Q: What is Monarch?
A: Monarch is a multiline braille device that renders tactile graphics integrated with braille on the first-of-its-kind 10-line by 32-cell refreshable braille display. For more detailed information about Monarch itself, please visit the Meet Monarch webpage.
Q: Who should nominate a student?
A: Educators planning to work directly with the nominated student or parents/guardians who home school are the best people to nominate a student. Parents/guardians who do not home school are encouraged to work with their child’s educator to complete a nomination.
Q: How long does a student keep Monarch?
A: Monarch is provided to participants as a long-term loan to the family until the student’s graduation from high school or other K-12 educational program.
Q: Can Monarch be taken home?
A: Yes, students are encouraged to take Monarch home so it can be incorporated into both their academic and personal lives.
Q: Are the parents/guardians, school, or district required to purchase Monarch?
A: No, no one is required to make any purchases in order to participate in or as a result of participating in the Monarch Student Pilot Project.
Q: What are your selection criteria?
A: To be eligible students must be entering 1st-12th grade, able to read and write braille, have experience with a refreshable braille display, and have an educator or home-school parent/guardian who agrees to provide regular updates on usage and impact. Otherwise, we strive to include students from across the United States and its territories.
Q: What are the requirements for participating?
A: The student and educator participants are required to complete periodic questionnaires to share their feedback and experiences. Questionnaires will not exceed one per month for students and one per month for educators. Participants must also abide by Monarch’s End User License Agreement which is located in the User Manual and abide by the MSPP Acceptable Use Policy.
Q: How does APH protect my privacy?
A: All personal information is kept confidential unless you permit APH to use it otherwise. All information being collected will be used in conformity with the APH Privacy Policy.
Q: How can I stay up to date on the Monarch Student Pilot Project?
A: Sign up for the project’s bimonthly newsletter, Monarch Monitor, by visiting our newsletter subscription page.
Q: How can I request a textbook to be converted into eBRL?
A: Please complete the below Textbook Conversion Request form.
Q: I’m graduating from MSPP. Do I have to apply if I’d like to participate in Monarch RISE?
A: Upon graduating from MSPP, all participants have the option to roll over into Monarch RISE and continue participating in Monarch Projects activities while maintaining ownership of their MSPP-issued Monarch device. You do not need to reapply.
Participants who choose to roll over into RISE must complete all required RISE enrollment paperwork and meet any additional project requirements.
If you completed at least 85% of your MSPP Student Questionnaires, you will not be required to complete the Mastering the Monarch Hive course during the Caterpillar Stage, as this demonstrates ability to operate the Monarch as a standalone device.
If you are 18 or older at the time of rollover, you will receive project communications directly and be responsible for your own participation. There is no expectation to continue working with your MSPP educator or a family member during Monarch RISE.
All other Monarch RISE Project eligibility and participation requirements remain the same.
