Join us for breakfast and conversation before the first session!

Raven AlexanderATI PresidentWichita, Kansas

Dr. Sungyop KimProfessor of Urban Planning and DesignSchool of Science and EngineeringArchitecture and Urban PlanningDivision of Natural and Built EnvironmentUniversity of Missouri - Kansas CityDr. Sungyop Kim is a professor of Urban Planning and Design in the Division of Natural and Built Environment. His research areas include travel behavior and traffic safety, focusing on older adults, and building safe and resilient communities in the context of climate change. Dr. Kim specializes in traffic and pedestrian safety studies as well as issues that affect older adults as they navigate their communities. He has taught courses in urban surface transportation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), quantitative planning methods and techniques, land use, and urban planning and design studio. Dr. Kim received his Ph.D. in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Washington in 2004.

Enjoy your morning break!

The Rise of AI and Its Impact On Travel TrainingAbout This Session:Artificial Intelligence (AI) is trending everywhere these days. Whether you’re using ChatGPT to generate dinner recipes or experimenting with custom applications, it’s likely that you’ve interacted with AI in some way recently. AI can benefit the field of travel training, but there are some ethical and practical considerations that travel trainers and administrative staff should consider before using it in their programs.Learning Objectives:Basic information about AIAI applications commonly used in travel training programsGuidelines for responsible AI useDr. Kristen SalkasDirector of InnovationEnvision UnlimitedChicago, ILDr. Kristen Salkas is the Director of Innovation at Envision Unlimited. She earned her PhD in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago and brings over 12 years of experience in the disability field. Kristen has published in peer-reviewed journals, spoken at national conferences, and teaches as an adjunct instructor. Passionate about translating research into practice, she is committed to building inclusive systems that center the voices of people with disabilities. When she’s not exploring the latest disability research, you’ll find her training for her next triathlon.Dr. Salkas currently serves on the ATI Board of Directors and as Conference Co-Chair, bringing experience from her previous leadership service on the ATI Board.

Enjoy your lunch!

The Art of CommunicationAbout This Session:Communication is one of the most important characteristics in building positive relationships. Beingintentional about good communication can be a huge benefit to supporting people and their families. This training will encourage discussions on Art of Effective Communication through setting the vibe, through emails and when to step from behind the screen, and examples of difficult conversations and how to effectively move forward.Learning Objectives:Different forms of communication and its importanceEffective ways to build better relationships through communication from the startEffective ways in having positive difficult conversationsLisa KornegayTravel Training SupervisorYAINew York, NYLisa Kornegay has been a dedicated member of YAI since 2007 when she joined the Brooklyn Heights Day Hab program. After four years as a Direct Support Professional, she advanced to the role of Travel Trainer and now holds the role of Supervisor for the department. Passionate about empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Lisa finds immense joy in supporting those she works with to achieve their goals and realize their full potential.Kaila KamletTravel TrainerYAINew York, NYKaila Kamlet is an experienced travel trainer for YAI with a comprehensive background in Community Habilitation, Respite services and other community-based services. She is passionate about her work, empowering individuals with I/DD by teaching how to navigate the transportation system, travel safely, independently and by guiding the development of travel skills, thus allowing individuals to achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest. Kaila currently serves on the ATI Media Committee.Matthew RellaTravel TrainerYAINew York, NYMatthew Rella has been a Travel Trainer with YAI since 2024. Prior experiences include working as a Travel Trainer for Abilities Inc, at the Henry Viscardi School, and Job Coaching for a school-based program serving teens with behavioral and academic difficulties. Matthew has a passion for teaching people with disabilities how to travel safely and independently throughout New York City.

Enjoy your afternoon break!

Accessible by Design: How Transit App Makes Trip Planning EasyAbout This Session:For some riders, the first barrier to using public transit is planning trips. A dizzying array of apps andservices exist to help public transit riders, with varying levels of accessibility and ease of use.With 9 million monthly users and over 180 agency partners, the Transit app needs to cater to incredibly diverse communities and needs. Every element of the user interface needs to be carefully considered to deliver a high-quality navigation experience, while ensuring appropriate information is available to users with a variety of accessibility needs.From color contrasts to compatibility with assistive technologies to distilling abundant information down to its simplest and most useful components, this presentation will cover the principles we follow to make Transit inclusive to all, and the most helpful it can be.Learning Objectives:Clarity of purpose and design principles can create powerful and inclusive transport products. When we consider ease, inclusivity, and accessibility as a core principle, not an extra, we can deliver phenomenal customer experiences for everyone! Abigail Luddy-DunnSupport LeadTransitMontreal, Quebec, CAAbby is a CX expert who leads the Support team at Transit, North America's most popular public transit app. The Support team provides technical assistance, training, and documentation for the app and everyone who uses it — both transit riders and agency employees alike. Transit is a leader in providing accessible trip planning information for public transit users across the world, and Abby is excited to present on how the app works and how you can use its functionality best through your roles as travel trainers.

Join us at 5:00 for the evening networking!

Join us for refreshments and networking in the Phillips Foyer!