Support groups.

Support groups offer people with vestibular disorders an opportunity to meet face-to-face with others who are experiencing similar challenges, as well as to hear presentations by health professionals on topics of interest. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) serves as a hub for, and offers assistance to, support groups around the world. VeDA recently surveyed the leaders of these groups in an effort to identify the characteristics of successful support groups and how VeDA might improve the assistance it provides to them.

Of the 57 surveys that were distributed to group leaders, 27 were completed and mailed back to VeDA. Although the structure of the survey does not support rigorous statistical analysis, the compiled responses are summarized here, providing some observations about the features and leadership strategies of thriving groups (long-running groups and/or those that meet regularly), as opposed to those that struggle to meet regularly and maintain interest levels.

Thanks to our Caregiving Heros Celebrating Vestibular Care Partners November is caregiver awareness month, an opportunity to focus on and celebrate all those who support vestibular patients. To recognize those individuals who provide caregiving support

An ambassador is an enthusiastic and dedicated vestibular patient or professional, or the family member of a vestibular patient, who is interested in sharing his or her time and expertise to help elevate awareness for vestibular disorders. As an ambassador you are passionate about our cause and committed to keeping abreast of new, relevant issues that may impact the vestibular community.

General Vestibular Support Groups: These are Facebook support groups directed towards any kind of vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular Disorders Support Group Vestibular Hope Vestibular Voices of Care - Facebook support group for family and friends of

If you administer a vestibular disorders support group (or want to), we’re eager to help. VeDA assists support groups by publishing contact information for new or established groups as well as meeting dates and times in our Support Group Directory. We also provide administrative tools to make running a support group easy.

Support groups provide a unique and critical service: acceptance. This forum allows individuals to ask questions and to learn in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Participants know that everyone attending the meeting understands and has compassion for the functional difficulties of getting through each day. As a result, less frustration and energy are spent on proving or defining limitations. More energy is available for appreciating the character and companionship offered by others, and recognizing personal self-worth.

VeDA partners with the Journal of Vestibular Research and Barany Society to keep you up-to-date on the latest research in vestibular medicine.

Whether you’re writing a social media post or letter to the editor or creating a peer-to-peer fundraising page, these communication templates make it easy.

Administrative Documents Report your support group's meeting attendance (required for VSGN members) Support group schedule (let us know what dates you are meeting) Opening statement of intention (please read before each meeting) Support Group Flier

WHAT ARE ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS? Online support groups meet in real-time via video conference. Why Online? Many patients cannot leave their homes or do not have a local support group available. An online support group

Invite a guest speaker Start the meeting with a lecture; allow questions from the audience afterward. Being a guest speaker at a meeting is one of the most important ways in which professionals can support

You are not alone. Millions of people experience vestibular dysfunction. By sharing with others, your own experience is validated, which can give you hope, as well as useful tools for coping with the daily impacts of a chronic illness.

Find out more about:
– In-person and online support groups
– VeDA’s online forum
– Support for your family and friends