Monarch is Making a Difference: Manolo’s Story

Jose Manolo Alvarez, ‘Manolo,’ is a blind professional assistive technology developer with degrees in computer programming and special education. Driven by a passion for learning, coding, and accessibility, he is dedicated to sharing his knowledge with the next generation. Collaborating with Monarch and the American Printing House (APH), Manolo continues to make a meaningful impact on the blind or low vision community in Puerto Rico. 

Not having many examples of successful blind or low vision professionals growing up, Manolo didn’t know what field to pursue when it came time for college. Having a love for math, he decided to try computer programing. Although it was challenging at times to figure out what types of accommodations best served him, Manolo gave everything to his studies in order to keep up with his peers.  

While in school, Manolo started to develop accessible programs that not only helped him but were also helpful for any blind or low vision students who wanted to study computer programming after him. Creating a talking tutor keyboard program that helps blind or low vision students learn the keyboard, he added a university library computer for future students to use. “Technology is very powerful,” Manolo explained. “It has helped me and I want to make a difference in the lives of other blind or low vision students as well.” 

After getting his BA in Computer Programming, Manolo’s time in the classroom was far from over. As he learned more about creating assistive technologies, he wanted to better understand the philosophy and practice that goes into assistive tech. He went back to school, obtaining both his master’s and a doctorate in special education in order to better understand the needs of students in the classroom and how he could best support students of all abilities. Never losing this passion for coding, he also became an assistive technology professor and continues to train the next generation of Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs). 

Manolo started working for APH in 2022 as a contractor. After receiving a Monarch in 2024 he recalled, “It was like I was in a dream.” With a background in programming, Manolo spends a lot of his time developing apps for Monarch— a fully functional braille computer. He is currently working on a baseball game that is completely tactile and will teach basic math skills; a tactile and interactive map that showcases the different hurricanes that have impacted Puerto Rico; and an app that explores the different birds of Puerto Rico through tactile images and sounds. “Because Monarch has both tactile options and auditory options, students who are blind or low vision can use all of their strengths,” Manolo said. 

In addition to app development, Manolo trains TVIs, students, and parents on how to use the device. Right now, five students in Puerto Rico ranging from kindergarten to university have Monarch’s. “Monarch meets a lot of different needs. A kid in third grade can use Monarch in the classroom, and a fully grown adult can use it on the job,” Manolo said.  

Manolo is excited to be a part of Monarch’s future as a tool that can teach blind or low vision students coding and HTML. Too many students who are blind or low vision are still hesitant to go into STEM fields due to inaccessibility. He is determined to help pave a path with Monarch to show students who are blind or low vision just how capable they are. While it wasn’t always easy, Manolo’s life has been marked by a relentless dedication to making the world a more accessible place.  

The Monarch continues to break down barriers and open fields for more blind or low vision students. To learn more about Monarch, visit our Meet Monarch page. To read more stories like Manolo’s, visit some of our blogs linked below!

• • Monarch is Making a Difference: Kristina Vannoy’s Story 
  • Monarch is Making a Difference: Demi Morgan’s Story
  • Monarch is Making a Difference: Comparative Study Explores Statistics and Scatter Plots