Accessible Tests Department Staff Members
Dena Garrett, Accessible Media Editor
Dena has worked at APH for over 32 years as an NLS certified braille transcriber. She is certified in both Literary and Nemeth braille codes. For more than 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.
Dena can be reached at dgarrett@aph.org
Priscilla Knight, M.A. (Teaching), B.A. (History/Social Studies), Accessible Tests Editor
While pursuing her degrees at the University of Louisville, Priscilla tutored undergraduate students in chemistry and also worked as a Graduate Student Assistant in the History Department. In 2007, Priscilla trained at APH to become a Braille Transcriber and received certification in literary braille from the National Library Service (NLS). While working as a braille transcriber at APH from 2007-2011, Priscilla transcribed a number of NLS books for children as well as adults. She also transcribed numerous tests and worked with Research Department staff on several products that were being researched and developed. Priscilla joined the Accessible Tests Department in October 2011 to pursue her interest in being an Accessible Tests Editor.
Priscilla can be reached at pknight@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 3 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 80 standardized tests during the early formation of the Accessible Tests Department.
Kris can be reached at kscott@aph.org
Deborah Hill Willis, M.A. (Education), B.A. (Psychology) Director, Accessible Tests Department
Debbie Willis has over 35 years of experience at the American Printing House for the Blind; 28 years in the Educational Research Department and over seven years 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 assisted in editing and adapting 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, and other assessment personnel across the country in order to help ensure that test items are accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired. She continues to work with 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 over 3500 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, and the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment (now the National Leadership Consortium for Sensory Disabilities as of January 1, 2010).
Debbie served on a special task force of the American Psychological Association to explore and address test accessibility issues for graduate students with disabilities, especially students with visual impairments, who are mandated to meet training requirements in testing and assessments. She also served as co-Goal Leader on National Agenda Goal 6 (Expanded Core Curriculum) and Goal 8 (Assessment).
Debbie can be reached at dwillis@aph.org
Carolyn Zierer, M.Ed. (Elementary Education), Accessible Test Editor
Carolyn Zierer joined APH in November, 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 College in Louisville, KY., and has 21 hours toward a Master of Administration and Educational Leadership degree through Spalding University.
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 also assisted in proofreading the large print version of the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Achievement.
Carolyn can be reached at czierer@aph.org
Visit the American Printing House for the Blind web site at www.aph.org and click on "Accessible Tests Department" for test- related information and resources.
©2006, American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
