Balance is easily taken for granted. However, when the fragile vestibular organs of the inner ear are damaged by illness or injury, anyone can lose the ability to balance-not just physically, but the demands of school, work, family, and independent living. These profound impacts are often made worse by the disorder’s invisibility to others and the extended amount of time it takes to get an accurate diagnosis.
More than 35% of US adults aged 40 years and older (69 million people) experience vestibular dysfunction at some point in their lives; many of them go on to develop a chronic vestibular disorder. For almost 30 years, VeDA has been a highly respected source of scientifically credible information on vestibular disorders. Since 2012 our website has provided education and community over 18 million times. Through our publications and online community, VeDA has reached literally millions of vestibular patients with critical information and support.
Nonprofit Corporation: VeDA was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on April 8th, 1985. Our EIN/Tax ID # is 93-0914340.
Funding: As a private nonprofit organization, VeDA receives no government funding. We are primarily supported through membership dues and individual contributions from our members and the public.
Supporters: Two-thirds of our supporters are people with vestibular disorders and their friends/family members. The rest of our supporters are healthcare specialists who diagnose/treat vestibular disorders (physical therapists, audiologists, physicians, and a variety of other specialists).
In 1983 a group of vestibular patients and professional providers from Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon, established a support group named the “Dizziness and Balance Disorders Association of America” (DBDAA), and in 1989 the organization changed its name to the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) as part of its effort to make “vestibular” a household word.
VeDA’s goals are to increase awareness about vestibular disorders, advocate for improvements in scientific research, expand our community of patients, healthcare professionals, and support partners, and more.
VeDA’s mission is to support and empower vestibular patients on their journey back to balance.
VeDA strives to create an inclusive community where everyone feels valued, represented, and respected. You can read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy to learn more.
VeDA has a small but efficient staff that implements our programs, as guided by our Board of Directors and Medical & Scientific Advisory Board. Our board of directors is composed of people who have been diagnosed with one or more vestibular disorders, friends and family members of vestibular patients, and medical specialists in the vestibular field. Our medical and Scientific Advisors are key leaders in the field of vestibular medicine and research.
We’re here to help! You can contact us by phone, email, or direct messaging and our Community Resource Coordinator will respond promptly.
VeDA partners with many organizations – including nonprofits, professional associations, academic researchers, and companies that produce products and services in the vestibular industry – to promote vestibular awareness, create educational content, and promote connections that strengthen our community and the people we serve.
Learn more about VeDA on Guidestar.
Stay up-to-date with the latest vestibular news.