American Printing House for the Blind Corporate Capability Statement
September 2010

Statement of Purpose

The American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. (APH), a non-profit organization, has been in continuous operation as a source of alternative media for blind and visually impaired students since 1858. With permission from test publishers, APH has adapted and produced tests in accessible media for over 50 years. In 2002, APH became a member of the Association of Test Publishers (ATP).

Mission Statement: To promote the independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life.

Accessible Tests Department

In establishing the Accessible Tests Department, APH furthers its mission by providing additional guidelines and services directly related to making accessible test items and related materials available to blind and visually impaired persons.

Background and Role of the Accessible Tests Department

With passage of the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001," APH recognized the need for a centralized national testing "center" to ensure that test items and related materials would be accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The center would provide information and encourage communication on the topic. A federally funded special initiative in FY2001 called "Test Central" spurred the formation of a separate department, the Accessible Tests Department with three goals

  1. to provide tests, practice tests, test preparation materials, test administration manuals, and other test-related materials in high quality accessible media in a timely manner;
  2. to promote the inclusion of blind and visually impaired individuals during test development;
  3. and to enhance the test performance of blind and visually impaired individuals through research, education, and communication. (See APH Accessible Tests web page http://www.aph.org/tests/index.html for more information.)

Services provided or coordinated through the APH Accessible Tests Department include:

APH's Experience Producing Tests

Braille Tests

APH has been producing tests in accessible formats since 1952 when the first Stanford Achievement Test in braille became available. Over the years, APH has been an acknowledged source of high-quality braille and large print testing materials. APH has produced alternative media tests for Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Florida, California, Arizona, South Carolina, New York, Minnesota, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, and Wyoming. Furthermore, APH has provided braille and tactile graphics, large print with enlarged graphics, and audio formats for test publishers such as American Institutes for Research (AIR), ACT, Measured Progress, Data Recognition Corporation, Pearson, and Questar as part of their state assessment contracts.

In addition to state assessments, APH produces a number of commercially available tests, including the Brigance Diagnostic Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills, Revised (CIBS-R), for grades Pre-K through 9, in cooperation with Curriculum Associates, Inc.; the Woodcock-Johnson III (WJ-III) Tests of Achievement in large print and braille and Test Ready Test Prep Series for Math and Reading. For an individual state, APH adapted the second edition of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT) for braille readers.

APH is always identifying and researching other tests we and educators of the blind believe will contribute to the assessment of students with vision issues, such as the BOEHM3 Test of Basic Concepts.

Large Print Tests

For large print editions of tests to be accurately and properly adapted for low vision students, APH requires an original file that can be manipulated. APH developed guidelines for producing large print documents (available on our website, http://www.aph.org/edresearch/lpguide.htm) based on research by staff and other experts in the field of low vision. When adapting tests, Accessible Tests staff consult either with APH's in-house low vision project leader or with individuals at schools across the country who have experience in low vision learning and teaching. During the reviewing and editing of large print tests, Accessible Tests staff may make recommendations to the test publisher to edit some of the graphics, questions, or response options. We also provide large print review with recommendations for best practices large print formatting.

Recorded Tests

APH recording studio staff works closely with state departments of education and test publishers to record audio versions of tests. APH studio follows the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) guidelines for recorded editions. APH's Talking Book Studio staff employs practices established during years of experience recording for NLS. Our narrators are professional local talent.

APH does not make changes to the content of any test without permission from the test owner.

Qualifications of Braille Transcribers and Proofreaders

APH has 11 braille transcribers, all certified by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in Literary Braille. In addition, six new transcription trainees have recently acquired NLS certifications, and are expected to join the Transcription Department in 2011. Some of the APH transcribers have 20-30 years experience and have specialized training in use of Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation. Three are also certified in Braille Formats, with the remaining transcribers working towards other certifications. Our staff of proofreaders consists of five experienced teams trained in literary braille as well as aspects of Nemeth Braille Code and Braille Formats. Each team is made up of a blind proofreader and a sighted copyholder.

In making tests accessible for totally blind students, staff frequently designs and produces tactile graphics. APH has two graphic artists in the Braille Department, each with more than 20 years experience in translating and conveying print graphics into readable tactile format. APH's tactile graphics staff makes use of guidelines developed by APH's Educational Research staff and consultants, as well as some drafted and documented by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) committee members.

BANA has recently adopted a standard set of guidelines for the development of readable tactile graphics, and APH's braille transcribers and tactile graphics designers will implement these guidelines once the guidelines are published and readily available for use across the country. Publication is tentatively scheduled for fall 2011. Tactile graphic artists also rely on feedback from braille readers, instructors, and Accessible Tests staff (http://www.aph.org/edresearch/guides.htm). If there are questions about the necessary content of the drawing, members of Accessible Tests consult with the test developer/publisher to determine the essential components that need to be conveyed in the tactile graphic.

Time Lines

APH requests 8-12 weeks to adapt and produce large print, audio, or braille test documents. Within the past year, more than 900 different tests have been adapted and produced. APH understands the nature of tests and the quick delivery times needed. APH has the staff and experience to review, edit and produce any type of test that needs to be adapted for braille, audio, or large print.

Test Security

To ensure the highest degree of test security, APH braille transcribers, large print formatters, narrators, and proofreaders work in separate rooms away from the production floor. They have no contact with outside vendors or other visitors. Each test is assigned to a single transcriber, editor or narrator. When not in use, tests are kept in a secure storage room.

If APH staff needs to communicate with clients during the review/editing process regarding specific test items, instructions from the client regarding acceptable methods of communication are followed.

After production, test masters are kept in a secure locked area. All files provided by the test publisher or converted files used by APH for translation are kept on CD, floppy disk, or zip drive and are never loaded on the internal drive of any PC.

APH has received certification by Educational Testing Service (ETS) as a "Test Safe Facility." The highest degree of test security is understood and maintained by employees working with and around test materials. APH staff is more than happy to sign non-disclosure agreements with clients as needed.

Guidelines

For braille translation, APH follows the rules of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA). APH has produced guidelines for large print, tactile graphics, and computer-administered tests. We have recently updated the second book in the Test Access Series: Making Tests Accessible for Students with Visual Impairments: A Guide for Test Publishers, Test Developers, and State Assessment Persons, by Carol Allman, Ph.D. This document incorporates the input of many experts in the field of visual impairment toward "most promising practices" for tactile graphics, braille, large print and audio tests. Go to http://www.aph.org/tests/index.html for a copy of these guidelines.

Also under development are a variety of position papers discussing topics of importance to providers of accessible tests. As position papers are completed, they are being made available on the Accessible Tests Department web page. Topics addressed include:

Accessible Tests Department Staff Biographies

Deborah Hill Willis, M.A. (Education), B.A. (Psychology)
Director, Accessible Tests Department

Debbie Willis has more than 35 years of experience at APH, working in the Educational Research Department and in the Accessible Tests Department. While a Research Scientist in the Educational Research Department, one of Debbie's roles was that of Test and Assessment Project Leader. During that time, Debbie worked with Barbara Henderson to edit and adapt the Stanford Achievement Tests, Ninth Edition, Form S, for test-takers in need of braille, tactile graphics, and large print formats. She also worked to edit KeyMath Revised for presentation in a braille/tactile format.

As Director of the Accessible Tests Department, Debbie has planned training workshops for test publishers, item developers, test editors, school psychologists, and other assessment personnel across the country in order to help ensure that test items are accessible to the blind or visually impaired. She continues to work with Dr. Carol Allman, Accessible Tests staff, and professionals in the fields of blindness and visual impairment to update and provide guidelines for editing, transcribing, and reformatting tests into accessible media.

Debbie and the Accessible Tests staff have edited about 4000 different tests for presentation as tactile graphics, braille, large print, and audio media. This includes work on two states' alternate assessments. Debbie and staff continue to serve on Item Bias Review Committees, Universal Design Committees, and to be involved in efforts with organizations such as the National Center on Educational Outcomes, the National Center for Accessible Media, Lighthouse International, Association of Test Publishers. Debbie also worked with the National Center for Leadership in visual Impairment (NCLVI) during its active years, and will continue to work with the newly formed National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities (NLCSD). Debbie represented Accessible Tests as a member of the National Accessible Reading Institute Assessments Projects (NARAP) Principles Committee.

The principles and guidelines that resulted were published in a document titled Accessibility Principles for Reading Assessments. This document is available at www.narap.info. Debbie also works to address the National Agenda goals related to the Expanded Core Curriculum and Assessment. Go to www.tsbvi.edu for information on the National Agenda and its goals.

Debbie can be reached at dwillis@aph.org.

Mark Alexander, B.A. (Foreign Languages and International Economics), Accessible Test Editor Trainee

Mark Alexander began working at APH in September 2007 as one of the first of a new group of Braille Transcription Trainees. He graduated in 2001 from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Foreign Languages and International Economics, with his language of focus being Japanese. Since receiving his NLS Literary Braille Certification in March 2008, he has transcribed a variety of books for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, tests, and other material for Braille readers. Mark is excited to put his knowledge and experience of Braille to good use in editing tests and to continue working with the transcription department.

Mark can be reached at malexander@aph.org

Kristopher Scott, M.A. (English), Accessible Test Editor

Kristopher holds an undergraduate degree in History and a graduate degree in English, with a concentration in composition.

After joining APH in 1999, Kristopher spent three years in the Educational Research Department, where he worked on several low vision/large print projects and was instrumental in helping develop Envision II, a curriculum designed to help train children in the use of near magnification devices.

In the spring of 2002, Kristopher transferred to APH's Accessible Tests Department. There, he successfully completed two test editor training programs and has assisted in the editing of over 100 standardized tests.

Kris can be reached at kscott@aph.org

Carolyn Zierer, M.Ed. (Elementary Education), Accessible Test Editor

Carolyn Zierer joined APH in November of 2009 with 27 years of experience as teacher and administrator in the Archdiocese of Louisville and the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees in elementary education from Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY, and has 21 hours toward a Master of Administration and Educational Leadership degree through Spalding University in Louisville. Since joining the Accessible Tests Department, Carolyn has utilized her knowledge of National Standards in working with other Accessible Tests Department staff members to edit standardized state and national assessments. She assisted with proofreading and finalizing the large print version of the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement.

Carolyn can be reached at czierer@aph.org

The following people also contribute time and resources to the Accessible Test Department

Barbara Henderson, M.A./B.A. (Linguistics), Test & Assessment Project Leader

Barbara has worked in the field of visual impairment for more than 25 years. Her experience in reviewing and editing assessments for presentation in accessible formats started in 1994 as a member of the APH Transcription Department, when she began editing tests for braille and tactile formats. Since then, she has facilitated numerous multi-media projects including: the braille edition of the Stanford Achievement Test Series, Ninth Edition; the braille and large print editions of the Kaufman Functional Academic Skills Test (K-FAST); the braille edition of Brigance Diagnostic Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills, Revised (CIBS-R); the braille and large print versions of the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement; the braille, large print, and audio cassette versions of the Allied Health Professional Admissions Test (AHPAT); and adaptation for braille and audio formats of over 1000 unique assessments for publishers and departments of education nationwide.

Barbara joined the APH Educational Research Department in 2000 as Test & Assessment Project Leader and became a member of the Accessible Tests Department in 2003 as a consultant editor.

While serving on the Kentucky Department of Education's Universal Design for Learning Workgroup (UDL), Barbara helped to implement online delivery of the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS). As Test Assessment and Project Leader, Barbara acted as project director for the accessible web publication titled Test Access: Guidelines for Computer Administered Testing, available at http://www.aph.org/tests/publications.html. She also served on the Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT) Bias Review Committee. Most recently, Barbara helped to implement goals of the national assessment initiative known as "Test Central," funded in 2001 by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2010, Barbara was transferred to APH's Research Department where she continues in her capacity as APH's Test and Assessment Project Leader to identify and address priority needs related to assessment of students with visual impairments.

Barbara can be reached at bhenderson@aph.org

Carol Allman, Ph.D. (Special Education), Consultant/Trainer

Dr. Carol Allman received a B.S. in elementary education, an M .S. in visual impairments, and a Ph.D. in early childhood/special education with a minor in statistics and research from Florida State University. Carol taught visually impaired children for 15 years, was the State Vision Consultant for the state of Florida for 10 years, and was an administrator of special education programs for Florida for 5 years. Dr. Allman is currently serving as an adjunct professor at Florida State University and is co-authoring several books with Dr. Sandy Lewis.

Dr. Allman has worked with APH's Accessible Tests Department as Lead Consultant and Instructor since 2002. In this capacity, Carol was the facilitator and instructor for two accessible materials editor training sessions, one braille transcriber focus group, and several workshops for test publishers and state assessment personnel. She has also made numerous presentations at conferences on Making Tests Accessible to Visually Impaired Persons and has written a guidelines document of the same name. This document is available on the APH website: http://www.aph.org/tests/index.html

Dena Garrett, Accessible Media Editor

Dena has worked at APH for 30 years as an NLS certified braille transcriber. She is certified in both Literary and Nemeth braille codes. For over ten years, Dena's specialty was transcribing print tests for presentation in braille format. During this period of time, she worked with over 20 individual states to develop their mandated assessments. In addition, Dena has worked on many APH special braille projects including KeyMath and the Stanford Achievement Tests, Ninth Edition. Dena currently works with both the Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration (ATIC) and the Accessible Tests Department. She also serves as the APH consultant to the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) Braille Formats Committee, as well as BANA's Test Committee.

Dena can be reached at dgarrett@aph.org

Michael Sell, B.A. Elementary Education, Accessible Test Editor

Michael Sell was educated at Taylor University and holds a B.S. in Elementary Education. Courses that dealt with tactile learning held a particular interest. Since then, he has worked in market research and the new/antiquarian book business. This has afforded him a background that ranges from working with publishers to maintaining the integrity of research content for various clients.

Michael has edited braille and audio sample test items for use in training sessions and workshops, worked as a research assistant for nationwide assessment-related projects, and edited standardized state tests.

Contract Administration

Your contact person for custom contract and pricing information:
Doug Trent, B.A. (Liberal Arts), Contract Administrator

Doug has worked at APH for more than 20 years. Doug spent his first 10 years as a literary monitor in the APH Recording Studio. Most recently, he has been able to utilize his previous experience in retail sales management in the role of contract administrator. Doug handles customer requests for customized braille, audio, and large print contracts, working closely with the Accessible Tests Department to develop streamlined processes and procedures for producing tests in alternative media.

Doug can be reached at dtrent@aph.org.

Research Department

For information on APH's Educational and Technical Research staff, please visit the APH website at www.aph.org and click on "Research and Development."

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©2006, American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.