Employee Spotlight: Kris Scott

APH is lucky to have committed and passionate employees like Kris Scott. The Lead Editor of the Accessible Tests department, Kris’ goal−alongside the rest of those who work in Accessible Tests, is to create the best tests possible for students across the country. Kris was part of the Accessible Test department from the very beginning and his knowledge, passion, and experience are invaluable to APH. 

A Louisville native, Kris has always had a fascination with details. After getting his undergraduate degree in history and a masters in rhetoric and composition from the University of Louisville, Kris was excited and ready to use his knowledge and skills within the workforce. He eventually learned of a research assistant position at APH and joined the team in 1999. As a research assistant, Kris spent a lot of time taking notes on the new products APH was working on at the time. This opportunity allowed him to learn more about blindness and accessibility as well as other departments at APH, such as the tactile graphics department. 

Over time, it became clear that there was a need for a department focused solely on the accessibility of tests. Because of his time spent learning as a research assistant, Kris became the first test editor at APH. In his new role, he was able to participate in conversations with test publishers about what makes a test accessible to someone who is blind or low vision. Kris loves being able to stand up for the blind or low vision students across the country and make their tests accessible. “To take a standardized test and to know what will make it a really good test for a BVI student—that is really fun!” said Kris Scott, Lead Editor of Accessible Tests at APH. 

Kris is not just grateful for the job itself but also for the people he gets to work with. “I am privileged to work with the Test Editors. They are a wonderful group,” Scott said. Kris knows he is surrounded by likeminded people who are focused on a goal that is much bigger than themselves. His gratitude goes beyond his own department. “Everyone I work with at APH is dedicated and fun to work with. They want to do good work!” Scott said. 

Ultimately, Kris wants to make the world a more inclusive place. He knows how important the details are when it comes to making tests accessible to blind or low vision students, and he will do all he can to make sure everything is in its proper place. He is grateful to work for a company that has such an impactful mission, saying “There is something about APH. It is a magical place because we get to do what we do with the passion to do it well.”

Outside of work, Kris enjoys spending time with his family and his dogs. He and his wife have rescued multiple dogs over the years and treat them as their own children. Kris loves cycling and mountain biking—something he has done since he was little. He finds the time on a bike to be a great stress reliever as well as a way to spend time in nature. Kris also has an appreciation for music, having played the guitar since he was a kid. An easy person to talk to, his vast knowledge in so many different areas always leads to interesting conversations! Described as passionate, Kris never does things halfheartedly and he treats his work with the utmost care. His passion is contagious!