Olivia Ann Ferrante

Ms. Ferrante is a consultant and teacher who has dedicated more than five decades to education and advocacy for blind and visually impaired people. Ms. Ferrante’s vision was impaired by the lifesaving medical treatments she received as a premature baby, and her experiences living with a disability inspired her to work on behalf of others with similar challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Regis College and a Master of Education from Boston College, has completed additional postgraduate coursework at Middlebury College and Lesley University, and is a credentialed teacher for the blind and history teacher. Ms. Ferrante was chair of the National Braille Press’ Braille department from 1971 until 1974, when she transitioned to working as a traveling special needs teacher, working with visually impaired students at more than 50 high schools over the next 18 years. She remains a consultant to the Revere PTA, the Steven J. Rich Scholarship Committee, and has advocated for public improvements including audio pedestrian signals and accessible movie theaters throughout Massachusetts. Ms. Ferrante continues her work as a member of numerous Catholic charities and community policy organizations benefiting persons with disabilities and animals, including the Braille Institute of America and Animal Umbrella.