Monarch RISE
In September 2024 APH launched the Monarch, a multi-line braille and graphics tablet, initiating a long-sought revolution in electronic braille technology. Over five years, APH will assess the impact of this innovative braille/graphics technology in significantly enhancing access to achieving and maintaining competitive integrated employment for individuals who are blind, low vision or deafblind. Through Monarch RISE, 250 Monarchs will be distributed to employment and educational professionals and individuals seeking competitive integrated employment across the United States.
The project will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on gathering input regarding the use of the Monarch in competitive integrated employment and educational settings from employment-focused professionals and selected individuals who are blind, low vision or deafblind who will receive Monarchs coupled with training to master the device. In addition to evaluating the use of the Monarch to support competitive integrated employment and higher education, this group will propose targeted improvements to optimize the Monarch for employment-related applications and provide, as appropriate, life-coaching services to individuals served in the second phase of the project.
The second phase will focus on assessing the value of the Monarch’s capabilities in supporting competitive integrated employment and higher education goals for individuals who are blind, low vision or deafblind. These individuals will receive Monarchs coupled with innovative training and support to integrate the Monarch into their vocational or educational pursuits.
Throughout the course of the project, APH will simultaneously develop, test, refine, and launch a new application for the Monarch along with improvements in its existing applications. The new app will take advantage of the Monarch’s braille and graphics capabilities to empower individuals’ efforts to achieve and maintain competitive integrated employment. Feedback from all project participants will be integral to testing and refining the application. It will be available to all Monarch users at no cost.
The RISE project will be built on an iterative process of product distribution, feedback collection, product refinement, ongoing training, and app development to provide support for individuals pursuing competitive integrated employment. The project aims to demonstrate that access to innovative braille and tactile graphics technology will have a significant impact on achievement of and advancement in a variety of competitive and integrated employment opportunities for individuals who are blind, low vision or deafblind.
Applications for Monarch RISE
While all applicant types will be considered and may be selected at any time between spring 2025 and summer 2026, most selections will follow this schedule:
Phase 1 Priority Deadline: March 3, 2025 (Most selections in mid-April 2025)
- Phase 1 Application is Closed
- Professionals in the Field supporting CIE-seeker
- Professionals who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind
Phase 2 Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026 (Most selections in April and Summer 2026)
- Phase 2 Application will be available in early 2026!
- CIE-Seeking Individuals
Learn More: Use the links below to register and watch recordings of informational Zoom meetings about Monarch RISE. Recordings for Interested CIE-Seeking Individuals will be available in Spring 2026.
- Monarch RISE Meeting of Interested Organizations and Universities
- Monarch RISE Meeting of Interested Blind Professionals
Disclaimer: 100% of the total costs of APH’s DIF-F project will be financed by the $10 million grant. No percentage of the total costs of the project will be financed by non-governmental sources. The contents of this website were developed under grant #H421F240052 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this website may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this website does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency.