John Oliveira

John Oliveira was appointed Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) in September 2023. 

Oliveira held numerous roles at MCB since joining in 1987, including 10 years as Deputy Commissioner before his appointment as Acting Commissioner in April 2023. 

Oliveira first joined MCB as a rehabilitation teacher, providing adaptive living skills to MCB’s consumers. From there he moved through the Commission holding a number of roles, but always focused on supporting the mission of MCB, and overseeing the opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired in Massachusetts. He has also held the positions of vocational rehabilitation counselor, employment services supervisor, director of training and staff development, and director of assistive technology, allowing him to learn every facet of MCB. Through case work and leadership positions he constantly found solutions for consumers with complex needs that would grant them autonomy, whether through employment opportunities or consumer services. 

Legally blind since birth, Oliveira is an advocate for increased independence for people who are blind and visually impaired, and inclusivity in the blindness community.

Originally from the Azores, Oliveira received a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in rehabilitation teaching from Boston College. 

Oliveira is a member of the Lions Clubs International, Association of Blind Citizens, National Federation of the Blind, and the Visually Impaired and Blind User Group.