Monarch is Making a Difference: Isabelle Harris’s Homeschool Story

The Monarch was created to aid students through all points of their education.  No matter the schooling method, the Monarch was created to make learning simpler and to foster independent learners. 

Isabelle Harris is an 11th grader from Colorado who is blind. She received her Monarch in October of 2024 thanks to her participation in the Monarch Student Pilot Program. Her father, Rob Harris, is not only a dedicated parent, but also Isabelle’s homeschool teacher and advocate on the FamilyConnect Parent Advisory Board. Together, they have seen firsthand the difference the Monarch can make in both education and daily life for students who are blind or low vision.  

Isabelle has spent a lot of time exploring the various functions on her Monarch. She immediately dove into learning applications like TactileView, KeyMail, Ecosia, and File Manager to learn new skills. Between exploring tactile graphics, replying to emails, searching the internet, and working with Bluetooth, she has already begun exploring so much of what the Monarch has to offer. The greatest learning tool in the Monarch according to Isabelle, is the opportunity for practicing braille.  

“I have found the Monarch to be helpful in completing my schoolwork by giving me the ability to get faster at braille reading,” said Isabelle. “The most beneficial part of using the Monarch is getting more braille practice more than once a week on the phone.” The constant exposure to refreshable braille not only makes reading braille easier and faster but creates an exposure to braille in a larger amount at once. Allowing for practice in formatting skills, the ability to go back and search for answers, and more.  

Rob has watched his daughter reach new levels of streamlined independence on the Monarch. “The Monarch has completely changed the game when it comes to accessing tactile graphics and braille in real time. It’s allowed our family—specifically my daughter Isabelle—to reduce dependency on embossed paper materials and wait times for production. Instead, she can access tactile graphics and text instantly, which supports her independence and builds confidence. As a parent and advocate, it saves me hours coordinating alternative formats—we can now focus more on learning, less on logistics,” said Rob.  

With the Monarch, Isabelle is able to complete both reading and writing assignments faster and with less obstacles in her path. “She’s able to navigate through complex tactile diagrams and worksheets without needing an adult to pre-teach or translate. It’s empowering for her to be in control of her own learning, and that confidence is spilling into other areas—like participating in discussions or advocating for herself in new environments,” said Rob. 

The Monarch works to ensure students have all the tools they need to succeed right at their fingertips. The value of independence and confidence in one’s ability to do something cannot be understated. The Monarch allows more students like Isabelle to not only feel prepared to excel in the classroom, but to succeed in their careers and their lives.  

“The Monarch is not just a braille device—it’s a tool that levels the playing field. It allows students who are blind or low vision to access the same materials at the same time as their peers, with rich tactile feedback and the flexibility of digital content. The immediacy is powerful, especially for students who have spent too long waiting to catch up,” said Rob. 

Nominations are now open for students to join the 2025 Monarch Student Pilot Project. If you know a student who is blind or low vision, meets the minimum requirements, and would benefit from participating, fill out our Monarch Student Pilot Program (MSPP) nomination form today!