Quebec-Made Braille Tablet ‘Monarch’ Earns Spot on Time’s Best Inventions of 2025 List
LONGUEUIL, QC – In a landmark achievement for accessibility technology, the Monarch, a groundbreaking braille tablet developed primarily in Quebec, has been named one of Time Magazine’s Top 300 Inventions of 2025. This recognition underscores the growing importance of inclusive design and the power of innovation to transform lives. The news, breaking today, highlights a significant leap forward for individuals with visual impairments, offering a new level of independence and access to information.
Élianne Gagné, 13, explores braille on the Monarch tablet at Jacques-Ouellette school in Longueuil, Quebec. (Photo: Martin Chamberland, The Press)
A New Era for Braille Literacy
At Jacques-Ouellette school in Longueuil, a specialized institution for students with visual impairments, 13-year-old Élianne Gagné is experiencing the future of braille learning. Unlike traditional braille displays limited to a single line, the Monarch presents a remarkable 10 lines of refreshable braille simultaneously. “At the beginning, it was difficult,” Élianne admits, reflecting on her journey learning braille, “But at some point, you learn, and it’s easier to remember.” The Monarch isn’t just about reading; it allows students to interact with text, graphics, and even complex mathematical equations in a tactile way.
HumanWare’s Vision: From Drummondville to Global Impact
Founded in Drummondville, Quebec, in 1988 and now part of the EssilorLuxottica group, HumanWare has long been a pioneer in assistive technology. The Monarch represents the culmination of decades of dedication to improving the lives of people with visual disabilities. The company collaborated with the American Printing House for the development of the tablet, and the Time Magazine accolade is a testament to their combined efforts. Since its launch in September 2024, over 1,000 Monarch units have been sold worldwide, with a loan program providing access to schools like Jacques-Ouellette.
Beyond Textbooks: A Game Changer for Education and Beyond
Simon Boisvert, a product tester at HumanWare and a former student of Jacques-Ouellette, emphasizes the transformative potential of the Monarch. “It’s a game changer for doing mathematical operations,” he explains. “At a glance, you can see the whole picture.” The tablet’s 3840 tiny dots can render intricate graphics and drawings, opening up a world of visual information previously inaccessible. Boisvert even shared a personal anecdote, exploring a wedding photo on the Monarch while his wife described the scene, demonstrating the device’s power to connect individuals with their experiences.
Simon Boisvert and Emy Poirier demonstrate the capabilities of the Monarch tablet. (Photo: Martin Chamberland, The Press)
The Cost of Innovation and the Fight for Accessibility
Despite its groundbreaking capabilities, the Monarch comes with a significant price tag – nearly $25,000 CAD. HumanWare is actively working to reduce this cost through increased sales and advocating for government subsidies. American federal subsidies, through the American Printing House catalog, have already facilitated deployment in US schools. Myriam Champagne, Director of Communications and Marketing at HumanWare, notes the importance of lobbying efforts, as each country has its own unique funding mechanisms. The company plans to expand its outreach to workplaces in 2026, further broadening access to this life-changing technology.
Why Braille Remains Essential in the Digital Age
With the rise of text-to-speech technology, some question the continued relevance of braille. However, Janie Lachapelle, a specialist at the Nazareth and Louis-Braille Institute, emphatically affirms its importance. “Braille is still very much alive,” she states. “It is integrated into digital tools – computers, phones, tablets – and remains the best way to have access to writing.” Lachapelle points to studies showing that individuals who neglect braille often struggle with spelling and face challenges in advanced academic subjects like statistics. The Régie de l’assurance santé du Québec currently offers a visual aid loan program, and there’s hope the Monarch will eventually be included, making it more accessible to those who need it most.
Janie Lachapelle, a specialist in clinical activities at the Nazareth and Louis-Braille Institute, advocates for the continued importance of braille literacy. (Photo: Martin Tremblay, La Presse Archives)
The Monarch tablet isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s a symbol of progress, a testament to the power of human ingenuity, and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future. As HumanWare continues to innovate and advocate for accessibility, the future looks brighter than ever for individuals with visual impairments, proving that technology, when designed with empathy and purpose, can truly empower and transform lives. Stay tuned to Archyde for continued coverage of assistive technology and the ongoing evolution of accessibility solutions.
