CHILL ACT brings free special needs expo to Salt Lake City

CHILL ACT is hosting a free Special Needs & Homeschool Expo at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, connecting Utah families with autism services, educators and community resources. Blue Gems ABA and The Treetop ABA Therapy are sponsoring the event, which includes screenings, exhibitors and family activities.

Why it matters: - Utah families can meet therapy providers, educators and support organizations in one place. - The expo is free, which lowers a common barrier for families searching for autism and special needs resources. - Onsite developmental and pre-autism screenings can help parents start early conversations about intervention.

What happened: - CHILL ACT is bringing its free family expo to Hall 2 of the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Blue Gems ABA and The Treetop ABA Therapy are sponsoring the event. - The expo is part of CHILL ACT’s national tour of Special Needs & Homeschool Expo events.

The details: - Families will be able to connect with therapy providers, educators, community organizations and autism support services. - Blue Gems ABA will be represented by Ashley Vazcaya and Sophia English. - Skill Builders will offer free onsite developmental and pre-autism screenings. - Proficio Therapy Services will attend as an exhibitor and will be represented by Emmylou Santos. - Utah PTA, Children First Education Fund and Waykin AI are also participating. - Waykin AI is described as an autism-focused artificial intelligence platform that helps families navigate services, organize care information and find providers. - Families can also explore homeschool programs, nonprofit and government resources and community organizations. - Children’s activities will include a petting zoo, bounce house, face painting, therapy dogs and family entertainment. - Admission is free. - Advance registration is encouraged at event registration. - More information is available at the event website or by email at events@chillact.com.

Between the lines: - CHILL ACT is positioning the expo as a one-stop resource for families who often have to piece together care, education and support across multiple systems. - The event mix suggests a push to make service navigation feel more approachable through screenings, hands-on activities and direct access to providers. - CHILL ACT says the tour has already held events in Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and Miami in 2026. - The organization says upcoming 2026 stops include Durham, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Freehold, Clarksville and St. Louis.

What's next: - CHILL ACT will continue its national tour with additional events later this year in North Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, New Jersey, Maryland and Missouri. - Families interested in attending can register before the Salt Lake City event through the expo website.

The bottom line: - The Salt Lake City expo is designed to give families quick access to practical support, early screenings and trusted providers without cost.