Advertise on podcast: Change Makers: A Podcast from APH

The conversation continues with APH’s leadership team as they reflect on the challenges and momentum of 2025 and look ahead to a pivotal 2026. Hear leaders discuss the growing urgency of digital accessibility in education, the expansion of the Monarch platform, the rise of eBraille, and the upcoming opening of The Dot Experience as a major public-facing milestone. The conversation highlights resilience, courage, and a recommitment to APH’s mission amid rapid technological change. Hear personal reflections, including Craig Meador’s thoughts as he prepares for retirement and the importance of continuing to push forward rather than pulling back.  We wrap up with a Tech Takeaway focused on Monarch’s one-handed mode, showcasing how inclusive design expands access for a wider range of users.  On this episode (in alphabetical order) Jo Haas, Vice President of Advancement and The Dot ExperienceAnne Lancaster, Vice President, Chief Officer, Innovation and StrategyCraig Meador, Ed. D., APH PresidentPaul Schroeder, Vice President of Impact and OutreachJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Product Specialist

On this two-part series, we’re talking with APH’s leadership about the moments that defined 2025. The wins, the challenges, and everything in between. Plus, we’ll take a look at what’s coming next as we head into 2026  On this episode (in alphabetical order) Jo Haas, Vice President of Advancement and The Dot ExperienceAnne Lancaster, Vice President, Chief Officer, Innovation and StrategyCraig Meador, Ed. D., APH PresidentPaul Schroeder, Vice President of Impact and Outreach

On this episode of Change Makers, we’re diving deeper into the world of Be My Eyes. Hear directly from the creator of this groundbreaking app and discover how it can help you navigate and troubleshoot your everyday tech gadgets with confidence.  On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerHans Jørgen Wiberg, Founder of Be My Eyes

On this special two-part episode Change Makers, hear from the creator of the innovative app, Be My Eyes. Hear how it originated, early feedback, and what’s next for the groundbreaking app.   On this episode NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerHans Jørgen Wiberg, Founder of Be My Eyes Additional Links Be My Eyes WebsiteBe My Eyes in the App Store for iPhoneBe My Eyes in the Google Play StoreBe My Eyes for Windows

On this episode, we explore the remarkable and personal journey of receiving a new guide dog, a process that goes far beyond simply picking up a companion. Gain insight into what happens for the dog and partner, the intensive training both undergo, and the emotional transition that comes with building trust and teamwork. On this podcast NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerDanielle Burton, APH Accessibility EditorAdditional Links Guide Dogs for the BlindGuide Dogs of AmericaAmerica's VetDogsThe Seeing Eye

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 DirectorConnie Stone, National Prison Braille Network speakerWillow Free, APH Technical Innovations Product ManagerGreg Stilson, APH Vice President of Digital TransformationDr. William Wiener, Wings of Freedom award recipientLee Nasehi, President and CEO of VisionServe AllianceIsaac Shapiro, Co-CEO and President of CleanlogicJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist Additional Links CViConnectThe Puzzled Co. websiteMemory Puzzles: ShapesMemory Puzzles: Fruits & VeggiesMeet Your Match with Memory Puzzles: ShapesBlog - My Sight: A Hands-On Curriculum Empowering StudentsCTEBVIVisionServe AllianceCleanlogic Body CareNational 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 ExperiencePhoebe Wood, APH Board ChairCraig Meador, Ed. D., APH PresidentDwight Newton, Zoeller Water Pump, Corporate VP Human Resources - Chief People Officer Additional Links The Dot ExperienceZoeller 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 NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerKatrina Best, APH STEM Product ManagerMichael McDonald, APH Senior Software Engineer Jennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Products Specialist Additional Links CJ ThreadsCode JumperMonarch Tech Support - 833-447-8444 Hours 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. estEmail 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 SpecialistJustine Taylor, APH Product ManagerJordan Robinson, APH Product SpecialistAdditional Links Tactile Periodic TableMathBuilders: FractionsMonarch Masking FrameAnnual Meeting informationNew Product IdeasEmail 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) NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJayma Hawkins, APH National Prison Braille Senior DirectorJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Product SpecialistMatt Bittinger, APH Monarch Technical Support SpecialistAdditional Links and Information National Prison Braille NetworkMonarch Tech Support - 833-447-8444 Hours 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. estEmail 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 ManagerPeter Sullivan, Vice President of Duxbury SystemsAdditional Links Meet MonarchEmail 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 ManagerRyan Jones, Vispero Vice President of Software and Product ManagementJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Product SpecialistAdditional Links HumanWare websiteVispero websiteMeet MonarchEmail 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) NarratorSara Brown, APH Public Relations ManagerJason Martin, APH  technical Innovations ProductAdditional Links Making the Visual World Tactile with the Wing It App for MonarchMeet MonarchDownload 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) NarratorPaul Schroeder, APH Vice President of Impact and OutreachAshley Palmer, Cornerstone Government Affairs PrincipalJennifer Wenzel, APH Technology Product SpecialistMichael Dennis, APH Technology Products SpecialistAdditional Links Email Change MakersCall Monarch Customer Service: (833) 447-8444Email 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 FounderJennifer Wenzel, Technology Product SpecialistSarah Welch, Product ManagerChristine Genovely, Braille Tales Programs CoordinatorAdditional Links Paige ConnectPaige Braille InstagramPaige Braille XPaige Braille YouTubeBraille TalesApply for Braille TalesUpdate Braille Tales addressEmail Braille Tales