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.
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.
Members: Two-thirds of our members are people with vestibular disorders and their friends/family members. The rest of our members are made up of medical and health specialists who diagnose/treat vestibular disorders (physical therapists, audiologists, physicians, and a variety of other specialists).
Online Community: Over 38,000 people follow VeDA on Facebook. This active online community engages in discussions about what it’s like to have a vestibular disorder while keeping up with current medical news and sharing tips that help people cope with their inner ear and balance problems.
Governance: VeDA is led by a volunteer board of directors, along with our Executive Director, Cynthia Ryan, MBA, with guidance from a panel of medical and scientific advisors. 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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Vestibular Disorders Association (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.
Learn more about VeDA on Guidestar.
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