Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Home & Community Expo

About Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Home & Community Expo

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Home & Community Expo is a family-friendly annual event held in Northbridge, MA, bringing together local businesses, organizations, and the general public for a day of connection, resources, and community engagement. Attendees have the opportunity to explore a wide range of exhibitors, discover local services, and enjoy an energetic, interactive environment designed for all ages. From home improvement resources to family-focused vendors, the Expo serves as a central hub for learning, networking, and community building within the Blackstone Valley. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the Chamber partnered with Autism Welcoming℠ to ensure that this large-scale community event could be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, the Expo expanded its offerings to better support neurodiverse attendees and their families, creating a more welcoming and supportive experience for everyone.

Autism Welcoming℠ Information

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Home & Community Expo is proud to be an Autism Welcoming℠ Certified Event, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism and their families. In preparation for the event, Autism Welcoming℠ provided training to event staff and developed resources for exhibitors, including helpful tips on how to engage respectfully and effectively with neurodiverse attendees. A key feature of this certification was the introduction of the event’s first-ever sensory friendly room. This was a calm, quiet space designed to offer a break from the noise and stimulation of the exhibit floor. Staffed by trained team members, the space included fidgets, coloring activities, crafts, and sensory bins, along with comfortable seating to support regulation and relaxation. In addition, a social story was created to help individuals and families prepare for the event ahead of time, reducing uncertainty and supporting a more positive and predictable experience. Through these efforts, the Expo created a more accessible environment where all attendees could participate more fully and comfortably. This event highlights how community gatherings can be thoughtfully adapted to meet diverse needs and reflects the growing opportunity for events of all sizes to become Autism Welcoming℠ certified.