About Randolph-Sheppard

The Randolph-Sheppard Act is the only federal initiative designed to assist persons who are blind in developing the skills needed to own and manage their own businesses. Enacted in 1936, the Act originally provided employment opportunities through the operation of vending facilities in federal buildings. Amended and expanded in 1954 and 1974, the Act now gives priority to blind vendors seeking to operate and manage vending facilities on federal property, with those facilities including:

  • Automatic vending machines,
  • Cafeterias,
  • Snack bars,
  • Cart service,
  • Shelters, and
  • Counters.

This priority has been broadened in many states to include state, county, and municipal locations as well.

Under the Randolph-Sheppard program, state licensing agencies (SLA) are responsible for recruiting, training, and licensing individuals who are blind or have vision impairment to manage vending facilities. Most SLAs operate Randolph-Sheppard programs out of their state’s rehabilitative services department, where they are typically referred to as “business enterprise programs.” The US Department of Education also refers to them as “vending facility programs” for individuals who are blind. The Act requires each SLA to allow active participation and feedback from an elected committee in the operations and rules of the program, meaning Randolph-Sheppard policies may differ from state to state.

Spring 2026 NCSAB Conference
Beyond Barriers: Innovation Leads to Independence
When: April 1 – 3, 2026
Where: Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street, NW, Washington DC 20001
About the Conference
The NCSAB Spring 2026 Training Conference brings together state agency leaders and professionals serving the blind and visually impaired. This gathering focuses on advancing strategies that break through barriers and harness innovation to promote greater independence and opportunity across the country.
Early Registration (Feb 3 - Feb 27)
Members: $495
Non-Members: $845
Group (5+ Members): $450/ea
One Day: $400
Speaker: $300
Exhibitor Early: $1,690
Late Registration (Feb 28 - Mar 24)
Members Late: $545
Non-Member Late: $895
Group Late (Members): $500/ea
One Day Late: $450
Speaker: $300
Exhibitor Late: $1,740
Accommodation & Dietary Requests: Deadline February 27, 2026. Must be requested during registration.
Cancellations: Full refund by Feb 27; 50% refund Feb 28 - March 23. No refunds after March 23.
Membership Dues: If you have not paid your 2025 Membership Dues, you must register as a non-member. Contact Treasurer Natasha Jerde at natasha.jerde@state.mn.us for status inquiries.
Hotel Reservations
Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 | (202) 582-1234
Room Rate: $309 single/double +taxes
Block Code: G-CS4V (Ask for CSAVR/NCSAB room block)
Cut-Off Date: March 6, 2026
Travel Note: Located on the Metro Center stop (accessible via Blue line from Reagan Airport). 4.5 miles from airport.
BE AWARE: $500 fine for smoking, vaping, or candles in rooms.
HOTEL ROOM CANCELLATION POLICY:
All cancellations for the CSAVR/NCSAB/NCSRC room block must be made through Theresa Hamrick at thamrick@CSAVR.org (301-519-8023). Cancelled rooms will be assigned to the waitlist. If you require an accessible room and cannot secure one, contact Theresa Hamrick immediately.