John Oliveira, who has served as acting commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, was appointed to the role of commissioner on Thursday.
Born legally blind at birth, Oliveira has been an avid voice for people who are blind and/or visually impaired.
“I am grateful and fortunate for this opportunity to continue to serve the residents of the Commonwealth who are legally blind, as well as the broader blindness community,” said Oliveira in a statement. “I am looking forward to leading our dedicated staff as we continue working together to build on this agency’s tremendous history of providing social rehabilitation and employment opportunities to consumers with the goal of increasing their independence and full community participation.”
Oliveira first joined the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind in 2004 as a rehabilitation teacher, where he taught adaptive living skills to the program’s consumers, according to the Governor’s office. Oliveira held a number of roles during his him at the Commission including Director of Employment Services, according to the Governor’s office.
“Over the last few months, I have heard overwhelmingly positive responses from the community and our partners who are excited about the breadth of experience that John brings and his passion for the work of the Commission,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh in a statement. “I look forward to our continued work together to support MCB consumers in living full, independent lives in communities across Massachusetts.”
