Blind vendors can now sell more than just snacks in federal buildings

The US Department of Education wants to update rules for blind entrepreneurs who operate vending facilities in federal buildings. This means they can offer a wider range of goods and services, like coffee shops or gift stores, instead of just traditional vending machines.

For decades, blind entrepreneurs operating under the Randolph-Sheppard Act were largely limited to selling snacks and drinks from vending machines. This made it hard for them to compete as customer demands changed and technology evolved. The proposed changes would let them run more modern businesses, like cafes or small retail shops, making their operations more profitable and relevant.