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Lawton Businessman Enjoys Benefits of Innovative Program

(LAWTON) For more than six decades, many Oklahomans who are blind or visually impaired have taken advantage of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) to become employed, taxpaying business owners. BEP managers operate automated vending, snack bars and cafeterias in federal, state and county buildings, as well as private businesses across the state. The cost of equipment is covered by the Division of Visual Services in the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

A.B. Swanson has been in the program for the past 20 years and is currently managing the Military Dining Hall at Fort Sill. Swanson and his staff serve more than 13,000 customers daily.

"The BEP is a wonderful program that has been very good to me over the years. Before I heard about it, I was extremely limited in how far I could go in the workforce. In this program you are only limited by how hard you are willing to work," said Swanson. "When you add that together with the incredible staff and resources of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), you have got yourself a recipe for success."

In 1936, the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act started the program which included buildings on federal property. The following year, the Oklahoma legislature granted the same priority to individuals on state and county property. The intent behind the law is to provide employment opportunities for Oklahomans who are blind, reducing the need for disability benefits and social services. Total sales generated by facilities in Oklahoma exceed $7 million each year. BEP managers give back a percentage of net proceeds which DRS then matches with federal funds to support the program.

Swanson, who has been without most of his vision since birth due to severe scar tissue on the optic nerves, says that DRS goes to great lengths to train each vendor according to food industry standards and regulations.
Like other small business owners, BEP managers make important contributions by paying state and local taxes, buying products from local vendors and employing members of the community.

"This program has always been a perfect fit for me, I have worked my entire life and I have never once considered sitting on my behind and waiting on a check to arrive in my mailbox" said Swanson.

The Department of Rehabilitation Services annually assists approximately 87,000 Oklahomans with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living and residential and outreach education programs. The agency also determines medical eligibility for disability benefits.

For more information about the Business Enterprise Program, call (405) 231-1069. For more information about other DRS programs and services, call (405) 951-3400 in Oklahoma City or (800) 845-8476 toll free.

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