Program Eligibility

Program Eligibility

Under State and Federal law a Blind Person must be licensed to operate a vending facility in the BEP. The following is an explanation of the process. Licenses are issued only to persons who, as determined by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, meet all of the following requirements:

• Are blind, as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Are not less than 18 years of age.
• Are certified by the Commission as qualified to operate a vending facility.
• Are citizens of the United States.

An applicant must qualify under all of these criteria to be eligible for managing a facility in this employment program.

The following paragraphs explain the requirements.

• CERTIFIED AS BLIND - This means that the applicant's certified eye report must show legal blindness. Any time an operator obtains corrective surgery or his/her vision improves through any other means, the operator will be required to submit a new eye exam. If the individual is no longer legally blind, his/her license will be revoked because he/she does not meet all of the above legislatively established criteria. (State Rule 393.105 and 393.106)
• AGE - Must be over 18 years old.
• Business Enterprise Program certification includes evaluation, successful completion of classroom training and on-the-job training.
• CITIZENSHIP - Must be a citizen of the U.S., self explanatory.

Questions concerning an operator's present or continued eligibility must be directed to the rehabilitation counselor or BEP Promotional Agent.