[SC-CSTD] FW: Monarch Monitor, July, 2025

Wed Jul 30 23:51:39 UTC 2025

From: APH <communications at aph.org> 
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 4:15 PM
To: floza58 at bellsouth.net
Subject: Monarch Monitor, July, 2025

July, 2025 

New Updates Fly to Monarch – Terminal Mode, Wing It, and Much More! 

Monarch 1.3 Update has arrived, bringing a suite of exciting new features, like braille terminal mode, one-handed mode, and the highly anticipated Wing It app. 

Updating is easy! If your Monarch is connected to the internet, you’ll be automatically prompted to install version 1.3. You can also update manually using the KeyUpdater app or a USB drive. Before updating, we recommend backing up important files to a flash drive. For full instructions, check the User Guide on your Monarch or on the APH website. You can also visit the  <https://aph.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f36877787e431c3edc0020ff5&id=361f8b74e7&e=7e83bcca07> Meet Monarch webpage and explore the “New Updates” section for a quick overview. 

Update Features:

The wait for Wing It is over! One of the most highly anticipated new features is now available for download on iOS devices! The Wing It app from APH lets you sketch anything, whether it’s a quick doodle, a labeled diagram, or something in between, and it will appear as a tactile graphic on Monarch in real time. What you create is completely up to you. A seating chart? A science diagram? A maze for your friend to solve? If you can draw it, you can feel it. Wing It gives you a new way to make tactile ideas real as soon as inspiration strikes! Need help getting started with Wing It? Check out our  <https://aph.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f36877787e431c3edc0020ff5&id=94e2899fc9&e=7e83bcca07> Wing It video tutorials on YouTube for step-by-step instructions and ideas. 

Braille Terminal Mode is now available through a USB connection. This feature allows you to use Monarch as a braille display and input device for your phone, computer, or tablet. Now you can navigate other technology using Monarch’s braille and tactile interface. Developers are actively working on Bluetooth support for even more flexibility, so stay tuned! 

One-Handed Mode has also landed! Users who type braille with a single hand can now enter characters without needing to press multiple keys at once. Activate this mode using Zoom Out with Backspace.  

Spotlight on You: Lessons from the First Year of MSPP 

Through your feedback, your questions, and the way you’ve brought Monarch into your everyday lives, you’ve helped us understand both the real-world impact Monarch can have, as well as the opportunities that still lay ahead.  

Your Wish List: Where You’re Leading Us Next

We’ve been listening closely. Here’s what you’ve told us you need more of: 

*	More tactile graphics: While TGIL now offers over 2,600 graphics (and continuing to grow), the appetite for tactile content is also growing. Both students and educators are calling for more, especially in advanced math and science. 
*	Cloud storage support: You want to read, edit, collaborate, and submit just like everyone else. 
*	Advocacy for network connection: Restricted network access in some schools has posed unique challenges that need extra one-on-one advocacy efforts. 
*	Training for support staff: Many of you rely on paraprofessionals and other team members who haven’t had a chance to explore Monarch themselves. 
*	Better ways to fit Monarch into daily instruction: Educators told us they’re looking for strategies and resources to make Monarch a seamless part of their existing curriculum rather than something extra. 

We take these needs seriously, and each one is informing our priorities for the next year.  

The Impact – In Your Own Words and Numbers

Because of your participation, we’re learning what’s possible when students and educators have the right tools in their hands. You’ve told us how Monarch is showing up in your classrooms, your lesson plans, your study habits, and even your conversations at home. The stories you’ve shared, along with the feedback you’ve provided, paint a picture of real momentum. Here’s some of what you’ve told us so far.

*	For educators who fully integrated Monarch into their teaching, lesson prep time dropped by up to 35% (bar graph shared below). An educator in Hawaii shared, “It was amazing to be able to draw diagrams and add braille labels for my student's instant access!” 

*	76% of students said Monarch has increased their access to tactile graphics, and nearly 70% said they’ve learned something new because of it. 
*	Monarch is helping students build new connections, and not just with their classroom materials, but with their classmates and families, too. A student in Kentucky has enjoyed reading for pleasure on Monarch alongside her brother reading in print, even starting a family book club. 
*	Among students using Monarch in class, nearly 70% said it made school more enjoyable, across both STEM and non-STEM subjects. 
*	Educators reported greater student engagement and proficiency in about half of participating students. 

Thank you for your feedback, your stories, and your deep engagement with the project. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we’re honored to keep learning and growing alongside you.  

Monarch Missions 

If you’re a sports fan, have you ever wondered what the field or equipment actually looks like? Here’s your chance to find out! This month’s Monarch Mission features a collection of sports-related tactile graphics you can explore right on your device. Whether you're into baseball, goalball, track, or just cheering from the sidelines, now you can get a feel for the spaces where the action happens. Follow the link below to game on! 

 <https://aph.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f36877787e431c3edc0020ff5&id=c587dbfc9e&e=7e83bcca07> Sports with Monarch (no login required) 

Take a look, pick a favorite, and imagine yourself right in the game!  

Monarch Moments

Have you had a “wow!” Monarch moment? We’d love to hear about your adventures with Monarch. Use #MonarchMoment when sharing on social media. Or if sharing on social media isn’t right for you, we still want to hear from you! You can send photos, videos, and testimonials to  <mailto:monarchsupport at aph.org> monarchsupport at aph.org.

Questions? Monarch Support Can Help!

Whether you have a quick question or run into a challenge, the Monarch Support team is here to help. We’re committed to providing the guidance and support you need, whenever you need it. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Email us at  <mailto:monarchsupport at aph.org> monarchsupport at aph.org or call 833.477.8444. 

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