On this episode of Change Makers go inside the 2025 Annual Meeting held at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. For over a century, this gathering has brought together leaders, educators, and innovators in the field of blindness and low vision. You’ll hear firsthand from presenters, award winners, and attendees about the highlights, breakthroughs, and moments that made this year’s event unforgettable.

Stick around after the recap for our monthly Tech Takeaway, where we show you how to personalize your Monarch device.

On this episode (in order of appearance)

• Stephanie Steffer, CViConnect 
• Gabriel Einsohn, Marketing and Product Development The Puzzled Co.
• Tracy Gaines, CTEBVI Executive Director
• Connie Stone, National Prison Braille Network speaker
• Willow Free, APH Technical Innovations Product Manager
• Greg Stilson, APH Vice President of Digital Transformation
• Dr. William Wiener, Wings of Freedom award recipient
• Lee Nasehi, President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance
• Isaac Shapiro, Co-CEO and President of Cleanlogic
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist

Additional Links

• CViConnect
• The Puzzled Co. website
  • Memory Puzzles: Shapes
  • Memory Puzzles: Fruits & Veggies
  • Meet Your Match with Memory Puzzles: Shapes
  • Blog - My Sight: A Hands-On Curriculum Empowering Students
• CTEBVI
• VisionServe Alliance
• Cleanlogic Body Care
• National Prison Braille Network

On this episode of Change Makers, step into The Dot Experience. We're live from construction site for a press conference celebrating a major milestone in the construction and a special announcement.

Speakers

• Jo Haas, APH Vice President, The Dot Experience
• Phoebe Wood, APH Board Chair
• Craig Meador, Ed. D., APH President
• Dwight Newton, Zoeller Water Pump, Corporate VP Human Resources - Chief People Officer

Additional Links

• The Dot Experience
• Zoeller Pump Company

On this episode, learn about CJ Threads and how it helps students learn Python code. After that, Tech Takeaway discusses an exciting new feature now available on the Monarch.

On this episode

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Katrina Best, APH STEM Product Manager
• Michael McDonald, APH Senior Software Engineer 
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist

Additional Links

• CJ Threads
• Code Jumper
• Monarch Tech Support - 833-447-8444 
  • Hours 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. est
• Email Monarch Support

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re diving into some exciting updates. Every year, a few APH products get a bit of a makeover — modernized to better meet the needs of today’s users. We’re going to explore which products have recently been modernized, what’s new, and why those changes matter.

On this episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Bobby Fulwiler, APH Product Specialist
• Justine Taylor, APH Product Manager
• Jordan Robinson, APH Product Specialist

Additional Links

• Tactile Periodic Table
• MathBuilders: Fractions
• Monarch Masking Frame
• Annual Meeting information
• New Product Ideas
• Email Change Makers

On today’s episode, we explore the incredible impact of the National Prison Braille Network—a groundbreaking initiative that’s transforming lives by empowering individuals to produce braille materials for students who are blind or low vision. Discover how this program fosters rehabilitation, literacy, and opportunity both inside and outside prison walls.

Then, stick around for our Tech Takeaway, where we break down everything you need to know about updating your Monarch device.

On this episode (in order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Jayma Hawkins, APH National Prison Braille Senior Director
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Matt Bittinger, APH Monarch Technical Support Specialist

Additional Links and Information

• National Prison Braille Network
• Monarch Tech Support - 833-447-8444 
  • Hours 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. est
• Email Monarch Support

On this episode of Change Makers, we are continuing our conversation about the Monarch, this time to learn about eBraille, and what science aspect is being added to the device.

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Willow Free, APH’s Product Manager
• Peter Sullivan, Vice President of Duxbury Systems

Additional Links

• Meet Monarch
• Email Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers, learn what's being done in preparation for JAWS to launch on the Monarch. JAWS is expected to arrive on the Monarch in the fall of 2025.

Interviews in order of appearance

• Andrew Flatres, HumanWare Senior Braille Product Manager
• Ryan Jones, Vispero Vice President of Software and Product Management
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Product Specialist

Additional Links

• HumanWare website
• Vispero website
• Meet Monarch
• Email Change Makers

On this episode of Change Makers learn about Wing It - a groundbreaking application for the Monarch and iOS devices that empowers users to create tactile graphics on the fly.

Wing It is available in the Apple store, search for "Monarch Wing It" or you can download it here. The next episode of Change Makers will continue this discussion about programs and applications on the Monarch.

Additional Information (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Jason Martin, APH  technical Innovations Product

Additional Links

• Making the Visual World Tactile with the Wing It App for Monarch
• Meet Monarch
• Download Monarch Wing It on the Apple App Store

On this episode, learn what's going on in Washington, D.C. to hear how changes coming out of our nations’ capitol can impact you. After that, enjoy a Tech Takeaway with quick tips on using the Monarch. 

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Paul Schroeder, APH Vice President of Impact and Outreach
• Ashley Palmer, Cornerstone Government Affairs Principal
• Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product Specialist
• Michael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist

Additional Links

• Email Change Makers
• Call Monarch Customer Service: (833) 447-8444
• Email Monarch Support

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about a cool product that allows individuals who are blind or low vision to turn their Perkins Brailler into a BlueTooth keyboard. After learning about Paige Connect, hear the latest from Braille Tales and what books are on the way.

On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Greg Hargraves, Paige Founder
• Jennifer Wenzel, Technology Product Specialist
• Sarah Welch, Product Manager
• Christine Genovely, Braille Tales Programs Coordinator

Additional Links

• Paige Connect
• Paige Braille Instagram
• Paige Braille X
• Paige Braille YouTube
• Braille Tales
• Apply for Braille Tales
• Update Braille Tales address
• Email Braille Tales