| Oregon Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program |
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Business Resources
The Commission for the Blind offers business a variety of free services, including:
Diversity/Disability Awareness Training
We offer a two hour Diversity Training program in partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS), the Regional ADA Center (DABTAC), the Oregon Business Leadership Network (OBLN), and other local agencies serving the community. The Commission offers training to human resource managers and other interested departments specific technology seminars, and/or tours of the Portland Training Center. We will gladly visit the worksite and provide personal training to the managers and staff who will be working with the visually impaired person.
For more information, about our training programs, please call Lynda Van Doran at 971-673-1588.
Worksite Analysis / Worksite Accommodations Assessment
Our professional consultants are available to review the worksite to assess and test assistive technology devices to optimize the visually impaired or blind employee's work station and work productivity. Our technology staff can work with the company’s IT personnel to provide optimum understanding and use of assistive devices, and address and assist in resolution of software compatibility issues.
Employee Recruitment
We act as a resource both for applicants with vision impairments seeking employment, and for businesses seeking qualified applicants. We provide follow along services, and ongoing technology consulting to ensure the success and satisfaction of both parties.
Employee Retention Services
By working with the business, the IT department, and the current employee, we assist businesses in retaining current employees who are experiencing decreased vision.
Interested employees or businesses can contact us at 1-888-202-5463 to be referred to a consultant.
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The mission of the Business Enterprise Program is to promote independence by providing quality business opportunities to legally blind Oregonians through superior customer satisfaction.
The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is administered by the Oregon Commission for the Blind under the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Stand Act which covers federal properties and ORS 346.510 to 346.570. This state law provides that the Commission for the Blind shall operate vending facilities in or on any "public buildings or properties" defined as any building, land or other real property, owned, leased, or occupied by any department or agency of the state of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions except public elementary and secondary schools.
The purpose of the BEP is to provide customers with quality food service and vending programs, and to provide retail business management opportunities for people who are legally blind.
BEP operates food service and vending facilities throughout Oregon. These businesses are in federal, state, and other government buildings. Each facility is designed to meet the needs of the customers at the specific site.
Vending Machines: Computer-mechanized machines serve a variety of snacks, food items, beverages, fruits, etc. Most vending machine locations require as little as a 3' x 3' space per machine and are serviced daily, or as needed. Vending machine locations need a customer base of approximately 40 persons per machine.
Sundry/ Espresso Carts: Products such as newspapers, magazines, snacks and beverages are offered. These facilities are usually located in the lobby area of a building and need a customer base of 200 people.
Snack Bars: These attractively designed facilities offer the customer a variety of self-serve products as well as freshly prepared food items. Snack bars need a customer base of about 250 people.
Cafeterias: Most cafeterias offer a rotating menu with a variety of freshly prepared entrees, baked goods, and an assortment of self-serve products. These units require a customer base of at least 300-500 people to function efficiently.
Before operating a BEP food service facility, each manager must complete an extensive training program consisting of classroom instruction and on-site training. When classes and training are completed managers must pass a final examination to be licensed as BEP managers.
Business Enterprise Consumer Committee: The BECC is a group of 6 managers elected by their peers who work collaboratively with the agency's staff in administering the BEP, actively participating in policy, program and major administrative decisions.
To find out more about having your site evaluated as a potential BEP business, to tour some existing facilities, or to become a Business Enterprise manager, please contact us at (971)673-1588.
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Email: ocb.mail@state.or.us
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