Resolution 2002-01
          American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc.

WHEREAS, The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD) was enacted by
the United States Congress to establish a network of products
and services at a guaranteed price, quality, and delivery tor
military and federal agencies from a procurement list, developed
by the Committee for Purchase, and to provide employment
opportunities for people with disabilities through the National
Industries for the Blind (NIB) and the National Industries for the
severely Handicapped (NISH;) and

Whereas, The Federal Stream-line Acquisition Act gives each
department within federal agencies the authority, through the
issuance of credit cards, for direct purchase of supplies needed
for the operation of the agencies; and

Whereas, since the inception of the Federal Stream-line
Acquisition Act, some card-holders within federal agencies have
deviated from the federal procurement list to purchase items for
use without respect for compliance with the provisions of The
Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act; and

Whereas, non-compliance with the provisions of JWOD results in
over payment and misuse of federal funds and the loss of
revenue for NIB and NISH member agencies and may affect the
employment of people who are blind or visually impaired and
people with other disabilities:

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by The American Council of the
Blind of Texas, Inc., assembled in meeting this fifteenth day of
September, 2002, in the City of Lubbock, Texas, that The
American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc. supports and
endorses the provisions of The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act and
favors its continued authorization with firmer controls to assure
compliance by federal agencies and military administration
offices; and

Be it further resolved that The american Council of the Blind of
Texas, Inc. supports the employment and the freedom of choice
to seek employment by people who are blind or visually impaired 
in NIB member agencies.



Unanimously approved


Recommended dissemination
Representatives to the United States Congress from Texas,
     who have a NIB member agency in their district
U.S. Senators from Texas
National Industries for the Blind
ACB
posted on ACBT web site