Able Kids Foundation
Central Auditory Diagnostic Center
Dr. Joan Billger Burleigh, Director
The Able Kids Foundation
The Able Kids Foundation, led by Joan Burleigh, Ph.D is a non-profit Foundation which addresses auditory challenges through a combination of state-of-the-art research and technology, along with education and outreach campaigns. The Foundation's in-house clinical laboratory was designed for direct diagnostic and management services as well as being equipped for novel research in the area of central auditory nervous system function.
Mission
The Able Kids Foundation is
a research-based and solution-oriented nonprofit that
partners with local, national, and international organizations
to help eliminate barriers and expand opportunities
for individuals with disabilities.
The top challenge facing
Parents and Educators is securing technology that addresses
the functional limitations of disabilities.
Auditory Challenges -
Central Auditory Processing
Auditory challenges are the number
one disability worldwide affecting the lives of millions of
people. Although the general population is familiar with hearing
loss, a significant and often misunderstood auditory challenge
is a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). The majority
of children and adults with CAPD have excellent sensitivity
on pure tone tests, normal speech reception thresholds, and
score within normal limits on standardized audiological tests
of speech discrimination ability. However, they have difficulty
processing or interpreting auditory information when in less
than optimal listening environment.
Central auditory processing dysfunction
may appear as a distinct impairment or may co-occur with
other conditions such as attention deficit disorders, learning
disabilities, developmental language disorders, sensory
integrative dysfunction, autism, traumatic brain injury
and other neurological impairments. This condition impacts
both children and adults.
Assessment - Management
The Able Kids Foundation provides
assessment and management for both children and adults.
Many are referred by physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists,
occupational and physical therapists, social workers, audiologists,
counselors, and school personnel. Individual or family referrals
are accepted as well.
Leadership
Dr. Joan Billger Burleigh serves
as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Able Kids
Foundation. She also serves as Director of both the Central
Auditory Research Center and the Central Auditory Diagnostic
Center. Dr. Burleigh’s thirty-six year career in the
field of audiology has focused on teaching, research and
administration in areas of clinical audiology, pediatric
audiology, and central auditory processing disorders in
children and adults.
Able Kids Foundation
Central Auditory Diagnostic Center
Dr. Joan Burleigh, Director
315 West Oak Street
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
(V) 1-970-2256-2253
(F) 1-970-226-0411 info@ablekidsfoundation.org
