard better than those who live it everyday.

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

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Press Releases

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING REST AREA COMMERCIALIZATION

nfb_admin — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 14:12:27 +0000

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND PASSES RESOLUTION OPPOSING REST AREA COMMERCIALIZATION nfb_admin Mon, 07/17/2017 - 14:12

Resolution 2017-16

Regarding the Commercialization of Interstate Rest Areas

Proponent: 2017-16

WHEREAS, Congress, in 1936, enacted the Randolph-Sheppard Act to “provide blind persons with remunerative employment,” to “enlarge their economic opportunities, and encourage their self-support through the operation of vending facilities in federal buildings,” and subsequent amendments to the Randolph-Sheppard Act have further clarified Congress’s intent and have continued to expand economic opportunities for blind entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, in 1982 Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly of Connecticut recognized the opportunity that existed for blind entrepreneurs at interstate rest areas and subsequently introduced the “Kennelly Amendment” to the Surface Transportation Act, which authorized state licensing agencies designated to administer the Randolph-Sheppard Program the priority to operate vending machines at interstate rest areas; and

WHEREAS, because of the passage of the “Kennelly Amendment,” today, 20 percent of blind entrepreneurs who participate in the Randolph-Sheppard Program operate vending machines at interstate rest areas nation-wide; and

WHEREAS, the livelihood of these approximately four hundred blind entrepreneurs is now being jeopardized by Congressional efforts which seek to commercialize these interstate rest areas, most recently with the introduction of H.R. 1990 in the 115th Congress by Congressman Jim Banks of Indiana, which seeks to amend Title 23, United States Code, to allow food concessions at state-owned interstate rest areas; and

WHEREAS, the result of commercialization of interstate rest areas would be directly felt by blind entrepreneurs, who would then be forced to compete with well-established and well-recognized franchises, essentially putting these blind entrepreneurs out of work almost overnight: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this fourteenth day of July, 2017, in the City of Orlando, Florida, that this organization urge that Congressman Jim Banks withdraw H.R. 1990 from consideration in the 115^th Congress until the concerns of the blind entrepreneurs who earn their living from vending machines in our nation’s interstate rest areas are adequately addressed.

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Braille Readers are Leaders

nfb_admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 12:46:00 +0000

Braille Readers are Leaders nfb_admin Sat, 10/10/2015 - 12:46

Braille is Vital to Literacy for the Visually Impaired

Please read the article titled "Braille is Vital to Literacy for the Visually Impaired" by Gwen Sadler, for additional information about braille readers.

Louis Braille Commemorative Coin

The National Association of Blind Merchants realizes there is a crisis in literacy education for blind children. Our blind merchants actively promote Braille through http://www.braille.org/. The first ever Louis Braille silver dollar will actually have raised letters embossed on the coin. Congress mandated the minting of the coin, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. The coin will be released by the United States Mint, in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind, in ceremonies at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore. There will also be hundreds of coin release events throughout the country. A percentage of sales from each coin go directly to fund targeted Braille literacy programs. Collectors will want one of these coins. Many will want to purchase a coin to support expanded Braille literacy programs. Learn more about the coin and how you can support Braille literacy through the National Federation of the Blind by visiting http://www.nfb.org/braille-initiative.

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National Federation of the Blind and NAMA: Building on their advocacy work together

nfb_admin — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 13:00:04 +0000

National Federation of the Blind and NAMA: Building on their advocacy work together nfb_admin Tue, 10/29/2013 - 13:00

From Left: Jesse Hartle, Government Programs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind; Nicky Gacos, President of the National Association of Blind Merchants, division of the National Federation of the Blind; Eric Dell, Senior Vice President, NAMA; John G. Paré, Jr. Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy National Federation of the Blind.

National Federation of the Blind and NAMA: Building on Their Advocacy Work Together

(CHICAGO) OCTOBER 29, 2013 – NAMA’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Eric Dell visited the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) headquarters last week to continue and expand the advocacy relationship with the NFB and Blind Vendors.

NAMA has increased its advocacy efforts with the Blind Vendor community across the country, specifically on state and local issues in California, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.).

Nicky Gacos, a member of NAMA’s Government Affairs committee and the President of the National Association of Blind Merchants, initiated the meeting with Dell and NFB leadership. “While our work together benefits Blind Vendors, it also positively impacts the industry overall. I look forward to our continued joint advocacy efforts,” said Gacos.

“Our work together will also include issues at the U.S. Mint related to potential recommendations to Congress on the metallic content of coins,” said Dell. “Our advocacy partnership has been very beneficial to the industry.”

Founded in 1936, NAMA is the national association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment services industry. With more than 1800 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership.

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A Rock and a Hard Place

nfb_admin — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:06:10 +0000

A Rock and a Hard Place nfb_admin Thu, 10/03/2013 - 13:06

A Rock and a Hard Place: Blind Vendors and Government Officials Debate Menu Mandates

10/03/13 at 07:49 PM | by Kevan Worley

The fastest growing thicket of regulations mandating "healthy" vending in federal, state, and local facilities was the focus of a panel discussion at the National Association of Blind Merchants' recent 2013 Business Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST) conference, held at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Indianapolis. The "healthy vending" panel moderated by Vending Times Senior Editor Emily Jed, brought together nutrition experts from government agencies and other health advocates, along with blind vendor operators. All are members of the Randolph-Sheppard Healthy Vending Work group, recently established by National Association of Blind Merchants executive director Kevan Worley.

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White House Announces Janet LaBreck as Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner

nfb_admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:11:06 +0000

White House Announces Janet LaBreck as Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner nfb_admin Thu, 02/07/2013 - 10:11

Posted on February 7, 2013

The White House has announced that President Obama has nominated Janet LaBreck to be the next Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner. Her nomination has been forwarded to the U.S. Senate for confirmation. I have had the great privilege of working with Ms. LaBreck through the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind. Many of us at the NFB and Randolph-Sheppard community support her appointment and look forward to working with her.

Ms. LaBreck is currently the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), a position she has held since her appointment by the Massachusetts Governor in 2007. She has held previous positions at the MCB as Regional Director of Central Massachusetts from 2001 to 2007, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from 1993 to 2001, Independent Living Coordinator from 1987 to 1992, and Consumer Advocate from 1985 to 1986. In addition, she has been an adjunct professor at AssumptionCollege since 2005, where she teaches graduate-level courses in rehabilitation of the blind and case management in rehabilitation. Ms. LaBreck received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the New England College of Optometry. She also received a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts and an M.Ed. from SpringfieldCollege, SpringfieldMassachusetts.

Read the release from the White House here.

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Presidential Memorandum

nfb_admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:10:01 +0000

Presidential Memorandum nfb_admin Fri, 01/20/2012 - 12:10

Posted on January 20, 2012

Washington, D.C. (January 20, 2012): 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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Sodexo Selected

nfb_admin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:57:18 +0000

Sodexo Selected nfb_admin Mon, 08/08/2011 - 12:57

Posted on August 8, 2011

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Sodexo Selected for Food Services at 20 U.S. Marine Corps Mess Halls

By Sodexo, Inc.

Gaithersburg, Maryland, Aug. 8, 2011 — PRNewswire — Sodexo, Inc., leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions, announced today that it has been selected by the United States Marine Corps for a contract for up to seven years to provide food services at 20 Marine Corps garrison mess halls in the west coast of the U.S., valued at $766 million in revenues over the life of the contract.

“We are very pleased and proud that the Marine Corps recognized Sodexo’s exceptional breadth and expertise in providing value and service to the U.S. Marine Corps men and women,” said George Chavel, president and CEO Sodexo North America. “Each day, the United States Marines are called upon to do what they do best—launching rapid-response, flexible and self-sustaining teams on a moment’s notice to wherever they are needed around the world. The teams here at Sodexo remain prepared to do what we do best, provide the very best service to our customers.”

With this additional contract, Sodexo will serve a total of 51 garrison mess hall locations in Arizona, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. More than 40 percent of Sodexo’s contract with the U.S. Marine Corps will be serviced through subcontracts with small, minority, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses and with organizations that represent the interests of individuals with disabilities. Sodexo will combine custom-created systems and programs at each base location to provide quality dining for Marine Corps customers.

Sodexo was awarded the contract to operate 31 additional mess halls in February 2011.

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