Humanware
Dynamic braille and tactile display
The world’s first multi-line braille and tactile display, designed to make information accessible through both text and touch
Advanced braille reading and real-time tactile interaction
Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025 in the Accessibility category, Monarch is a groundbreaking multi-line braille and tactile display that combines text and tactile graphics on one surface. Created by HumanWare in collaboration with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Monarch connects digital information with tactile literacy.
Powered by HumanWare’s trusted KeySoft suite, Monarch combines note-taking, reading, and tactile exploration in one intuitive device. Compatible with JAWS and NVDA, Monarch helps blind and low-vision users read, edit, and navigate documents better. It offers the same spatial awareness that sighted users gain from dual monitors, improving productivity and comprehension.
Its gesture-based interface, Perkins-style keyboard, and bright tactile controls make interaction effortless. The 10-line by 32-cell display lets users read full paragraphs and tactile diagrams together. This creates a complete and engaging tactile experience.
Monarch is part of HumanWare’s mission. We want to make digital access better for everyone. This includes assistive technology for blind and low-vision communities.
Dual functionality for learning and productivity
Monarch lets users switch seamlessly between text and tactile graphics. Reading textbooks, solving math problems, or reviewing spreadsheets with JAWS gives a smooth experience for students and professionals.
Users can access over 2000 tactile graphics from the APH Tactile Graphics Image Library (TGIL). They can explore diagrams, charts, and shapes in real time. With the ability to zoom in and out when viewing an image, Monarch offers precise detail, or an overview mode. With built-in scroll bars, users can see exactly where an image is on-screen, allowing for a deeper understanding of visual concepts.
Key highlights:
- Multi-line braille and tactile graphics combined on one display
- Direct connectivity with JAWS and NVDA screen readers through Terminal Mode.
- Interactive touch gestures and precise cursor control
- Powered by the trusted KeySoft suite
- Access to over 2000 tactile graphics
A future software update will add eBraille support a new global file standard that merges tactile graphics and text. This will make it easier for users to read, navigate through content efficiently, and share content to other devices.
Who Monarch is for
Designed for students, educators, and professionals alike, it transforms how braille and tactile graphics are experienced.
In classrooms, training centers, or offices, Monarch opens new doors to braille literacy and digital accessibility — letting students explore tactile textbooks, teachers craft accessible lessons with ease, and professionals navigate multi-line documents and data through rich tactile feedback. Monarch redefines what’s possible in touch-based learning and work.
Collaboration and impact
In partnership with APH and NFB, HumanWare continues to redefine tactile learning and accessibility. Monarch promotes braille literacy, tactile exploration, and inclusion in both education and professional environments.
Explore more
Discover HumanWare solutions for blind and low-vision users, including Monarch, the next generation of tactile learning.