Lynn student gives Braille presentation

LYNN – As far as Avana Morris is concerned, Gov. Deval Patrick is missing a very important member of his staff, and the Lynn English High School sophomore says she is just the person for the job.An expert at reading Braille, a written language for the blind, Morris says she could be Patrick’s official Braille translator if he chooses to add one to his staff – and she certainly has the experience.Morris, visually impaired herself, read a proclamation from Patrick at the State House Wednesday afternoon during the celebration of the 200th birthday of Louis Braille, the man who invented the language.The day-long event featured speeches from blind and visually impaired residents about how Braille has affected their lives, and presentations of the latest Braille technology. Morris, however, had the most important job Wednesday, reading Patrick’s proclamation from a Braille translation.An avid public speaker who hopes to study communications in college, Morris was chosen for the speech as a result of her active work within the blind community, especially at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton.”They actually called about two nights ago and asked if I would speak at the State House,” she said. “I read Braille every day, I have been reading it since I came to Lynn when I was five. I can read both large print and Braille, but Braille is more efficient.”Morris said she was happy to get some exposure speaking to the public, and made the most of an impromptu meeting with Patrick, who could not attend the event due to the funeral of Boston firefighter Keven Kelley Wednesday.”Gov. Patrick was there and I introduced myself to him. I actually saw him in the hall when he was leaving, and I said ‘I’ll be reading your proclamation’ and he said ‘good,'” she said. “He was being whisked along and all these people were taking his picture. I told him I didn’t want a picture, just remember my face.”Morris has a bevy of Braille technology at her fingertips, from a computer that lets her surf the Web to a Braille typewriter. She says she is happy that she was given the experience to speak at the state level and hopes to continue spreading the word about Braille and remain active in the blind community. And if Patrick ever wants to add that Braille translator to his staff, he knows who to call.”It was an excellent experience,” she said. “Now I have some ties there. I told my mom I have to get people my card so that they won’t forget me.”