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Monarch RISE: Resources for Inclusion, Skills, and Employment
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: Resources for Inclusion, Skills, and Employment 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 are now open. 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)
- 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)
- CIE-Seeking Individuals
Disclaimer: The contents of this site were developed under a grant number H21F240052 from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221e-3 and 3474). 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.
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.
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Download this FAQ as a Word Document: Monarch RISE FAQ (docx).
What is the Monarch RISE project?
Monarch RISE is a 5-Year Disability Innovation Fund project. The core focus of Monarch RISE is to understand how the Monarch can empower individuals in achieving and sustaining competitive integrated employment (CIE).
Who is eligible to participate in the Monarch RISE project?
The following individuals may be eligible to participate:
- Adults and Transition-Age Students (14+):
Individuals who are currently seeking or plan to seek competitive integrated employment (CIE) before September 2028. - Blind Professionals:
Those currently working in CIE positions outside of blindness services. Participants in this group must be willing and able to provide mentoring to individuals seeking CIE. - Professionals Supporting CIE-Seekers:
Includes those working in vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, higher education, blindness services, and similar roles that support adults and transition-aged students seeking CIE. - Additional Requirements:
All selected participants must be proficient in 6-key entry and meet other criteria outlined in the project application.
How can I apply for the Monarch RISE project?
Application will be posted on the Monarch RISE web page in early February.
Is there a cost associated with participating in the Monarch RISE project?
There is no direct cost to participate in Monarch RISE.
What are the key objectives of the Monarch RISE project?
The key objective of the Monarch RISE project is to empower individuals’ efforts to achieve and maintain competitive integrated employment by
- distributing 250 Monarchs to transition-aged students and adults across the United States
- evaluating the Monarch and Monarch resources regarding CIE
- proposing targeted improvements to the Monarch and Monarch resources focused on CIE
- launching a new application for the Monarch designed for CIE
What is Competitive Integrated Employment?
Competitive integrated employment means work that—
- (i) Is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment) and for which an individual is compensated at a rate that-
- (A) Is not less than the higher of the rate specified in section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) or the rate required under the applicable State or local minimum wage law for the place of employment;
- (B) Is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
- (C) In the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are self-employed in similar occupations or on similar tasks and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
- (D) Is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees; and
- (ii) Is at a location—
- (A) Typically found in the community; and
- (B) Where the employee with a disability interacts for the purpose of performing the duties of the position with other employees within the particular work unit and the entire work site, and, as appropriate to the work performed, other persons (e.g., customers and vendors), who are not individuals with disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are providing services to such employee) to the same extent that employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who are in comparable positions interact with these persons; and
- (iii) Presents, as appropriate, opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who have similar positions.
(Authority: Sections 7(5) and 12(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; 29 U.S.C. 705(5) and 709(c))
Training and Support
What kind of training is provided to master the Monarch device?
Anyone can begin to Master the Monarch utilizing the Hive Course and other training resources.
Participants will engage in asynchronous online training supported by APH Outreach Services. Based on individual needs, some may also attend synchronous, online or in-person training sessions. In addition, the program is designed to foster peer learning, enabling participants to benefit from shared experiences with other users.
Will there be opportunities for Monarch RISE users to provide feedback on their experience with the Monarch?
Yes, collecting ongoing feedback and proposing targeted improvements to optimize the Monarch for CIE is a key focus of the RISE project.
Project Phases and Timeline
What are the different phases of the Monarch RISE project?
During Phase 1, professionals supporting CIE-seekers and blind professionals will complete asynchronous Tech Training to master the Monarch; share experiences, propose improvements, and develop resources at Experience Exchanges; and refer individuals seeking CIE to participate in Phase 2.
During Phase 2, individuals seeking CIE will complete asynchronous or synchronous Tech Training to master the Monarch; share experiences, learn from experts, receive guidance from mentors, and propose improvements at Experience Exchanges; and receive personalized, ongoing CIE support with progress tracking.
When will each phase of the Monarch RISE project take place?
Project timelines are still being finalized and may change.
Priority selection for Phase 1 applicants is expected in Spring 2025, with activities likely beginning in Summer 2025. Priority selection for Phase 2 applicants is expected in Summer 2026, activities likely starting in Fall 2026.
Project activities will take place through September 2028. Generally, participants are expected to invest significant time to project activities during their first year with the time commitment decreasing in subsequent years.
How will participants be selected for each phase of Monarch RISE?
Application information will be available on the Monarch RISE website in early February. Participants will be selected based on a combination of factors including geographic distribution. Priority will be given to applicants without regular access to a Monarch through other means.
Impact on Employment and Education
How does the Monarch device support individuals in achieving competitive integrated employment?
The core focus of Monarch RISE is to understand how the Monarch can empower individuals in achieving and sustaining competitive integrated employment.
Can the Monarch be used in educational settings to support learning and skill development?
Yes. Visit Meet Monarch to learn more.
Feedback and Evaluation
Will the results of the Monarch RISE project be publicly available?
Yes. Please visit this web page for project updates.
Funding and Partnerships
How is the Monarch RISE project funded?
100% of the total costs of APH’s DIF-F project (Monarch RISE) will be financed by the $10 million grant under grant number H21F240052 from the Department of Education. No percentage of the total costs of the project will be financed by non-governmental sources.
Are there other Disability Innovation Fund programs?
Yes. Visit the Rehabilitation Services Administration website to learn more about other DIF-F grantees.
Distribution and Availability
Can adults purchase the Monarch if they are not eligible or selected for the Monarch RISE project?
Yes. Contact our Monarch support team at monarchsupport@aph.org or (833) 447-8444.
- Adults and Transition-Age Students (14+):