Expanding Accessible Learning Opportunities with Monarch Apps

The Monarch is a unique multi-line braille display that creates a world of endless possibility for accessible learning. While the 10-line display on its own has allowed users to have an entirely new kind of experience with reading, viewing tactile graphics, searching the internet, and so much more; Monarch developers have continued to expand the Monarch’s reach with new free applications for continued learning and play. Each of these games are designed not only to fill a need, but to provide continued accessible gaming experiences for users. “The games we are creating for Monarch are all designed with replay ability in mind. Everything we are trying to do lets users come back day in and day out as they continue to have a unique experience,” said APH’s Technical Innovations Product Manager, Jason Martin. 

Monarch Chess

While this is not a new application, the Monarch Chess game is getting an exciting new update. Currently, Monarch Chess is a free application on the device. The fully accessible chess game allows students to play unlimited matches on their device. With the coming update, Monarch Chess will connect to the Lichess online chess server, adding online playability to the application. Monarch users can play fully accessible online chess games with players all around the world, all on different kinds of devices connected to the Lichess servers. Users can connect with “friends” to play with peers, friends, and family, or partake in random online matches. APH developers are also working on developing a fully accessible chess mobile app. This app will be free to use and available on all iOS devices. 

Flip-Over Concepts: Textures

The Flip-Over Concepts Textures app is designed to build tactile literacy skills while preparing students to navigate graphics on the Monarch device. The app transforms the screen into two or three interactive sections that simulate stacks of tactile panels featuring various textures which students “flip” between to identify matching textures. In “Exploration Mode,” the structured progression allows students to strengthen discrimination and comparison skills. “We need more apps like this one. Going back to what my student said, if there were more apps/games like this, then more kiddos would look forward to learning from their device,” said a Flip-Over Concepts user.

Flip-Over Concepts: Lines

The Flip-Over Concepts Lines app builds tactile literacy skills while preparing students to navigate graphics on the Monarch device. Transforming the screen into two or three interactive sections that simulate stacks of tactile panels featuring various line paths, students use a variety of gestures to “flip” between panels and dynamically switch displays to identify matching line paths. In “Exploration Mode,” learners figure out whether presented line paths match, all while strengthening discrimination and comparison skills.

Periodic Table 

Thanks to the Periodic Table Application, Monarch users will be able to access a dynamic, fully accessible tactile representation of the periodic table. Students can interact with the table in its entirety, or move to individual cells, giving them a more in-depth view of specific elements. While there are braille representations of the periodic table, the mass of data can be difficult to produce in a portable format. This period table is not only portable, thanks to the Monarch, but it is also searchable and easy to navigate.