Phone: (202) 442-8739   Fax: (202) 442-8745 

 

The mission of the DC Business Enterprise for the Blind (Randolph Sheppard Vending Facilities Program) is to provide remunerative employment in the District of Columbia for individuals who are legally blind. The program assigns them to snack bars, cafeterias, card shops and other retail operations in federal and/or District owned, leased or otherwise operated properties.  

 

This program endeavors to engage in dialogue with various entities to establish a viable training mechanism for aspirins to the Randolph Sheppard Vending Facilities program. In addition, the Visual Impairment Unit of the Clients Services Division at RSA often generates referrals to the program for training. The program was instrumental in the development of a computerized database used to expedite semi-annual vendor evaluations and subsequent ranking list for promotion and transfer. 

 

The Randolph Sheppard Vending Facilities Program is an active participant in annual Region III Vendor Training Conferences, hosts quarterly meetings with the Blind Vendors at large, and attends conferences with the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind.

 

Though litigation, the Blind Vendors Pension Plan and Pension monies are managed in-house under the DC Business Enterprise for the Blind. In addition, the biennial election of the District of Columbia Committee of Blind Vendors is conducted through this program.