NABM had a strong presence at the NAMA D.C. Fly In. Pictured here are NABM President Nicky Gacos (Right),U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Rob Engstrom (Center), and John Pare, Executive Director of the National Federation of the Blind Advocacy and Policy Unit (Left).

The National Association of Blind Merchants had a very successful Day on the Hill in D.C. on May 23rd. Eighty (80) blind entrepreneurs and other interested individuals from 24 states attended the one day event and went to The Hill to tell our story to Congress.

Participants focused on 4 issues:

(1) The regulations proposed by the Department of Defense that could virtually eliminate the blind vendor priority for troop dining contracts. Click here for more information>>

(2) DOD’s failure to create traditional Randolph-Sheppard vending facilities on military bases. Click here for more information>>

(3) Proposed commercialization of the interstate rest areas. Click here for more information>>

(4) The VA’s continued refusal to comply with the Randolph-Sheppard Act. Click here for more information.>>

To review the fact sheets we handed out on each issue click on the appropriate link above.

“It is critically important that we have blind people speaking on behalf of blind people on these sorts of issues,” said NABM President Nicky Gacos. “No one can tell our story and advocate on our behalf better than us .”

The National Office of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore played a vital role in ensuring the success of the Fly In. Consideration is being given to making this an annual event.