Middlesex Health’s The Mayer Center Teams-up with the Town of Westbrook for New Communication Board at Ted Lane Field

Press Release from Middlesex Health, shared by the Westbrook Foundation

WESTBROOK, CT (Sept 5, 2025) – Please join us on Monday, September 15th at 11:00am for the dedication of a specialized communication board at Ted Lane Field in Westbrook, provided by Middlesex Health’s The Mayer Center and the Town of Westbrook. This project was made possible by a donation from The Westbrook Foundation.

A communication board is a specialized tool created to aid individuals who struggle with verbal communication. It uses pictures and symbols to allow its users to convey messages and express thoughts to their peers and caregivers.  Communication boards increase the ability for individuals to share in play with their peers but also to let their needs be known for a safer and more inclusive environment. These boards foster greater independence, reduce frustration, and promote social interaction. Large format communication boards that are used in public areas like playgrounds mimic similar devices that are commonly used in school or at home or in clinical settings like The Mayer Center.

“This communication board is a wonderful addition to our playground at Ted Lane Field and to our town,” says John Hall, First Selectman of Westbrook. “It helps families share in a more inclusive, meaningful experience when they visit. By fostering connection and understanding, we’re making our community stronger.”

“Our foundation is proud to support this project because communication is key to connection,” says Paul Winch, chair of The Westbrook Foundation. “This board gives all children the opportunity to express themselves, be understood, and fully enjoy their time at the playground. It reflects our commitment to creating a community where every child feels included.”

Middlesex Health’s The Mayer Center, in Essex, is a regional leader in providing comprehensive treatment for children and adolescents with autism and other developmental needs. The Center offers a team-based approach, delivering a full range of services in one location, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The Mayer Center is named in recognition of Sally and George Mayer and their generous donation that helped open the center in 2022.

Clinicians from The Mayer Center, who developed the communication board, will be on-hand. Additionally, a family, who will speak to the benefits of this tool, will be available for interviews.

Thank you for your consideration!

Middlesex Health

Based in Middletown, Conn., Middlesex Health, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, includes Middlesex Hospital, a not-for-profit Magnet hospital with 275 beds, and two Middlesex Health Cancer Center locations. It also features three emergency departments and two urgent care centers, along with many other programs and services. Middlesex Health’s network of primary care physicians, medical and surgical specialists and other employees work to meet the needs of the Middlesex County and Connecticut shoreline communities. Using innovative technology, Middlesex Health’s vision is to be the clear, first choice for medical care, and its mission is to provide the safest, highest-quality care and best experience possible.