Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

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

On this episode of Change Makers, learn about the APH Blind Musicians Collection and the beneficial services that the wonderful READS librarians provide.

Participants (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Veronica Palensky, Metadata and Information Services Librarian
• Precious Perez, Musician who is blind

Additional Links

• About the APH Library
• Blind Musicians Collection on Spotify
• Get Involved Page on APH Website - Includes Blind Musician Collection Suggestion Form Link
• Blind Musicians Collection Suggestion Form - Direct Link
• Precious Perez Musica Social Media Channels

On this episode we are learning about educational and rehabilitation aspects for children and adults with CVI. Learn why CVI intervention is so critical and what APH products can help those who have been diagnosed.

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Amanda Lueck, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Special Education and Communicative Disorders at San Francisco State University
• Tristan Pierce, APH Product Manager for Educational Products

Additional Links

• CVI Scotland
• CVI Companion Guide
• LED Mini Lite Box
• Spinner Overlays for the Light Box
• Light Box: Level 1: Plastic Tumblers
• Light Box: Level 1: Threading Beads
• Light Box: Level 2: Parquetry Piece Set
• Mini-Lite Box Ledge Set
• APH Webinars
• YouTube Behind the Scenes of the “Light Box Story Hour”
• YouTube Light Box Story Hour 2! More literacy activities for students w/ vi & additional disabilities
• Sensing and Learning book
• Sensing and Learning EPUB
• Sensing and Learning: An Overview
• SAM – Symbols and Meaning Kit
• Vibrating Pad with Adapter
• Tactile Connections: Symbols for Communication
• STACS: Standardized Tactile Augmentative Communication Symbols
• Astro Adventure Balls App
• Blast Off with Astro Adventure Balls App
• CVI Complexity Sequences Kit

On this episode of Change Makers, we are learning about a Fulbright Scholar’s trip to Lagos to address critical gaps in services and training.

On this episode (In order of appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Elyse Connors, Fulbright scholarship recipient

Additional Links

• An Interview with Dr. Elyse Connors on Her Fulbright Trip to Lagos & the Delivery of APH Press Books
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program
• Email Change Makers

On this episode, learn about the Monarch Student Pilot Program and the Abacus Bee. Now open for nominations for the fall of 2025, the Monarch Student Pilot Program will be accepting students entering the sixth to 11th grade, who are able to read and write braille and who have experience with Refreshable Braille technology.

The APH Abacus Bee is a fun and engaging competition designed to ignite a passion for mathematics in students who are blind or have low vision. By allowing the use of various formats like print, braille, UEB math, or Nemeth code, the competition ensures that participants can use methods that suit their individual learning styles.

In this podcast (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Sarah Gauer, APH Monarch Student Program Project Manager
• John Tracey, Simons Foundation Program Director, Science, Society and Culture
• Jennifer Brooks, APH National Abacus Bee Event Coordinator
• Melissa Fischer, KSB teacher
• Piper, Abacus Bee participant
• Bradley, Abacus Bee participant
• Gabe, Abacus Bee participant

Additional Links

• Monarch Student Pilot Program
• Nomination form for Monarch Student Pilot Program
• Monarch Support Team email
• Monarch Support Team phone number: 833-447-8444
• Abacus Bee
• Simons Foundation - Science, Society & Culture

On this episode of Change Makers, learn more about the special discovery that features Helen Keller giving a radio address.

On this Episode

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Justin Gardner, AFB Helen Keller Archivist at APH

Additional Links

• Echoes from the Past: Helen Keller and the Time Capsule Recordings
• Achieving A Dream: Helen Keller’s Legacy and The Dot Experience.

On this episode of Change Makers learn about the possible relationship between physical activity and sleep levels, and how they impact visual phenomena. After that, learn about APH's Memory Puzzles. 

On this episode (In Order of Appearance)

• Narrator
• Sara Brown, APH Public Relations Manager
• Dr. Peter Allen, Professor of Optometry and Visual Science
• Bobby Fulwiler, APH Product Specialist, Educational Product Innovation 

Additional Links

• Esme’s Umbrella
• Peter Allen email
• Memory Puzzles: Shapes
• Waterjet Works Design

On today’s episode, we are exploring the latest technology, perfect for individuals who are blind or low vision at the Consumer Electronics Show.

On this podcast

• Mike May, APH Navigation Technology Advisor
• Gena Harper, Accessibility Consultant

Additional Links

• Instagram - Gena Blind Woman of Action
• Email Gena Harper
• Crashing Through
• People Make the Places Podcast - Apple
• People Make the Places Podcast - Spotify
• Glam Canes
• dotlumen
• Bird Buddy
• Glidance - AI Mobility and Navigation Aids for Blind & Low Vision
• SweetRobo
• Shokz - OpenMeet Headphones
• Elephant Robotics metaCat
• Elephant Robotics metaDog
• Realbotix
• Shokz Bone Conduction Headphone
• Halliday: Worlds 1st Proactive AI Glasses with Invisible Display
• XR Navigation
• Yarbo - Battery-powered zero-turn lawn mower
• Human Touch Massage Chairs
• Roborock US Official Store
• Inko Thin Heater
• Email [email protected].