One Year Later: Celebrating Year One of Monarch RISE

The Monarch RISE Project is working to empower a community of individuals who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind, as they pursue competitive integrated employment (CIE). The project aims to provide Monarch devices, specialized training, and individualized support to facilitate peer-to-peer sharing of strategies and success stories.   

Over the last year, the RISE project distributed 80 Monarch devices to participants from 38 different states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. “I love technology and learning about new advancements. I can’t wait to teach my students everything I learn through the Monarch project. Helping them get the most out of technology—whether for school or work—is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I’m excited to pass this knowledge on to them,” said a participant from Florida.   

During orientation; participants were filled with excitement at the beginning of their journey with the Monarch. “As a lifelong learner and teacher at heart, I am deeply excited about the Monarch project. This innovative multi-line braille display has the potential to transform how blind or low vision individuals access and interact with information—especially graphics, spatial layouts, and complex content. I did not have the opportunity to learn braille as a child, and I now understand how much it would have enhanced my literacy, confidence, and effectiveness as a presenter. The ability to read multiple lines of braille at once is not just a technological advancement—it’s a gateway to deeper comprehension, greater independence, and more equitable access to education and professional opportunities. As someone who loves braille and understands its power, I believe the Monarch will be a game-changer for our community,” said a RISE participant from Louisiana.  

The RISE Project delivered  asynchronous training on the Monarch in the APH Hive and synchronous conversations considering how the Monarch and its current features might support competitive integrated employment (CIE)  Participants first learned to operate the Monarch as a stand-alone device by completing the Mastering the Monarch Hive Course. Within the course are 13 training modules on the features, function, and applications of the device. “The Monarch felt daunting when I first received it. I am now up and running with it. There are a few features that I still need to learn, but I am significantly more confident,” said a participant from Massachusetts.  

After learning to operate the Monarch, some participants joined a follow up synchronous training on tactile graphicacy. “This training has inspired me to continue pushing forward to do my best in creating meaningful tactile content for my clients. I am grateful for everything I am learning. I cannot wait to see what’s next!” said one participant from Florida. 

Throughout, peer-driven discussion boards allowed participants to share their experiences and the lessons they’ve been learning. Within the boards, APH provided prompts for reflection on usability, challenges, and how they support students or clients with the Monarch in CIE or educational settings. “As I integrate the Monarch in workflow, I think it will be extremely helpful in creating and reviewing lesson plans in the moment, e-mailing and communicating with families and colleagues, and task-switching with ease,” said a participant from California.  

Through the RISE project, participants are not only seeing the impact in their professional lives but also at home. “I am completely blind and have a sighted 6-year-old daughter. She was so fascinated to see me zooming in on the butterfly and feeling the life cycle of a Monarch. When my daughter brings art home, she has to take my hand and trace her art and describe it to me. I have been able to take pictures of her art or schoolwork, and AI has described it to me. However, I wanted to explore the Wing-it app to see if I could feel her drawings. We were both so excited to try it… she turned off Voiceover on my phone and started to draw. The joy I felt was so real! My daughter made silly shapes and tried to draw my husband and I, (her mommy and daddy) with canes. She also wrote her name, and I was able to feel her handwriting for the very first time. I will never forget how she forms her S’s now,” said a participant from Minnesota. “I am just amazed and still can’t get over feeling my daughter’s graphics on the Monarch.” 

As year two begins, the RISE Project is ready to equip individuals who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind, with the tools they need to navigate CIE and higher education with confidence, one Monarch at a time. To learn more, or get involved with the Spring 2026 cohort, visit the Monarch RISE page.  

Contents of this blog 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 blog 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 blog 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 (EDGAR 75.620).