diff --git a/Adafruit_SSD1306.cpp b/Adafruit_SSD1306.cpp
index 11f415a6..aa262a56 100644
--- a/Adafruit_SSD1306.cpp
+++ b/Adafruit_SSD1306.cpp
@@ -451,6 +451,19 @@ void Adafruit_SSD1306::ssd1306_command(uint8_t c) {
   TRANSACTION_END
 }
 
+// Send one data byte directly to the display, bypassing the library.
+// This allows for quick localized updates to the screen.
+/*
+	@brief  Write a single byte directly onto the SSD1306
+            display, bypassing the library.
+	@return None (void).
+*/
+void Adafruit_SSD1306::ssd1306_sendData(uint8_t d) {
+    wire->beginTransmission(i2caddr);	// begin I2C transmission   
+    WIRE_WRITE(0x40);					// data mode
+    WIRE_WRITE(d);						// send data
+    wire->endTransmission();			// stop I2C transmission
+}
 // ALLOCATE & INIT DISPLAY -------------------------------------------------
 
 /*!
diff --git a/Adafruit_SSD1306.h b/Adafruit_SSD1306.h
index 5e0cd53f..1ba30140 100644
--- a/Adafruit_SSD1306.h
+++ b/Adafruit_SSD1306.h
@@ -157,6 +157,7 @@ class Adafruit_SSD1306 : public Adafruit_GFX {
   void startscrolldiagleft(uint8_t start, uint8_t stop);
   void stopscroll(void);
   void ssd1306_command(uint8_t c);
+  void ssd1306_sendData(uint8_t d);
   bool getPixel(int16_t x, int16_t y);
   uint8_t *getBuffer(void);