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Breaking Down Barriers

close up of Monarch butterfly on Monarch device

We know that access to the right tools and information at the right time can change lives. At APH, our job is to break down barriers and empower students, families, adults, and educators, creating a future that belongs to everyone.

Annual Meeting 2024

Everything you need to know about the APH Annual Meeting in Louisville October 2-4.

What's New at APH

Browse the Shop

The Power of Partnerships: Developing eBraille Together

A worldwide file standard cannot be created alone. By utilizing the expertise of other organizations and individuals in the blindness field, APH constructed eBraille for all to use.

Learn More.

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The Dot Experience Cast: Mike May

Mike May is an exceptional access warrior with extensive experience and knowledge regarding accessible navigation technology and a love for skiing. Join us as we learn about Mike’s life, career, and passion for helping others navigate and enjoy life.

Learn More.

Mike May wears a suit as he speaks from a podium with the words

Leveling the Playing Field

Danielle Burton, APH’s Communications Accessibility Editor, has long hoped for a piece of access technology that levels the playing field for students who are DeafBlind, like herself. The Monarch is just what Danielle has been waiting for.

Learn More About Danielle's Monarch Experience.

A woman in a striped sweater helps a young boy use the Monarch on a table in a school library.

Connect the Dots 2024

Embark on an adventure of discovery into the playful world of Connect the Dots—an educational series that turns the history and innovation of blindness and low vision into an exciting adventure for kids! We’re on a mission to make learning a blast and inspire a world of inclusivity so while our building is under renovation, the PNC Foundation is helping us bring our knowledge out into the community.

Learn More about Connect the Dots.

Connect the Dots Graphic - Join us monthly to discover the magic of Inclusivity through the power of play. Sponsored by PNC Foundation

APH Hive: Professional Communities

Professional Communities was created to provide creditable and effective resources to people who assist individuals who are blind or have low vision. This user-friendly portal houses curated webinars, external courses, blogs, and much more. Looking for a place to connect? Join us at the APH Hive Discussion Boards to communicate with other parents and educators in the blindness and low vision field.

View from over the shoulder of someone visiting the professional communities main page on their laptop.

APH ConnectCenter

The APH ConnectCenter offers FREE curated advice and resources to assist children, parents, adults, and job seekers who are blind and low vision, and their associated professionals. Visit the APH ConnectCenter, or call our information & resource helpline at 800-232-5463.

APH ConnectCenter wordmark.

Find us on the road.

APH is on the go! Check out the conferences, conventions, and other events we're attending this year on our new conference hub!

Two CES attendees watch an APH employee give a Code Jumper demonstration at the APH booth in the CES exhibit hall.

APH celebrates change makers!

Listen along to our Change Makers podcast as we highlight the people, products, and resources making the biggest difference in our field.

Change maker banner silhouette of people in colored square backgrounds.

What’s the best way to learn? Your way!

From free webinars and trainings, to professional development, virtual student instruction, and summer camp—our Educational Resources are designed for vision professionals, educators, parents, consumers, and students. There’s something for everyone!

A young girl at a computer station in a classroom.

National Prison Braille Network

Since 2001, APH has taken a lead role in developing this network to get much-needed quality braille textbooks to students who are blind in grades K–12. Learn more about how the NPBN is changing lives for the better.

A child sitting in a blue armchair and reading a braille storybook.

APH Press

APH Press is the leading publisher in the field of blindness and visual impairment, supporting teachers, families, and other professionals by publishing informative, well-researched, and innovative texts which enable people of all abilities to maximize their potential and independence.

Babies with CVI book sits atop a desk, next to a laptop, APH mug, and pad of paper and pen.

The future is accessible.

We’re not just looking forward to an accessible future-we’re making it happen every day. And, with the latest technology, we think the future has never been brighter for people who are blind or have vision loss.

Monarch

Meet Monarch

10-Line Braille Display

With 3840 pins, Monarch has one of the highest definition displays in braille history! Read up to ten lines of braille at one time.

A top-down view of the Monarch device. In the center is a 10-line 40-cell braille display underneath a Monarch logo at the top of the device.

Android Navigation Keys

Android users may recognize the three keys on the front edge of the Monarch. They serve as shortcuts for moving back one screen, the home screen, and recent apps.

Close up of the front edge of the Monarch device. There are three yellow navigation keys (a triangle on the far left, a circle in the center, and a square button on the right).

Perkins-Style Keyboard

Braille directly on your Monarch with the eight-key Perkins-Style keyboard.

Close up of the Monarch eight-key braille keyboard. There are four keys on each side with a space bar underneath. In the center is an orange circular button called the “action key.” Visible on the edges of the photo are portions of the Monarch, APH, and HumanWare logos.

Infrared Sensor

The motion sensor at the top of your Monarch’s display screen enables point-and-click gestures as well as finger tracking on the visual braille output.

Close up of Monarch logo on the device just above the tactile display. There is a small indentation in the plastic that aligns with the motion sensor.

Battery Life

Monarch boasts a battery life of 24 hours from just 3 or 4 hours of charging time.

Close up of Monarch logo on the device just above the tactile display. There is a small indentation in the plastic that aligns with the motion sensor.

Visual Display

Monarch can connect to an external monitor via HDMI so teachers and peers of all abilities can join along.

Over-the-shoulder image of a young student in a blue shirt using the Monarch connected to a visual display in a library. The monitor mirrors a mathematical graph created in Monarch’s KeyMath app that is also shown on the Monarch’s tactile display.

Going further to move things ahead.

At APH we’ve been innovating products and technology to support people who are blind and low vision to independently live and learn since 1854, and we’re not stopping any time soon. From everyday tools to high tech solutions, we’re developing products for barrier breakers, dream believers, change makers, and access warriors!

Top view of Mantis Q40 in green TPU case.

Mantis Q40

Keep braille at your fingertips anytime, anywhere, with the Mantis™ Q40: a Bluetooth® keyboard and 40-cell refreshable braille display. Note: File transfer between Mac computers and Mantis devices via USB...

Smiling child with Code Jumper

Code Jumper™

Code Jumper™ assists students in learning computer coding and programming skills through a unique, physical system. Request a Demo Shipping Limitations: This product only ships to the United States...

Chameleon 20-cell device on black surface

Chameleon 20

Featuring Text-to-Speech, the Chameleon 20 is the perfect device for learning and reinforcing braille literacy skills. As a portable braille display with local apps, like an editor and library,...

Resources for Life

Find resources to empower yourself, your child, or your students in everyday life.

APH Hive

Buzz over to our free eLearning platform for educators and families.

APH Connect Center

Reliable, free information for all ages on multiple aspects of vision loss.

Accessible Textbooks

Unlock students’ educational potential with access to accessible textbooks.

APH Press

Titles for professionals on a wide range of topics including education, O&M, aging, and more.

Louis

Explore the Louis Database of Accessible Materials to find materials from 75+ organizations across U.S. and Canada.

Outreach Services

Learn about our consultation and educational support for students, educators, and families.

Give for good.

People of all ages who are blind or low vision benefit from APH’s extraordinary programs and innovative products. Be a part of our mission and partner with us.

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Stay in the know.

Be the first to get updates on our latest products, resources, conferences and more by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

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The higher standards we stand for.