A Message From Commissioner Oliveira |
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Hello,
Since I last wrote, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh appointed me as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. I had been serving an Acting Commissioner since April, but have held numerous roles at MCB since joining in 1987, including ten years as Deputy Commissioner.
I am grateful and fortunate for this opportunity to continue to serve our consumers, as well as the broader blindness community. I am looking forward to leading our dedicated staff as we continue working together to build on this agency’s tremendous history.
I first joined MCB as a rehabilitation teacher, providing adaptive living skills to our consumers. From there, I moved through the Commission holding a number of roles, but always focused on supporting the mission of MCB, and overseeing the opportunities for residents of Massachusetts who are legally blind. I also held the positions of vocational rehabilitation counselor, employment services supervisor, director of training and staff development, and director of assistive technology, allowing me to learn every facet of MCB. Through case work and leadership positions, I constantly found solutions for consumers with complex needs that would grant them autonomy, whether through employment opportunities or consumer services.
I look forward to our continued work together.
I wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Oliveira
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The picture above shows John Oliveira standing outside 1 Ashburton Place in Boston on November 16, 2023, after his official swearing in as Commissioner. |
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White Cane Awareness Day Celebration |
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Attendees gathered inside the Massachusetts State House's Great Hall for MCB's White Cane Awareness Day Celebration |
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More than 200 consumers, their families and friends, community partners, stakeholders, advocates, and lawmakers filled the Massachusetts State House's Great Hall on Friday, October 13, 2023, to celebrate White Cane Awareness Day with MCB.
Orientation and Mobility Director Ally Bull moderated the event. Commissioner John Oliveira delivered the opening remarks, followed by Secretary Walsh reading the Governor’s proclamation. Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, talked about making our communities safer, more accessible, and welcoming to all. Kyle Robidoux, a tireless advocate who has focused his professional and personal career on building community, gave the keynote speech.
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From left to right: Nikolas Hourican hugs his Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Erin Buckley, Syed Rizvi, Edward Machado |
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The recipients of the 3rd annual Meg Robertson Mobility Award were announced and presented with their plaques. Congratulations to the winners:
Youth: Nikolas Hourican
Adult: Syed Rizvi
DeafBlind Extended Supports (DBES): Edward Machado
The youth recipient, Nikolas Hourican, was surprised by Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill who attended the event and announced October 13, 2023, as Nikolas Hourican Day in the City of Beverly.
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From left to right: Jerry Kelleher, Nicole Spriggs, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Registrar Colleen Ogilvie |
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MCB also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Nicole Spriggs at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and Jerry Kelleher at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) who help promote white cane awareness throughout October on approximately 200 MassDOT billboards across the Commonwealth and a public service announcement on the monitors at RMV Service Centers. |
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MCB's White Cane Awareness Month public service announcement contains various video clips of people using their white cane. A voiceover announces the text on the screen. |
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This year MCB launched mass.gov/whitecane and shared our newly built promotional toolkit with nearly one-thousand community partners, stakeholders, municipalities, and disability commissions, to help increase awareness about the white cane and the White Cane Law in Massachusetts.
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In the video above, residents of Massachusetts talk about the importance of their white cane, orientation and mobility training, and the White Cane Law.
Speakers include:
- A group of six people from The Carroll Center for the Blind
- Mary Anne, Lowell
- Elizabeth, Plymouth
- Tom Osborn, West Dennis
- Vernetta, Lowell
- Doris Provencher, Lowell
- Elaine Coughlin, Buzzards Bay
- Earl Williams, Lowell
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
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This fall marked two significant events for people with disabilities: the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on September 26, 2023, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. |
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The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was the first federal legislation to address access and equity for people with disabilities and laid the foundation upon which the more comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 now stands. The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment by federal agencies, federal contractors and recipients of federal funds, and in the delivery of federally funded programs and activities. |
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Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy chose “Advancing Access and Equity” for this year’s theme to recognize the importance of ensuring people with disabilities have equal opportunity to prepare for and succeed in employment.
Throughout October, MCB highlighted the vocational achievements of the people we serve, and our dedicated colleagues who help them reach their goals.
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Visions of Employment Webinar |
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From left to right: Dan Martin, Carol Cullins, Michael Ricci, Anne Murphy, Mark Lupo |
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MCB hosted our annual Visions of Employment Webinar on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Dozens of Massachusetts employers joined us virtually to learn about the support MCB provides before, during, and after the hiring process. From initial recruitment through workplace accommodations, attendees heard from employers who have successfully hired qualified candidates who are blind and visually impaired.
Moderated by Employment Services Supervisor Carol Cullins and Employment Services Specialist Daniel Martin, our panel included:
- Michael Ricci, Mass General Brigham
- Anne Murphy, Mass General Brigham
- Mark Lupo, Draper
Maureen Banks, a registered nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, talked about her career journey as a woman who is legally blind.
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This year, our Visions of Employment Webinar was produced by Boston Neighborhood Network Media with the support of Glenn Williams, Monique Douglas, Shavarsh Morrissey, Ashley Lewis, and Kathleen Coffey.
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Employers also joined us for our two-day Virtual Reverse Job Fair on Friday, September 29, 2023, and Friday, October 6, 2023. Vetted job seekers who are blind or visually impaired gave a short pitch to introduce themselves to the employers and presented on how they can apply their skills and experiences in the workplace.
Highlights from the job fair include:
- Two job seekers have been offered and have accepted positions with an employer from the job fair.
- Two other job seekers who participated in the job fair accepted positions with employers who did not participate in the job fair. The job seekers participation in the job fair helped to prepare them for their interviews.
- Multiple job seekers have been contacted by employers from the job fair and are engaged in conversation.
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Summer Internship Program |
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This year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Summer Internship Program. This program launched in 2003 with only two interns. This year, 60 consumers participated, joining a group of approximately 800 interns who have graduated since the start.
The closing ceremony was held at the State House on August 10, 2023.
Undersecretary for Human Services Mary McGeown and Commissioner Oliveira delivered remarks. Kate Katulak Higgins, Associate Director of University Disability Resources at Harvard University, gave a moving keynote address.
We also announced Draper as the recipient of our Employer Partnership Award, which is presented annually to a Massachusetts employer that has shown a commitment to diversifying its workforce by providing internship and employment opportunities in the past year to residents of the Commonwealth who are legally blind.
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Certificates of Blindness
MCB Identification Cards
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To request a Certificate of Blindness or MCB Identification Card:
We are currently processing requests within five to seven business days.
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MCB Blindness Identification Card |
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MCB issues an Identification Card which certifies the holder is legally blind and registered with the agency. MCB is required to issue this identification card under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 135, which states any person who accepts a driver's license for the purpose of identification must accept the MCB Identification Card in the same way.
The MCB Identification Card is an acceptable form of customer identification to pick up controlled substance prescriptions from a pharmacy. Further details on identification requirements can be found on pages 67 and 68 of the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program's Data Submission Guide for Dispensers. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy provides reminders to pharmacies in the Commonwealth about this requirement.
The MCB Identification Card does NOT meet all the requirements of the REAL ID. On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
Any consumer who encounters an issue using their MCB Identification Card for identification purposes should contact our Blindness Registry with the name of the establishment, the date and time visited, and the name of the employee (if known). MCB will contact the establishment to educate them on the law.
Contact MCB's Blindness Registry:
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Please join us in welcoming these new staff members who joined our team in recent months:
- Dany Acosta
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Northeast Massachusetts)
- Janet Morris
- Rehabilitation Teacher (MetroWest)
- Sheila Tunney
- Chief Financial Officer
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MCB maintains a Community Calendar to highlight events for the blind and visually impaired community. If you're a stakeholder or community partner and would like to list an event on our Community Calendar, please email the details to mcbinfo@mass.gov
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Consumer Spotlight: Lavender Darcangelo |
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Left to right: Wil Darcangelo, Lavender Darcangelo, Governor Healey, Commissioner Oliveira |
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Last month, Commissioner Oliveira joined Governor Maura Healey as she welcomed Fitchburg's Lavender Darcangelo, a vocalist and disability advocate who is blind and autistic, to the Massachusetts State House. Lavender won over the hearts of millions with her incredible voice on this most recent season of America's Got Talent.
"She has so much talent, heart and hope, and I know her journey is only just beginning," Governor Healey said.
Lavender talked about her America's Got Talent journey during a recent interview with Boston Public Radio.
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The Special Gifts of Chocolate |
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David Everett Dickman, an author from Holden, has published a book, “The Special Gifts of Chocolate.” Growing up with six siblings, Chocolate the puppy never thought of herself as special, until one day she went to school. This is the story of Chocolate the Labrador and how she learns to become a dog guide for a very special person. The book is now on sale.
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MBTA Blind Access CharlieCard |
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Consumers can apply online for a new, renewal, or replacement Blind Access CharlieCard. People who are legally blind, as well as an accompanying guide, can ride most MBTA services for free with a Blind Access CharlieCard. These cards are valid for five years. The RIDE is the exception - fares remain at regular cost and Blind Access CharlieCards cannot be used. Service animals are always allowed on the MBTA.
Riders can contact their MCB counselor or visit the MBTA Mobility Center for online application support.
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MBTA South Coast Rail Project |
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The MBTA's South Coast Rail (SCR) project will offer a reliable transit connection between southeastern Massachusetts and Boston. Riders will be able to take a one-seat trip, no transfers needed, to Fall River and New Bedford for the first time since the late 1950s.
SCR's Safety First is a program that educates people on how to stay safe around train tracks. The goal is to bring an understanding of safety rules to all residents in every Southeastern Massachusetts city and town.
Through presentations, brochures, videos, meetings, and conversations, residents learn safety basics, including:
- Stay clear of the railroad right-of-way (ROW). It is illegal and very dangerous to trespass onto it.
- Only cross tracks in designated locations.
- Obey all warning signs and signals.
- It is never safe to be near or on railroad tracks.
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MBTA Rider Feedback Sign-Up (SWA) |
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The MBTA Technology Innovation Department provides information about buses and trains on digital platforms, like the MBTA's website, and on screens at stations and stops.
Recent projects include:
- Installing solar-powered signs with real-time information at bus stops
- Redesigning the MBTA website's homepage
- Interviewing MBTA riders about what information they need when buses are late
The Department would like to know more about you and see which projects would benefit from your feedback.
The MBTA is providing compensation in the form of a CharlieCard or gift card after a feedback session.
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The age- and dementia-friendly movement continues to grow in Massachusetts – there are now more than 200 communities working on age- and dementia-friendly initiatives, with many earning the Age-Friendly Designation and/or signing a Dementia Friendly Pledge.
To highlight the progress and innovations taking place in Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, in partnership with Point32Health Foundation and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC,) released a new podcast: ReiMAgine Aging.
The podcast highlights voices from statewide and community leaders, older adults, and non-profits who are taking part in the age- and dementia-friendly movement. Series episodes focus on how communities are updating infrastructure, food accessibility, expanding affordable supportive housing, increasing transportation options, and much more!
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Our Mission: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind serves approximately 30,000 residents of the Commonwealth who are legally blind by providing access to employment opportunities and social rehabilitation with the goal of increasing independence and full community participation.
Our Vision: A world where people who are blind and visually impaired are empowered with opportunities to work and thrive
Our Values: Perseverance, Adaptability, Respect, Resilience, Inclusion
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Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
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