Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

10/26/2026

We are honored to be recognized by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources!

A special thank you to EOHHS HR for highlighting the important work of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the dedicated staff who make our mission possible every day.

From promoting independence and supporting employment opportunities to empowering individuals who are legally blind across the Commonwealth, our team makes a meaningful difference in the lives of nearly 28,000 residents.

👏 Congratulations to our incredible MCB staff! This recognition is a reflection of your hard work, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the individuals and families we serve.

Thank you for all that you do, and thank you to EOHHS HR for shining a spotlight on our agency!

Every day, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) works to ensure that residents who are legally blind have the tools and opportunities to live with independence, purpose, and dignity. Serving nearly 28,000 people statewide, MCB's approximately 140 staff members provide training, education, and advocacy that empower people to participate fully in their communities and pursue meaningful careers.

MCB’s work is built on three core programs:

- Social Rehabilitation – Helping individuals build independent living skills and thrive in their communities.
- Vocational Rehabilitation – Preparing and supporting consumers to achieve competitive, integrated employment and economic self-sufficiency through services such as career counseling and guidance, skills training, post-secondary education support, assistive technology, job placement, internships, and on-the-job supports.
- Turning 22 – Delivering residential care, case management, and specialized services for youth and young adults (age 14+) who are DeafBlind and/or legally blind with complex needs.

More than two-thirds of those served are over 60, but MCB provides services across the lifespan—from older adults experiencing vision loss to young people preparing for independence and employment. Founded in 1906 with Helen Keller as one of its first commissioners, MCB carries forward a legacy of innovation and advocacy.

Together, these efforts reflect MCB’s vision for a Commonwealth where all residents who are legally blind are empowered to live fulfilling, independent lives with opportunities to work and thrive.

Learn more about MCB at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masscommblind/

10/26/2026

The energy from White Cane Awareness Day is still going strong, even after the weekend! 🎉

We’re still feeling inspired by the incredible speakers, award winners, meaningful conversations, and wonderful community that came together to celebrate independence, accessibility, and empowerment! 🦯

A big thank you to Lowell Association for the Blind - LAB for sharing these fantastic photos of some of our speakers, including Allyson Bull Tordo, Director of Orientation and Mobility (MCB); John Oliveira, Commissioner (MCB); Joe Buizon, Director of Programs and Services (MCB); and State Representative Jay Livingstone.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration so memorable! 💙

10/23/2026

Today we celebrated White Cane Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House! It was wonderful to see attendees meet Commissioner John Oliveira, connect with the community, and gather in the Hall of Flags.

Thank you to all the speakers, Perkins School for the Blind for providing food, the Talking Information Center for bringing the event to listeners through live audio, and everyone who visited the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind table and gathered partner brochures and information. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate independence and raise awareness. 🤍 🦯

10/22/2026

The countdown begins—White Cane Awareness Day is tomorrow! 🦯🎉

Join us at the Massachusetts State House as we celebrate the independence, achievements, and contributions of people who are blind or low vision, and raise awareness of the white cane.

📅 Friday, October 23, 2026
🕚 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Doors open at 10 a.m.
📍 Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

Event details:
https://www.mass.gov/event/white-cane-awareness-day-10-23-2026

Can’t join us in person? Tune in! The Talking Information Center (TIC) is bringing the celebration LIVE from the State House to listeners across Massachusetts and beyond.

Learn how to listen:
https://www.mass.gov/news/hear-white-cane-day-with-the-talking-information-center-wherever-you-are

Including:
Online: Visit www.ticnetwork.org and select “Listen.”
By Telephone: Call 781-834-5836 to listen live.
TIC Radio Receiver: Tune in using your specialized TIC receiver.
Alexa: Say, “Alexa, open the Talking Information Center.”

We look forward to celebrating with you!

10/21/2026

🦯Celebrate White Cane Day with Talking Information Center — Wherever You Are!

📅 Friday, October 23
https://www.mass.gov/event/white-cane-awareness-day-10-23-2026

You don't have to be at the Massachusetts State House to be part of the celebration!

The Talking Information Center (TIC) is bringing the White Cane Day Celebration LIVE from the State House to listeners across Massachusetts and beyond!

🎧 There are so many ways to listen!

📱 iPhone App: Download the FREE Talking Information Center app from the Apple App Store.

🔊 Alexa: Simply say, "Alexa, open the Talking Information Center."

💻 Online: Visit www.ticnetwork.org and click "Listen."

☎️ By Phone: Call 781-834-5836 to listen live.

📻 TIC Radio Receiver: Tune in using your TIC receiver.

And remember, TIC is here for you beyond White Cane Day! TIC provides FREE, accessible programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people who are blind, have low vision, or face challenges accessing printed materials.

💙 Everyone deserves access to information, connection, and community.

🌐 Learn more about White Cane Day and all the ways you can listen on our website: https://www.mass.gov/news/hear-white-cane-day-with-the-talking-information-center-wherever-you-are

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with friends, family, and anyone who could benefit from TIC!

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10/15/2026

October 15 is White Cane Safety Day! 🦯

Today, we recognize the white cane as a symbol of independence, mobility, and safety for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

White Cane Safety Day also serves as an important reminder that pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility. By staying alert, respecting crosswalks, and being mindful of pedestrians using white canes or traveling with a guide dog, we can all help create safer, more accessible communities.

MCB is proud to celebrate White Cane Safety Day and looks forward to our annual celebration at the Massachusetts State House on October 23!

Sign up now! https://forms.mass.gov/eohhs-mcb/form/28/

10/15/2026

October is White Cane Awareness Month! 🌟 Join the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind in honoring the independence and empowerment that the white cane provides, while raising awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts. This law requires drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings.

Learn more: mass.gov/whitecane

10/14/2026

🧸💙 Making Play Accessible, One Toy at a Time!

For engineer Ellen Ellsworth, a simple toy can open a world of possibilities!

Through community workshops, Ellen and her volunteers adapt toys so children with disabilities can play more independently.

For children like Esteban, who has low vision and receives services from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), these adapted toys bring more than lights and sounds. They bring joy, confidence, and independence.

✨ "It's not just about the toy anymore," Ellen says.

Discover how Ellen is bringing volunteers together, empowering children, and making play more accessible for everyone!

📖 Read the full inspiring story: https://www.mass.gov/news/mcb-consumer-spotlight-ellen-ellsworth

10/13/2026

🚘 Exploring the future of transportation and accessibility!

On October 2, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) Commissioner John Oliveira had the opportunity to explore Waymo's self-driving vehicle technology during the Workforce Innovation and AI-Driven Technology event hosted by MassAbility.

Commissioner Oliveira got an up-close look at the vehicle, explored its features, and experienced the interior firsthand.

As emerging technologies continue to evolve, innovations in transportation have the potential to create new opportunities for greater independence, mobility, and accessibility for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

MCB is excited to be part of conversations about how technology can help build a more accessible and inclusive future for everyone!